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Announcements & Highlights
4-H U: Dream. Plan. Do. | Belvidere | 4 in-person sessions
Not sure what's next after high school? Let's figure it out together. For youth entering grades 9-12. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. REGISTER TODAY! 4-H U: DREAM. PLAN. DO. is a hands-on 4-session experience focused on exploring future options, connecting interests to real careers, building life and budgeting skills, and getting help with college applications, scholarships, interviewing, and FAFSA. Youth will meet local professionals and gain confidence as they plan their next steps after high school. Sessions are held at the Boone County Extension Office (Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Court, Suite 5, Belvidere, IL 61008) from 9–11 am on April 18, May 16, July 25, and September 19. Cost is $5 per session or $20 for all four sessions. Registration is required. You do not need to be in 4-H to attend.
Registration is open for 4-H Camp
Sign your child up TODAY! Limited number of spots still available. 4-H Camp is from June 14-18 at Rock River Christian Camp in Polo. Camp is open to ALL youth ages 8-14 as of June 14, 2026. 4-H membership is NOT REQUIRED. Camp fees: $350 (4-H members) or $400 (non-4-H members). Must be paid in full by May 1, or the spot will not be held. Includes lodging (4 nights), meals (11 meals), Canteen (4 afternoons), snacks (4 evenings), Camp t-shirt, and 'camptivities' and supplies.
Master Naturalist Volunteer Training | Oregon | Pre-register by March 13
Are you passionate about nature, conservation, and making a meaningful impact in your community? The Illinois Master Naturalist Program is now accepting registrations for Spring 2026 training, and this could be your chance to dive in. Our mission is simple: connect Illinois communities with the natural world. We do this by training and empowering volunteers to share their talents, apply research-based knowledge, and help protect the prairie state's natural legacy. Additional steps—including background checks, an interview, an online child protection video, and references—are required for certification. To pre-register, email Connie at cahandel@illinois.edu. More information here.
Upcoming Events at the Natural Resource Education Center | Genoa
Pesticide Applicator/Operator In-Person Testing | Oregon
One date left for in-person pesticide applicator/operator testing in Oregon. Register here today for March 18. Testing takes place at the Ogle County Farm Bureau, 421 W Pines Rd, Oregon, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Gardening with Native Plants | Belvidere | March 12
Thursday, March 12, at 6 PM at the Ida Public Library, 320 N State St, in Belvidere: Gardening with Native Plants. Native plants are typically defined as vegetation growing wild in an undisturbed area at the time that scientific records began. Specific climate, soils, and other environmental factors define a plant's native range. Our area is fortunate enough to have a large diversity of both prairie and forest plants that call central Illinois home.
In recent years, gardening with natives has become quite popular and often makes sense when considering the sustainability of our landscapes. This program is led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener. Registration is required; call the library at 815-544-3838.
Wild Neighbors: Coyotes | Belvidere | March 21
Saturday, March 21, at 9 AM at the Boone County Conservation District, 603 N Appleton Rd in Belvidere: Wild Neighbors: Coyotes free program. Coyotes are blamed for many things they do and do not do in our spaces. They should nonetheless receive the award for being the most likely to succeed, despite the human population. We have all but paved the road for the coyote’s historical expansion. Come and learn more about this incredible animal and what you can expect from them in your neighborhood at this free program. Presented by Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Peggy Anesi. Go to the registration page here to reserve your spot!
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