Let us help you grow.

Vermicomposting | Byron | Dec. 17

Have you been considering starting a vermicomposting system? Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black will teach you how to turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich gold for your houseplants and garden! Register online for this class at the Byron Public Library on Dec. 17 at 1 PM.

Houseplant Care Class | Oregon | Jan. 8

Love houseplants but not sure how to keep them happy? Join us for a free and fun class at the Rock River Center in Oregon on houseplant care! Learn tips and tricks to help your indoor plants thrive all year long—from watering and light to soil and troubleshooting. Perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike! Please call the Rock River Center at 815-732-3252 to register and reserve your spot. Let’s grow together!

Floral Design Class | Oregon | Feb. 3

Join us for a free, informational introduction to the art of floral design! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to create beautiful, professional-looking arrangements using simple techniques and thoughtful design. Discover tips on flower selection, color combinations, and styling methods that will make your blooms shine—whether for gifts, décor, or personal enjoyment. Call the Rock River Center to register at 815-732-3252.

Upcoming Events at the Natural Resource Education Center | Genoa

Plan your winter here!

Film Screening Event | Sycamore | Jan. 4

Get immersed in the world of bats! You'll leave this film with a newfound appreciation for these amazing little creatures. Against the backdrop of a global pandemic and the sixth mass extinction, filmmaker Kristin Tièche explores the crucial roles that bats play in our shared environment, and how a team of women bat scientists set out to save a North American bat species from a deadly fungal disease called white-nose syndrome (WNS) to create a better future for both bats and humans. At the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Theater, starting at 1 PM. A $1 donation is requested to help defray the cost of the screening.

Winter Sowing | Belvidere | Jan. 12

Is gardening your "thing"? Do you excitedly wait until spring to start your seeds? You don't have to anymore — learn how to start seeds all winter long! Join a Boone County Master Gardener as you discover how simple containers, cold weather, and a little planning can give you hardy seedlings that are ready for spring planting. Call the library at 815-544-3838 to register.

WinterFest | Jan. 17 | Natural Resource Education Center

Join the staff and volunteers of the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) for a full day of winter fun in the woods! Learn birding tips and tricks, explore the preserve with a guided forest hike, discover nature topics, test your knowledge during the nature trivia game, and enjoy crafts and face painting. Also, can you complete the Un-natural Nature Trail or the Scavenger Hunt? Festivities begin at 9 AM. Celebrate the season, connect with nature, and make lasting memories with your family and community!

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Congratulations, Kelli Morrow!

At Extension's Annual Conference held in Champaign, Kelli Morrow, Boone County Office Support Associate, received an Individual Excellence Award and has gone above and beyond for over 31 years!

Nominated by the Boone County 4-H Program Coordinator, Tally Lalor, Lalor said, "She has been a steady and essential support for 4-H youth development, SNAP-Ed programming, and the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist initiatives. In each of these areas, Kelli has stepped in wherever she is needed—whether as an assistant ensuring details are managed flawlessly, a right-hand partner to colleagues in program delivery, or simply a compassionate and reliable listening ear".

Lalor also stated, "her dedication extends beyond the tasks of her position. Kelli treats every volunteer, community member, and coworker with warmth, patience, and respect. She exemplifies excellent customer service, ensuring that anyone who walks through our doors or calls our office leaves with their questions answered and their needs met. What sets Kelli apart is her ability to anticipate needs before they arise, to offer solutions with grace, and to lift others up with her encouragement and knowledge".

PHOTO: Kelli Morrow was presented her award by Extension Associate Dean and Director Matthew Vann.

Your Individual Excellence Award is well-deserved.

Events

Bats

December 12, 2025

County

McDonough

State 4-H Ambassador Application Info Night

December 15, 2025

Holiday Centerpieces

December 19, 2025

County

JoDaviess

4-H Family Winter Break Building Bricks Contest

December 20, 2025 - January 4, 2026

More Events

News Releases

gloved hand picks up a plastic bottle on a beach

December 10, 2025

The global plastic waste trade contributes to coastal litter in importing countries, study shows
The ubiquitous plastic beverage bottle makes up about half of plastic waste collected for recycling in the U.S. Most recycled plastic is processed domestically, but a portion is traded overseas. A new...

View looking from the ground up into a large tree filled with lush, green leaves

December 9, 2025

Tree care expertise grows through Illinois Extension webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so University of Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care. “Trees are more than scenery,...

A group of people in front of a sign that says 50 years Illinois Extension Master Gardener

December 9, 2025

Extension advances mission of lifelong learning at annual conference
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-...

A large green circle with the words Gateway Green Conference in the center.

December 8, 2025

Conference strengthens communities against emerging environmental challenges
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Natural resource professionals play a key role in protecting our communities’ environmental assets. With ongoing research and changing conditions, it’s increasingly important to adopt responsible stewardship, manage new diseases and pests, and apply sustainable practices...

December 8, 2025

Keeping food safe amidst food insecurity
URBANA, Ill. — Food insecurity continues to be a major issue in the United States, and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits has worsened struggles for many families. When low-...

More News Releases

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program | Virtual

Call the Boone County Extension office to register at 815-544-3710. The workshop topics include techniques to deal with symptoms of chronic conditions (e.g., fatigue, pain, and emotional problems, such as depression), and participants learn appropriate exercises for maintaining and improving strength and endurance, falls prevention, healthy eating, better breathing techniques, appropriate use of medication, working more effectively with health care providers, communication skills, action planning, problem solving, and decision making. Participants are highly encouraged to participate in brainstorming, problem-solving, action planning, and decision-making activities throughout. Takes place on January 16, 23, and 30, and February 6, 13, and 20.

Programs We Offer

4-H Clubs