Native Shrubs
Join University of Illinois Extension, Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Mike Iacomini on Thursday, April 11 for a presentation on native shrubs. This presentation will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There is no fee to attend...
Spring into composting by reviving a compost pile after winter
URBANA, Ill. — If you haven’t touched your compost bin or pile all winter, don’t worry, you are not alone. It could be filled with kitchen scraps to the top or left untouched since the fall. Getting a compost pile going again after the long, cold winter can be intimidating, but it is...
Spring back into nature with sustainability tips from Everyday Environment series
URBANA, Ill. — Every spring, nature reminds us of the beauty of the wild spaces that surround us. Wildflowers bloom in the forest understory. Mushrooms pop up overnight in your front yard. The sun sets slowly over a lake. Explore tips to manage the threat of invasive plants, explore the...
Explore the 2024 All-America Selection flower and vegetable variety winners
URBANA, Ill. — While the rain, thunderstorms, and snow replenish the soil moisture, winter can still bring the blues. To welcome the spring season, check mailboxes for the new garden catalogs and start spring garden planning. When planning, remember to leave room for the spontaneous buys when...
Gov. Pritzker announces $28.8 million in USDA grants to provide free local food to communities
PEORIA, Ill. — Governor JB Pritzker announced $28.8 million in grant funding to provide free locally-produced food to vulnerable communities. The grants are being awarded to organizations in Illinois in partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human...
Researcher calls on Illinois landowners to participate in historic soil analysis
Illinois landowners could be eligible for $5,000 in free soil analyses and consultation with a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research team in exchange for participating in a historic project seeking to learn how soils have changed over 120...
Making Homemade Meals in the Microwave
More and more people are dining out less because it is a healthier option and allows you to stretch your food dollars. If you are spending more time in the kitchen and are looking for quick and easy ways to prepare meals but do not have much time to cook, consider microwave cooking. Microwave...
Eggs: From Farm to Fork | Healthy Cooking at Home
Curious about what it takes for an egg to make it from the farm to your kitchen table?
Have you ever wondered about the difference between free-range and free-roaming eggs? If so, then we have the class for you!
Years ago, shopping for eggs was much more straightforward. The...
Considerations when hiring a farm manager
URBANA, Ill. — Managing a farm is a big job. From determining cash rent to planning the next planting or calving season, a farm manager can be an experienced asset to help when making decisions about a farm. Guessing around decision-making can cost farmers thousands in potential revenues that...
Explore outdoor, backyard hobbies with spring webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — In a few short months, spring will be sprung. Kick it off by discovering a new outdoor hobby or backyard project to add to the to-do list through Four Seasons Gardening webinars beginning March 19....
Humor and Memory: Upcoming Programs Offered by Illinois Extension at Thomson Library
Thomson, Ill - University of Illinois Extension, committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities, is excited to announce two upcoming programs aimed at improving everyday life through laughter and memory enhancement. Presented by Kara Schweitzer, Family Life Educator for...
Is Your Family Prepared for a Natural Disaster?
Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid airmasses from the Gulf of Mexico have collided with the cooler, dryer air from Canada, resulting in unstable atmospheric conditions.
Although thunderstorms and tornadoes can happen anytime...
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
Do you currently have a position handling food, or are you looking for a job in the food industry?
If so, consider becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires retail food establishment managers to obtain an American National...
Spring Flower Arranging
Join University of Illinois Extension for the second program in their Spring Break Gardening Series “Spring Flower Arranging” on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. This program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a...
Pasture Management: Recovering from 2023
“Pasture Management: Recovering from 2023,” hosted by the University of Illinois Extension, will focus on recovering from the 2023 growing season drought and short forage supply in three evening sessions. The sessions are intended to build upon each other by looking at options and...
How to freeze produce for maximum freshness
Spring is right around the corner, and summer gardens will be bursting with produce in no time. You can enjoy your summer flavors year-round by preserving your fresh produce now. Home food preservation continues to be a favorite by many. And by knowing and understanding a few basics, you can...
Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference to be held in Freeport
Make plans to attend the Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference scheduled for March 2, 2024, in Freeport, Illinois, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master...
