News Releases

on the left side, a photo of a variety of tomatoes in a variety of colors. on the right a basket full of various fresh vegetables from a garden
Picking the best tomato
It’s tomato season, and tomatoes are making their appearance in backyard gardens and at the local farmer's markets. Tomatoes are versatile and found in countless entrees, side dishes, condiments, and beverages. If you are interested in learning more about which varieties of tomatoes work well in...
pressed flowers on white background
Learn how to preserve flowers to enjoy year-round
Harvesting and preserving flowers from your garden is a great way to enjoy them year-round. Flowers can be preserved by drying or pressing and can be used in many ways in your home and garden. At this workshop, participants will learn about the flowers that work best for preservation and the...
 four different photos of restaurant food safety
Get your certified food protection manager certification
Americans love dining out. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply eating on the go, eating out is a part of our lives. With an ever-growing number of individuals eating out, it is more important than ever to ensure consumers have exceptional, high-quality food and safe food.The...
kids dancing in a gym
Get Up and Dance! Exploring creative outlets for movement
DIXON, Ill. - Looking for a fun, approachable way to incorporate movement into daily life? Get Up and Dance! Youth ages 8-14 will learn basic dance skills through games and activities that will help increase physical activity, promote a healthy lifestyle, and decrease potential...
blue and orange background, with photo of a pressure canner lid and dial
Learn how to pressure can green beans
If you find yourself with a bumper crop of green beans, consider preserving them and enjoying them throughout the coming year. Green beans can be dehydrated, frozen, pickled, or canned for long-term storage. If you are planning on canning your green beans, they, like most...
Person outside in the hot sun gardening while wiping forehead of sweat.
Recognizing heat-related warning signs for gardeners and landscapers
URBANA, Ill. — Landscaping and gardening are great physical exercises, and studies show they are good for emotional well-being. But those working outside must remain aware of the dangers associated with heat stress on their bodies. “When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a...
10 kids sitting on a log outside
Outdoor Adventure with Illinois Extension's Cloverbud Safari!
PROPHETSTOWN, Ill. — Get ready for an adventure! Illinois Extension is excited to announce the Cloverbud Outdoor Safari, a fun and educational program designed for children ages 5-7. This engaging event will occur on Tuesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 6, from 9:00 AM to 11:00...
women in the garden with produce in the background
Homegrown Healthy: A Horticultural Journey from Garden to Table
OREGON, Ill. - As the warmth of summer approaches, the Oregon Public Library and Carroll County Housing Authority, along with University of Illinois Extension, are proud to announce a unique educational initiative designed to cultivate healthier lifestyles through the Homegrown...
seven people preparing recipes around a table
Savor the Season: Carroll County Libraries Offer Exciting Cooking Classes
Thomson, Mt. Carroll, and Savanna Libraries are thrilled to announce the dates for May’s cooking classes led by Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro. Get set for a flavorful exploration of cooking with vegetables, highlighting the deliciousness of kale and Swiss chard.Join us for these...
three chickens staring at each other
Carroll County 4-H to Host Poultry Workshop on June 2
Milledgeville, Ill. – Carroll County 4-H is excited to announce its upcoming Poultry Workshop scheduled for June 2, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Carroll County Fairgrounds in Milledgeville. All youth ages 8 and older are invited to attend. There is no cost for this workshop....
Asian mom reading a book to her three children
4-H Youth Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
May is Asian American Pacific Islander month. This month celebrates Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States and their heritage, traditions, culture, and achievements. During the month of May, 4-H members will be exploring the history and the accomplishments of Asian American Pacific...
Madison Krum and Gordon Kelm stand together for the 4-H Award
Madison Krum Awarded Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Scholarship
Madison Krum, an 11-year member of the Cottonwood 4-H Club in Morrison, Illinois, has been awarded the Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Award of Merit scholarship. This prestigious $500 scholarship is presented annually to active 4-H members graduating from high school or continuing their...
A person holding out a large group of varied flowers and herbs
Add a dash of herbs to spice up floral bouquets
URBANA, Ill. — Cultivating a cut flower garden filled with favorites can be a fun family project that can become budget-friendly gifts for everyone. Adding herbs to a garden and bouquets will create a unique, personal touch to designs. Fresh herbs look and smell amazing and will be long-...