News Releases

photo of two 4-H girls standing next to large 4-H clover, centered on a beige backdrop
Winnebago County 4-H Hosts Tree Planting Activity
The University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H Program, along with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District, partnered to host a tree planting event at the Laona Heights Forest Preserve on Saturday, April 12, 2025.  ...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Herbs
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Volunteer Laurie Gothard-Zueger for a program on Herbs. This program will take place on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St. Elizabeth, IL. There is a $20 fee to attend this...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Invasive Species
Join Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for a presentation on “Invasive Species” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series. This program will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine Street,...
illustration of a shovel, hands and tree
Plant a tree; help the planet
The River Ridge CUSD is now home to 25 new oak trees with the help of the Jo Daviess County 4-H program and Jo Daviess County Soil and Water Conservation District. Together, these volunteers participated in the 4-H Green Communities Tree Program, which ...
purple background with some lighter shades of purple circle dots, 4-H clover
Jo Daviess County 4-H Fun Day: Doing, Thinking, and Creating!
The Jo Daviess County 4-H Fun Day will be held on Monday, April 21, at the Elizabeth Community Building in Elizabeth, IL. Sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, this event will include hands-on learning activities that will have kids ...
Picture of a Tick with Say "Feeling a Little Ticky?"
Ticks in Illinois
Join Extension Specialist Dr. Teresa Steckler for a presentation on “Ticks in Illinois” at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL on Tuesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. This program is being offered free of charge, but pre-registration is requested. To register or for...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Spring Centerpieces
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner as she presents “Spring Centerpieces” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series on Thursday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. This program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL....
rainbow of colors smeared on a background with a green foreground and 4-H clover logo
Winnebago County 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstrations
Winnebago County 4-H held its annual Public Speaking and Demonstrations Contest at the Winnebago County Extension office in Rockford on March 12.  This annual event gives 4-H youth, ages 8 to 18, a chance to present to families and community members, as well as compete for a chance to...
rainbow of colors smeared on a background with a green foreground and 4-H clover logo
Youth Thrive at Winnebago County's Annual 4-H Fun Day in Rockton
Winnebago County recently held its annual 4-H Fun Day at the Prince of Peace Church in Rockton.  This event is a chance for youth aged 8-18 to explore some of the many different project areas available to them through 4-H. Additionally, the event featured teambuilding activities and...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Vermicomposting
Join University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty for a program on “Vermicomposting” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series on Tuesday, April 15 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There is a $5...
multi colored green background, photo of two youth holding ribbons
Stephenson County 4-H Youth Showcase Public Speaking Skills
On Wednesday, March 12, Stephenson County 4-H families gathered on the Highland Community College campus for the annual Stephenson County 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstrations Contest. This event gave 4-H youth, ages 8 to 18, the opportunity to showcase their communication skills and compete...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Rainwater Management in Your Home Landscape
Join Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, for “Rainwater Management in Your Home Landscape” on Tuesday, April 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There will be a $5 fee to...
Spoon in hand over a bowl
Serve It Safely: Food Handlers Course
Selling and serving food remains a popular fundraising activity for many community groups. If you belong to a service club, church group, youth group, special interest club, or any non-profit organization, chances are good that you sell food. Any time your group sells food, it is essential to...
Grant McCarty speaking at Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Conference
Another Successful Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Conference
Nearly 110 growers from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin joined us for the Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in Rockford on Monday, February 17. This year’s conference was set up in the same format as last year with 3 different tracks and breakout sessions throughout the...
pink flowers
Starting Vegetable Seeds Successfully
Join University of Illinois Extension Educator Grant McCarty as he presents “Starting Vegetable Seeds Successfully” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series. This first program in the series will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine Street,...
green background with 2 circles, one circle has a photo of youth lined up indoors learning archery
DOING, THINKING, & CREATING: Lots of FUN awaits youth at 4-H SUPER SATURDAY
University of Illinois Extension is hosting its annual 4-H Super Saturday on Saturday, March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring St. Freeport, IL . Super Saturday is a 3-hour event designed to give area youth ages 5 to 18 a chance to explore the many...
trowel and pots
Extension offers Master Gardener Training
FREEPORT, IL – There is still time to register for Master Gardener Training. University of Illinois Extension will offer the training in Stephenson County, starting on February 27. Interested individuals can register now by calling (815) 235-4125 or visiting go.illinois.edu/jsw.Course...
farm fields
Land Leasing Basics Webinar Offered
Leasing farmland is so commonplace that landowners, farmers, and ranchers may not think twice about the lease itself… until things go wrong. Prevent problems with a strong lease while building a path to a resilient future. Learn more at the Land Leasing Basics Webinar,...
food prep
Get your certified food protection manager certification
FREEPORT, Ill.--Americans love dining out. Whether we are celebrating a special occasion or simply eating on the go, eating out is very much a part of our lives. With an ever-growing number of individuals eating out, it is more important than ever to ensure consumers have exceptional, high-...