News Releases

food being prepped in a kitchen
Earn Your Certified Food Protection Manager Credential
FREEPORT, Ill. — Are you currently working in the food industry or hoping to start a career in food service? Take the next step by becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)—a credential required by the Illinois Department of Public Health for managers...
Looking into the canopy of a poplar tree showing early fall color changing from green to yellow
Water trees wisely to beat winter woes
URBANA, Ill. — As autumn colors emerge, it may seem that trees are preparing for rest. However, when fall brings dry conditions instead of seasonal rains, trees can enter winter under stress. Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and...
People standing at an Extension informational table
Ogle County Farm Stroll draws crowds, celebrates local agriculture
OREGON, Ill. – On Sunday, October 12, the 2025 Ogle County Farm Stroll invited the public to explore the heart of local agriculture, with ten farms across the county opening their gates for a day of education, connection, and countryside charm. Participating farms included Barnhart's Stone...
Maddy Canada poses with blue ribbon.
Youth handlers shine at 2025 4-H state dog show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The 2025 Illinois 4-H Dog Show was held on Oct. 4 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Sixty-six 4-H members represented their home counties across Illinois in 118 individual runs made in partnership with their canine companion. Members who received a qualifying score at...
variety of fruits and vegetables on wooden board
Last Chance to Register: Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
ROCKFORD, Ill. Whether dining out for a special occasion or grabbing a quick meal on the go, people expect food that is not only high-quality but also safe. This expectation often guides where and what they choose to eat. In response, restaurants are responsible for upholding strict food safety...
Aerial view of forest in autumn
Spotting the Invaders: Fall Workshop on Managing Woody Invasive Plants
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Autumn brings us many gifts: cooler weather, fall traditions, changing leaves, and the perfect opportunity to manage invasives. As leaves fall and many plants go dormant, woody invasives stand out as still green and growing, making them stick out like a sore thumb. When we can...
flower bed
Dual Extension program to teach rainscaping practices in Sycamore
SYCAMORE, Ill.— Naturalists and gardeners, homeowners, conservation organizations, stormwater professionals, and landscape consultants are examples of those who can learn how landscape design and management practices reduce pollution from stormwater runoff at a workshop hosted by University of...
green four leaf clover
Ogle County 4-H joins national celebration of leadership, learning, and service
OREGON, Ill.— From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Ogle County are proving they’re not just ready for the future, they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, 2025, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with...
a group of people stand in a wetland
Study: 72% of Illinois wetlands no longer protected by federal Clean Water Act
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois once harbored more than 8 million acres of wetlands. By the 1980s, all but 1.2 million wetland acres had been lost, filled in for development or drained to make way for agriculture. Now, thanks to a 2023 Supreme Court decision, roughly 72% of the remaining 981,000...
tractor in field
Students harvest knowledge about agriculture at Ag Awareness Days
OREGON, Ill.— On September 4 and 5, 446 Ogle and Carroll County fourth and fifth-graders gathered for the 23rd annual Ag Awareness Days at the Ogle County Fairgrounds to learn about modern agriculture and its influences on daily living. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Ag Awareness...
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