News Releases

cow in pasture
Local study highlights connection between grassland birds and grazing land
ELIZABETH, Ill.-Wildlife studies have noted significant declines in midwestern grassland songbirds over the last few decades. The research found the decline correlated with reductions in grazing and hay fields in the region. Research has found that many midwestern grassland birds need grass of...
Working toward Regenerative Agriculture
Join Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, and John Strauser, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Grassland and Perennial Agriculture Outreach Specialist for this program that will identify ways groups can work together to...
Winter wellness and holiday treats
The temperatures will soon be dropping, and kids of all ages will be spending more time indoors. Keep them entertained this December with the University of Illinois Extension, and 4-H’s I MADE That educational cooking kit.  Cultivate meaningful moments this holiday season when enjoying...
Hort for the Holidays - Jo Daviess County Edition
Gather your friends for an afternoon of decorating fun as the University of Illinois Extension hosts “Hort for the Holidays – Jo Daviess County Edition. This program is being held on Tuesday, December 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028...
Horticulture for the Holidays Workshop
Illinois Extension and Master Gardeners invite holiday enthusiasts for the annual Horticulture for the Holidays workshop on Saturday, November 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Extension Office in Rockford, 1040 N. Second Street. Participants will complete a make-and-take project that demonstrates...
Rockford Woman Earns State Award
University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County is proud to announce Terre McGee has recently received the Individual Excellence in Outstanding Programming Award. McGee, a SNAP-Ed Community Outreach Worker in Rockford, was nominated by her fellow co-workers for going above and beyond in...
Are You Eating to Enjoy Retirement?
Aging is more than the passing of time. It is a subtle and quiet process that occurs each and every day, which often goes unnoticed. Those first few strands of gray hair are signs of the inevitable – you’re getting older, and your body is changing. You may have noticed you’re growing a little...
Local Master Gardeners Win State Teamwork Award
FREEPORT, Ill – For the last two years, a dedicated team of Stephenson County Master Gardeners have been working in a partnership with the Freeport Park District to create and maintain demonstration gardens in Krape Park. These gardens serve as a way for park visitors to learn about plants that...
Naturalist Program Offered for Youth
FREEPORT, Ill – Join the University of Illinois Extension for Wee Naturalists (Wee Nats) a fun, interactive program for youth ages 4-7, where they will learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft, and hike. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth...
Forage Council Sets Hay Auction Dates, Fall 2022
The Northwestern Illinois Forage and Grassland Council has announced dates for their upcoming hay and straw auctions to be held in Orangeville, Illinois.  The Council has sponsored these auctions for over 25 years. The first auction will be Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11 am at the...
Falling Into the Autumn Vegetable Garden
“Falling Into the Autumn Vegetable Garden” is part of the Falling Into Autumn Gardening Series University of Illinois Extension is putting on.  It will be held on Thursday, October 13 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL, starting at 1:30 p.m.. To register or...
Fall Garden Program Offered
FREEPORT, Ill – As your vegetable garden begins to wind down for the season, what tasks you could you be doing to ensure that next year is ready for growing? University of Illinois Extension’s program Wrapping up the Vegetable Garden was developed to help answer this question. In this program,...
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 4, 2022 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL....
Youth learn skills in the kitchen while celebrating National Pumpkin Month
Autumn is a wonderful time of year filled with beautiful colors, cooler temperatures, and cozy times with family and friends. Gather your kids this fall and join University of Illinois Extension for this family fun make-at-home project. The October, I MADE That educational cooking kit,...
Composting for the Homeowner
Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for this program. The program will take place on Thursday, September 8 at 1:30 p.m. The program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There...
Autumn Joys of Gardening Series Offered
FREEPORT, Ill – We are pleased to announce the return of Autumn Joys of Gardening. This program will take on a different look, being offered as a series of evening programs, participants can pick and choose the classes they want to attend. Autumn Joys of Gardening is co-sponsored by University...
Centerpieces from the Garden
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner for this hands on program. The program will take place on Thursday, August 25 at 1:30 p.m. The program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a $15 fee to...
School nutrition professionals’ training dates are set for August
As part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), all school nutrition professionals receive annual training hours to meet the USDA Professional Standards. These standards ensure school nutrition personnel have the knowledge, training, and tools needed to plan, prepare, and purchase healthy...