Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals Program Wraps Up
While it is still too early to begin fruit tree pruning in Northern Illinois, that hasn’t stopped University of Illinois Extension offices in Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties from providing classroom-based instruction this past November and December.“I’ve taught this fruit...
Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit slated for January 28
Many northwest Illinois corn and soybean farmers produced their highest yields ever in the 2025 growing season. Despite this, challenges remain, most pertinently the price-cost squeeze that continues to force producers to make management decisions with added scrutiny, rendering standard...
Northern Illinois 4-H Summer Camp – Where Young Minds Grow, Learn, and Thrive!
4-H Camp is a five-day, four-night residential camping experience conducted cooperatively by University of Illinois Extension staff in Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties, as well as the professional staff at RRCC. ...
Get to Know Our Natural World at Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Nature lovers of Northern Illinois area are invited to uncover some of nature’s hidden tales and trails on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at Illinois Extension’s annual program, Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenes, Torstenson’s...
Calling All Young Chefs and Party Planners!
Do you love whipping up your favorite foods at home? Do you get excited about planning a party around a fun and creative theme? Now’s your chance to bring those talents together in the 4-H Favorite Foods Contest!Jo Daviess County 4-H and Stephenson County 4-H are teaming up to launch this...
Driftless Region Beef Conference
The university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference to educate beef producers. The fourteenth annual event will be held Jan. 22-23, 2026, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque. Past participants in...
Certified Food Protection Manager Course Offered in Freeport
FREEPORT, Ill. — Dining out is a staple of American life, whether for special occasions or convenience. As more people eat meals prepared outside the home, ensuring food safety and quality is more important than ever.To help protect public health, the Food and Drug Administration (...
Healthy Holiday Habits: Stay Well, Feel Connected This Season
FREEPORT, ILL.--The holiday season can be a time of joy, celebration, and connection. Yet for many older adults, it may also bring feelings of loneliness, grief, or added stress. Being separated from loved ones or facing the season with limited support can make this time of year feel especially...
Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits equip farmers with strategies for year ahead
URBANA, Ill. — With harvest season behind us and spring planting on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals to attend one of the...
Get the Most from Your Fruit Trees: Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- For orchardists, backyard growers, and novice fruit growers seeking to enhance yield, quality, and consistency, proper pruning is crucial. Proper pruning is the difference between a productive orchard and a disappointing harvest. Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant...
Jo Daviess County 4-H Launches Exciting SPIN Clubs for Youth
Jo Daviess County 4-H is excited to announce three hands-on learning opportunities for youth through our Special Interest Clubs: Cloverbud SPIN Club, “Hop to It” Rabbit SPIN Club, and “Everything Art” SPIN Club. These clubs are designed to spark curiosity, build skills, and provide fun,...
Lafferty recognized at state and national levels for 4-H accomplishments
ATLANTA, Georgia -- University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator Kelly Lafferty was recognized recently for her outstanding work in the area of youth development by the Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Education (IEPYE) and the National Association of Extension 4-H...
Winnebago Master Gardeners Recognized with Hunger Champion Award
WINNEBAGO, Ill.- Rows of produce, hands in soil, and hearts dedicated to making sure their neighbors are fed— that is what earned Winnebago County Master Gardeners this year’s Hunger Champion award at the 2025 Mayor’s Hunger Luncheon. Illinois Extension Master Gardeners were recognized and...
Scholarship Recipients Announced by Stephenson County 4-H and Extension Foundation
The Stephenson County 4-H and Extension Foundation recently announced winners of the R.C. Miller Scholarship for the 2025-26 year and will each be receiving funds to use towards their education expenses. The R.C. Miller Scholarship was established and funded by the late R.C. Miller, a local...
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...
