Picking the best tomato
It’s tomato season, and tomatoes are making their appearance in backyard gardens and at the local farmer's markets. Tomatoes are versatile and found in countless entrees, side dishes, condiments, and beverages. If you are interested in learning more about which varieties of tomatoes work well in...
Youth Naturalist Program Offered in Pecatonica
Learn about nature at Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists), a fun interactive program for youth ages 4-7. Youth will learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft, and hike. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Educator Kelly Lafferty will offer the program on...
Winnebago County 4-H Foundation Celebrates 50 Years
On June 12, 2024, the Winnebago County 4-H and Extension Foundation celebrated their 50th anniversary. That is 50 years of partnership providing financial support for Winnebago County 4-H and other University of Illinois Extension programs in the county!The Foundation will continue the...
Stephenson County 4-H Summer Shows
The Stephenson County 4-H is gearing up for our summer shows. Even before the official start of the local county fair, most 4-H activities will be taking place at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds. From foods to livestock, and horticulture to rabbits, 4-H members will exhibit many projects...
Learn how to preserve flowers to enjoy year-round
Harvesting and preserving flowers from your garden is a great way to enjoy them year-round. Flowers can be preserved by drying or pressing and can be used in many ways in your home and garden. At this workshop, participants will learn about the flowers that work best for preservation and the...
Get your certified food protection manager certification
Americans love dining out. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply eating on the go, eating out is 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-quality food and safe food.The...
Turn fresh cut flowers into a beautiful arrangement
Have you ever considered growing a cut flower garden? As gardeners, we often incorporate flowers into the landscape to bring color to the outdoors, but have you ever considered a garden just for cut flowers? Beautiful bouquets from the garden can brighten a room or make a...
Learn how to pressure can green beans
If you find yourself with a bumper crop of green beans, consider preserving them and enjoying them throughout the coming year. Green beans can be dehydrated, frozen, pickled, or canned for long-term storage. If you are planning on canning your green beans, they, like most...
Tart cherry season begins in Northern Illinois
While it may seem early, tart cherries are almost ready in backyard and commercial orchards in Northern Illinois. The tart cherry harvest season will begin in the next two weeks, towards the middle and end of June, maybe even sooner.“June remains an...
Maximize flavor with culinary herbs
Are you looking for ways to make healthier meals without giving up flavor? It can be as simple as adding a few herbs to your favorite dish instead of salt. Or cut the amount of sugar by adding items like vanilla and cinnamon.Making small changes,...
Get your pressure canner dial gauge tested
Canning season is fast approaching! Are you ready? Before using your pressure canner, have your dial gauge tested for accuracy. Testing will ensure your pressure canner reaches the appropriate pressure needed to process low-acid foods. Over time, a pressure canner's dial gauge will become...
Helpline answers Home Gardening Questions
Have a gardening question? The Master Gardener Helpline at the University of Illinois Extension is open for the season. Designed to help the home gardener with their questions, the helpline is staffed with Master Gardener volunteers who will provide a research-based...
Home Food Preservation Workshop on Pressure Canning with Green Beans
If you find yourself with a bumper crop of green beans, consider preserving them and enjoying them throughout the coming year. Green beans can be dehydrated, frozen, pickled, or canned for long-term storage. If you are planning on canning your green beans, they, like most...
Talking Crop: A Seasonal Row Crop Production Podcast
“Talking Crop” is a seasonal row crop production podcast hosted by University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Kathryn Seebruck. The purpose of this podcast is to provide farmers and agribusiness representatives with topical information and actionable...
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...
Round up the kids for a bicycle rodeo on June 29th
Kick off your summer riding with attending a bicycle rodeo! Participants will learn important bicycle maintenance, safety and riding skills in an interactive, hand-on format on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 10 am to noon at the Winnebago County...
School nutrition training dates set for August
School nutrition professionals play a critical role in the health and well-being of children. They directly impact and influence childhood nutrition through the meals they serve and by encouraging healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. University of Illinois Extension and...
Solomon Earns Award for Dedication to Forestry
The Northwest Illinois Forestry Association (NIFA) presented the Forestry Pioneer Award to Stanley “Jay” Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment and Energy Educator at the annual meeting in March. This award recognizes individuals who have been leaders in...
2024 Youth Leadership Conference: Leading Through Adversity—Celebrating Resiliency
Join us for an inspiring day of empowerment and growth at the Youth Leadership Conference, where we celebrate resilience and the power of the next generation to overcome challenges and lead with strength. Participants will be inspired, empowered, and equipped to lead through any adversity...
Plants in the Energy Landscape
Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resource, Environment and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for a program on “Plants in the Energy Landscape”. This program is a continuation of the Spring Break Gardening Series and is being held on Thursday, May 30 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County...
