Corn plants growing in field

Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact.

Upcoming Programs and Events

pressure canner tester

Food Preservation Classes and Pressure Canner Testing Clinics

Preserving food at home lets us enjoy homegrown, locally sourced, or seasonal foods year-round. Check out our list of local, in-person food preservation classes and pressure canner testing clinics. Join us so you can be prepared for safe food preservation. 

Fresh herbs on a tray

Culinary Herbs 101

Herbs and spices are a simple way to add flavor while supporting healthy eating. Participants will learn practical tips for selecting, storing, and preserving herbs so they can be enjoyed year-round and how to use herbs and spices effectively in cooking, including how much to add to enhance a dish without overpowering it and how these ingredients can support healthier cooking habits.

Youth Bicycle Safety Day

Youth Bicycle Safety Day

Join us for a Youth Bicycle Safety Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Building 4, 500 W. 1st Street, Pecatonica.  Participants will rotate through bicycle stations, including a bicycle pre-check, helmet check, riding in traffic, rules of the road, crossing intersections, and hand signals.  

Events

News Releases

Multiple protein food sources... chicken, salmon, beef, beans..
Protein, Physical Activity, and Aging: What You Need to Know
Staying healthy and fit can be challenging at any age, but maintaining strength becomes even more important as we grow older. Aging brings many natural physiological changes, including a gradual loss of muscle mass that can affect mobility, independence, and overall health.Beginning...
fresh cut herbs bundled for drying
From Garden to Table: Using Culinary Herbs in Everyday Meals
Freeport, Ill. --Herbs and spices are a simple way to add flavor while supporting healthy eating. Whether you grow them in your garden or purchase them locally, herbs can transform everyday meals with vibrant flavors, aromas, and colors. Learning how to select, store, and use...
corn filed with talking crop logo
2026 Season of Talking Crop Podcast Announced
FREEPORT, Ill--The Talking Crop podcast is back for its third season. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Kathryn Seebruck, Talking Crop is a row crop production podcast, with episodes...
Fresh tomatoes and dehydrated tomatoes on a tray
Yes! You Can: Dehydrating Your Summer Produce
Dehydrating food is one of the oldest food preservation methods around. Historically, the sun and wind were used to dry foods, primarily to prevent spoilage and ensure survival through long winters by inhibiting microorganisms through moisture removal. Since then, it has evolved dramatically,...
Corn growing in field
Talking Crop Podcast
The Talking Crop podcast is back for its third season. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Kathryn Seebruck, Talking Crop is a row crop production podcast, with episodes occurring...
photo of 3 images, tornado above trees, severe flooding, and grass fire

Be ready before a disaster occurs

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings