Hort for the Holidays Returns with Pinecone Tree Workshop
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Gardeners know that nature provides the best décor! At Hort for the Holidays, we’ll turn simple pinecones into stunning pinecone trees that celebrate the textures and tones of the season. From fall through winter, pinecones pair beautifully with greenery...
Holiday Centerpieces
Gather your friends for an afternoon of fun as the University of Illinois Extension hosts “Holiday Centerpieces”. This program is being held on Friday, December 19 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There will be a $30 charge to...
Holiday Table Garland Workshop
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner for a “Holiday Table Garland” workshop being held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There is a $30 fee to...
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...
Stephenson County 4-H Members Compete Successfully at State 4-H Dog Show
Five youth from Stephenson County 4-H represented their county at the Illinois State 4-H Dog Show held Saturday, October 4, in Bloomington, Illinois. A total of 66 4-H members from across the state competed after earning qualifying scores at their respective county dog shows. Stephenson County 4...
Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals
Freeport, Ill--Join us for the Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals workshop to discover the essential skills that separate thriving orchards from struggling trees. This class will teach you the science and artistry behind proper pruning, empowering you to maximize your harvest while...
Stephenson County 4-H to Host Information Night October 20
Youth and families interested in exploring all that 4-H has to offer are invited to attend the Stephenson County 4-H Information Night on Monday, October 20, at 6 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension Office, South Lobby of Building R, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road,...
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...
Understanding Inflammation and the Power of Social Connection
FREEPORT, Ill. --Inflammation is the body’s natural response to physical and psychological stress. While it plays an important role in healing, chronic inflammation can contribute to a wide range of health conditions. In fact, chronic inflammation plays a role in many serious health conditions,...
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...
Enrollment in 4-H Open
4-H members had a busy and rewarding summer exhibiting their projects in local 4-H shows. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm!Illinois 4-H empowers youth to become the leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, stewards, and builders our state...
Grow Your Apple Growing Skills
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, IL- Calling all apple lovers, seasoned backyard growers, and first-time planters! Looking to spruce up your apple knowledge this Fall? Join us for an engaging exploration of apple growing in Northern Illinois with Local Foods Systems and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty....
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
ROCKFORD, Ill. Do you work with food or hope to begin a career in the food industry? University of Illinois Extension is offering an opportunity to earn the nationally recognized Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential this October.The Illinois Department of Public Health...
Creating with Willow Branches
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Volunteer Laurie Gothard-Zueger for this fun, hands on program. The program will take place on Thursday, October 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth. There is a $20 fee to...
Succulent Dish Garden Workshop: Design, Create, Cultivate
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner for this fun make and take program on succulents. This workshop is being held on Thursday, October 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There is a $30 fee and pre-...
Wee Nats Program Returns for Young Nature Explorers
Families in Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties are invited to join Wee Nats, a free monthly environmental education program designed for children ages 4–7 and their caregivers. Sessions will be held each month, October through May, in each respective county.Each month, Wee...
Jo Daviess County 4-H Hosts Information Night for Families Interested in Youth Programming
Elizabeth, Ill. – Illinois 4-H, the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, will host a 4-H Information Night on Sunday, September 28, at 4 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, located at 204 Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL.This event is designed...
Dorothy Wire Honored with 2025 Illinois 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Award
Stephenson County 4-H is proud to announce that Dorothy Wire has been selected as one of only two individuals in the state to receive the prestigious 2025 Illinois 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Award. This honor is the highest recognition given to Illinois 4-H volunteers, celebrating those...
Rita Koch Inducted into 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
Stephenson County 4-H proudly announces that Rita Koch has been inducted into the 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, recognizing her 25 years of exemplary service and dedication to the poultry program and local youth.The Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame honors volunteers who demonstrate outstanding...
