Events

Pumpkins and Winter Squash

Would you like to grow your own fresh produce? 

Are you new to gardening or an experienced pro? Do you want to learn more about the crops we can grow in our backyards? 

Join…

Head Strong: Exercise Strategies to Enhance Memory and Thinking

Are you headstrong about keeping your head strong? Challenging the brain, especially as you grow older can be beneficial. Many of us enjoy working on puzzles and games that require us to think and…

4-H Reading and Art Hour

Spend an afternoon with Ford County 4-H at the Paxton Carnegie Library (254 S Market St, Paxton, IL 60957) for our 4-H Reading and Art Hour on Monday, April 27.We would love to share a time of…

Illinois 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest

Registration is open!

The Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging Contest for beef, sheep, swine, and meat goats will take place on Monday, April 27, at the Stock Pavilion (1402 W. Pennsylvania Ave.,…

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness for Early Childcare Providers

     Early childhood educators play an essential role in shaping the social, emotional, and physical development of young children—yet their own wellness is often overlooked. To…

Beneficial Insects | Belvidere

It’s a Buggy World: Why Our Gardens Need Insects! Led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener 
 Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most aren’t pests at all.…

State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest

Poultry Judging Contest 2026

IMPORTANT: We will continue to follow Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) guidance regarding poultry exhibitions as the contest date approaches. Please…

Yes, You Can: Freezing Your Summer Harvest

Before you know it, summer gardens will be overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy those garden-fresh flavors long after the growing season ends. A…

Can that Strawberry Jam!

Let's make jam that we can eat all year round! Join Illinois Extension Food and Nutrition Educator Lisa Peterson for a youth-centered hands-on workshop on how to make strawberry jam using pectin and…

Leaf it to the Library

Join Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension horticulture educator for these free programs at the Edwards River Library in Aledo. You can sign up for one or both. Here are the times and topics:

10 AM…