News Releases

Brush up on your canning skills this spring!
Freeport, IL---It seems as though home food preservation continues to be a growing trend. Whether it is due to the increase in food costs, the desire to know what is going into your food, or because it benefits the environment by reducing one’s carbon footprint, home food preservation continues...
Spring Invasive and Problematic Plants in the Landscape
With the warmer weather, things are starting to green up.  Our landscapes are coming back to life with the showy displays of new plant growth and flowers.  But are all those the plants you expected and want? Are there plants taking over your landscape, timber, or open areas? Some of these are...
Babysitting Clinic Planned
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 6 at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Building between 9 am- 2:...
Wizarding world of 4-H school coming soon
ROCKTON, IL- University of Illinois Extension will be offering Wizarding World of 4-H School this summer on Wednesday, June 29. The school will be held at Prince of Peace Church in Rockton between 9:00 am-12:00 pm.  Participants will begin the morning being randomly sorted into their houses,...
Keep youth busy this summer
Summer is right around the corner, and if you are like many parents, you are wondering how you will keep the kids busy when school is out. Let us help you keep your children engaged this summer with the June, I MADE That! educational cooking kit. The do-it-yourself kit is a fun...
4-H Camp Counselors Impact Youth in Positive Ways
Twenty local teens will soon be serving as 4-H Camp Counselors for over 100 youth for the 2022 4-H Day Camp in Polo, IL.  While camp is an amazing way to teach younger youth to make good decisions, learn to be independent, make life-long friendships, and gain new skills, the experience for camp...
Northern Illinois 4-H Summer Day Camp – Change Your Child’s Life!
Registration for 4-H Day Camp 2022 is open!  4-H Day Camp is set for June 14, 15, and 16 at Rock River Christian Camp, Polo, IL.  Sign up today to get your child in on all of the amazing fun! Youth may choose to participate in all three days of camp or attend the dates that work best in their...
Kids Experienced Hands on Learning at Stephenson County 4-H Super Saturday
Freeport, IL – University of Illinois Extension hosted its annual 4-H Super Saturday on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at local Farm Bureau Office. Super Saturday is a 3-hour event designed to give area youth ages 5 to 18 a chance to explore the many project areas available through the 4-H program. ...
A close up of a cow in a field
Youth quick recall tested at state dairy contest
Bloomington, Ill. – 4-H members had their knowledge and quick recall of information tested at the Illinois 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl contest on Feb. 26 at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington.  Fifty 4-H members from 10 counties throughout Illinois came together to participate in...
Earth Day Activities with 4-H
The University of Illinois Extension & 4-H & the Children’s Hand-On Museum (CHOM) have teamed up to bring Stephenson County youth, ages 4-12 a fun-filled after school hour of Earth Day Activities. On April 21, from 4-5 p.m. we will be making crafts with recycled items, planting a flower...
Rain Water Management in Your Home Landscape
Join Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, for “Rain Water Management in Your Home Landscape” on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building, HWY 20 W. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a $5 fee to attend...
Joys Spring Gardening Series
Freeport, IL---The University of Illinois Extension and the Freeport Public Library have teamed up to offer the Joys Spring Gardening Series. Extension Staff and Volunteers will be leading classes to get you geared up for spring and the growing season ahead.  The series will take place on...
Understanding how diet and lifestyle influence the inflammation process
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stressors. Understanding what causes inflammation and how you can better manage it is the first step to improving your overall health. Many lifestyle choices contribute to the inflammation response. However, by making small changes in our everyday...
Hands-on Fun Awaits Kids at 4-H Super Saturday
Freeport, IL – University of Illinois Extension is hosting its annual 4-H Super Saturday on Saturday, April 2  from 8:45 a.m. to noon at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring St. Freeport, IL . Super Saturday is a 3-hour event designed to give area youth ages 5 to 18 a chance to...