Grapevine Wreaths
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Volunteers Laurie Zueger and Linda Helgeson for this program on Grapevine Wreaths. The program will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL....
Fall Garden Series Offered
FREEPORT, Ill--As the gardening season comes to a close, join us for some informative and fun gardening programs to help you wrap up your gardening work and get a jump-start on the coming season. The University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with the Freeport Park District, is offering...
Composting: Getting Ready for Fall
Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for Composting: Getting Ready for Fall. The program will take place on Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. The program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St...
Youth Naturalist Program offered
Learn about nature at Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists) a fun, interactive program for youth ages 4-7. Learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft, and hike. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Educator, Kelly Lafferty, will lead the program at the...
Extension welcomes Agriculture Educator in Northwest Illinois
Illinois Extension has recently welcomed Kathryn Seebruck to the staff in Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. As a Crop Sciences and Agronomy Educator, she will work with producers and agribusinesses in the area to support the production of row crops and forages. A native of Byron,...
Invasive and Nuisance Plants Workshop Offered in Freeport
FREEPORT, Ill-----Fall can be a suitable time to address some landscape plant issues. Woody plants and other perennials can best be managed during the fall. If you have noticed some plant types are taking over your landscape, this is the time to exercise some control for a better next year,...
Fall Invasive and Nuisance Plants in the Landscape
Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resource, Environment and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for a Fall Invasive and Nuisance Plants program. Jay will delve into what makes some plants invasive or a nuisance and why fall is the best time to manage them. The program will be held from 6:30...
4-H Members Showcase Their Exhibits During the Fair
Elizabeth, IL- 4-H members from all over the county participated in the 2023 Jo Daviess County 4-H Fair on July 17-19. Participants exhibited in a variety of project areas, including the horse, poultry, and rabbit shows, the dairy show, various livestock shows, the Cloverbud...
Learn how to ferment vegetables at upcoming program
FREEPORT, Ill.-Fermentation, like drying, is one of the oldest methods of preserving food for later use. It is also used in creating other foods, like cheese, yogurt, alcohol, and sourdough bread. Fermentation is a natural process in which microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast convert...
Gardening While Aging Program Planned by Extension
The University of Illinois Extension will be offering another gardening related program this month. On Wednesday, June 28, Master Gardener Madelynn Wilharm will be presenting “Gardening Gracefully as We Age” at 1:00 pm at the Extension Office in Elizabeth. There is no cost for this program, but...
Yes! You CAN: Preserving Practice – Jams and Jellies
ELIZABETH, IL. 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...
Lilac Care and Pruning
University of Illinois Extension is offering a workshop on basic care and pruning of lilacs, just in time for homeowners to learn what to do at this time of the summer to ensure full blooms next spring. Extension Master Gardener Michael Iacomini will be presenting this program on Thursday, June...
Zombie Apocalypse/ Natural Disaster Survival Workshop in Freeport
Learn important emergency preparedness techniques and safety rules in case there should ever be a zombie apocalypse or natural disaster! University of Illinois Extension will be offering a Zombie Apocalypse Survival workshop this summer. Interested youth may attend the clinic on June 28...
Babysitting Clinic Planned for Stephenson County Youth
Take care of the kids in your neighborhood when their parents can't be with them!
University of Illinois Extension will be offering a babysitting clinic this summer. Interested youth may choose to attend the clinic on June 21 at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Building...
Learn to dehydrate fruits and vegetables
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...
Youth learn public-speaking skills that last a lifetime
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Hope Brinkmeier from Stephenson County recently put her public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at Parkland...
Master Gardener Helpline open for your Gardening Questions
FREEPORT, Ill.--Spring is in the air and gardening is on our minds. It is that time of year when the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers offer the Master Gardener Helpline. Have a home gardening question? The Master Gardeners are here to help with research-based...
The Butterfly Farm is now an oak tree savanna
Orangeville, Ill. – The Butterfly Farm in Stephenson 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...
Pressure Canner Dial Gauge Testing Clinic
Canning season is fast approaching! Are you ready? Have you had your pressure canner gauge tested lately? Did you know it should be tested yearly to ensure accuracy?
Pressure canners are the only safe home food preservation method to destroy the harmful microorganisms that can...
