Yes! You Can: Preserving Practice—Jams and Jellies
Strawberry season is upon us, and fresh-picked strawberries are great! These sweet berries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. If you have a bumper crop and want to enjoy the delectable tastes of these summer berries year-round, try preserving them. Nothing tastes better than...

How to dehydrate fruits and vegetables for maximum flavor
Dehydrating food is one of the oldest food preservation methods around. However, safely dehydrating is critical to enjoying dried goods months after harvesting. Whether you want to lighten the weight of your favorite foods for camping and backpacking or preserve fruits and vegetables for later...

Founders Park now features an oak tree savanna
Founders Park in Winnebago County is now home to an oak tree savanna thanks to local youth and community members. The group of 25 oak trees, called a savanna, will bring new life to oak-hickory forests currently under threat in Illinois. The 4-H Green Communities Tree Program focuses on...

Master the art of water bath and pressure canning
Home food preservation continues to be extremely popular, whether due to increased food costs, the desire to know what is going into your food, or because it benefits the environment by reducing one’s carbon footprint. There are many ways to preserve food at home, including freezing, drying,...

Herb Planters
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Volunteers Laurie Gothard-Zueger and Linda Helgeson for a program on Herb Planters. This program will take place on Thursday, May 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St....

Safe Summer Grilling
Summer is right around the corner, and if you haven’t already gotten your grill out, you should consider doing so. Grilling is a great way to keep the kitchen cool and enjoy your favorite summer foods. One of the many benefits of grilling is that it offers endless opportunities. However, to keep...

Cicadas 2024 — A Once in a Lifetime Experience
Join Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. for a program: Cicadas 2024 — A Once in a Lifetime Experience being held at the Warren Township Public Library. Learn more about the upcoming May and...

Winnebago County 4-H members present speeches at the Public Speaking Contest
Winnebago County 4-H held its first 4-H show of 2024 on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the University of Illinois Extension Office.  Four area youth presented speeches on a variety of topics.  “What a wonderful representation by our 4-H members tonight, “ stated Becky Gocken, Extension Program...

Vining Through Pumpkin Production
Join University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty as he takes you through how to successfully grow pumpkins. This program will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St...

Extension to hold pressure canner dial gauge testing clinics
Canning season is fast approaching! Are you ready? Have you had your pressure canner gauge tested lately? Did you know the dial gauges need to be tested yearly to ensure accuracy? Pressure canners are the only safe home food preservation method for canning low-acid foods. This is because...

Future forests rely on stewardship, knowledge of private landowners
FREEPORT, Ill. — A forest is many things. Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife. Their leaves clean the air, and their roots filter water, slow floods, and prevent soil erosion. Timber products are crucial to local economies and tourism. Forests and woodlands also once made up more than a...

Become a Certified Food Protection Manager—Course held in May in Rockford
Do you currently have a position handling food, or are you looking for a job in the food industry? If so, consider becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires retail food establishment managers to obtain an American National...

Serve It Safely: Food Handlers Course to be held in Rockford on May 9
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...

Master the art of water bath and pressure canning
Home food preservation continues to be extremely popular, whether due to increased food costs, the desire to know what is going into your food, or because it benefits the environment by reducing one’s carbon footprint. There are many ways to preserve food at home, including freezing, drying,...

Plant a tree in Winnebago County; help beautify the community
Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District, Roscoe Township and Winnebago County 4-H are looking for volunteers to help with planting a grouping of 25 oak trees at Founders Park, 4562 Hononegah Rd in Roscoe with the goal of tackling global issues at the local level.   Anyone that...

Plant a tree. Save the Planet. Stephenson County 4-H works to create a Green Community
Stephenson County 4-H along with the Stephenson County Soil & Water Conservation District & the Jane Addamsland Park Foundation (JAPF) are working to help save the planet, one oak savanna at a time.  All youth who love to be outdoors and explore nature are invited to come out and help...

Native Shrubs
Join University of Illinois Extension, Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Mike Iacomini on Thursday, April 11 for a presentation on native shrubs. This presentation will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There is no fee to attend...

Food Preservation Classes Offered
Join University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Diane Reinhold for these food preservation classes being offered virtually via Zoom. There is no fee to register for these classes, but pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link to attend. If you would like to...

Making Homemade Meals in the Microwave
More and more people are dining out less because it is a healthier option and allows you to stretch your food dollars. If you are spending more time in the kitchen and are looking for quick and easy ways to prepare meals but do not have much time to cook, consider microwave cooking. Microwave...

Eggs: From Farm to Fork | Healthy Cooking at Home
Curious about what it takes for an egg to make it from the farm to your kitchen table? Have you ever wondered about the difference between free-range and free-roaming eggs? If so, then we have the class for you! Years ago, shopping for eggs was much more straightforward. The...