News Releases

ladies serving cake at a bazaar
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...
pressure canning supplies along with canned items sitting on a stovetop.
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,...
Youth and two adults planting a tree
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...
plant shrubs  a variety in landscape
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...
laptop with photo of canned goods in center of yellow background and blue splotches
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...
lady putting food in microwave
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...
cracking an egg in a frying pan
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...
ladies serving cake at a bazaar
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...
cicadas
Cicadas 2024 — A Once in a Lifetime Experience
Join Illinois Extension and Nicholas Conservatory on Wednesday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Nicholas Conservatory for a lively program: Cicadas 2024 — A Once in a Lifetime Experience. Learn more about the upcoming May and June appearances of Broods XIII and XIX, the life cycle of...
people on a walking trail
Join a Walking Club and Connect with Others
No matter your age, everyone can benefit from physical activity. Physical activity is a cornerstone for wellness. It significantly improves brain health, strengthens bones and muscles, and reduces the risk of many chronic health conditions. And one of the easiest and most convenient ways to move...
scale and measuring tape on white background
Empowered to Make a Change: An Introduction to Weight Management
You may find it challenging to maintain a healthy body weight if you are like many. Roughly 69% of American adults are considered either overweight or obese. So, why do so many struggle with maintaining a healthy body weight? Establishing and maintaining a healthy body weight is not just...
tornado over hay field
Is Your Family Prepared for a Natural Disaster?
Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid airmasses from the Gulf of Mexico have collided with the cooler, dryer air from Canada, resulting in unstable atmospheric conditions. Although thunderstorms and tornadoes can happen anytime...
students test their skill at racing wind powered cars
Stephenson County 4-H- Brings STEM Activities to Pearl CIty Middle School
Creative thinking, hands-on problem solving, critical reasoning—these are just some of the skills seventh and eighth-grade students at Pearl City Middle School used on Friday, February 16. Staff from the University of Illinois Extension provided four different STEM activities for students to...
four photos of food safety in a commercial kitchen
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
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...
flowers being arranged
Spring Flower Arranging
Join University of Illinois Extension for the second program in their Spring Break Gardening Series “Spring Flower Arranging” on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. This program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028.  There will be a...
Cardinal on tree stump with a green overlay to picture
Birdie Basics — Youth Birding 101
Calling all young bird enthusiasts! Join University of Illinois Extension and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation for an exciting Birding 101 program for kids ages 8 to 18. Whether you’re a budding ornithologist or simply curious about our feathered friends, this...