Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact.

Upcoming Programs and Events

Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales

Embrace winter's beauty through outdoor exploration and indoor inspiration at the University of Illinois Extension's Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales. Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales will be held at Torstenson's Education Center and will include four sessions led by three keynote speakers, each presenting a "naturalist tale" as well as an opportunity for a winter hike.

Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit

The University of Illinois Extension is hosting the annual Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit this winter to provide producers with the latest agronomic research updates and equip them with information that will empower their farm decision-making. Click here for more information.

Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals Workshop

Join one of our Saturday fruit tree pruning workshops and discover the essential skills that separate thriving orchards from struggling trees. This class will teach you the science and artistry behind proper pruning, empowering you to maximize your harvest while maintaining healthy, beautiful trees for years to come.

Events

Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals Virtual Workshop

December 17, 2025

Holiday Centerpieces

December 19, 2025

County

JoDaviess

Wee Nats

January 10, 2026

County

Stephenson

Wee Naturalists-Winnebago County Office

January 12, 2026

County

Winnebago

More Events

News Releases

December 15, 2025

Northern Illinois 4-H Summer Camp – Where Young Minds Grow, Learn, and Thrive!
 4-H Camp is a five-day, four-night residential camping experience conducted cooperatively by University of Illinois Extension staff in Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties, as well as the professional staff at RRCC. ...

December 15, 2025

Get to Know Our Natural World at Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Nature lovers of Northern Illinois area are invited to uncover some of nature’s hidden tales and trails on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at Illinois Extension’s annual program, Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenes, Torstenson’s...

December 10, 2025

Calling All Young Chefs and Party Planners!
Do you love whipping up your favorite foods at home? Do you get excited about planning a party around a fun and creative theme? Now’s your chance to bring those talents together in the 4-H Favorite Foods Contest!Jo Daviess County 4-H and Stephenson County 4-H are teaming up to launch this...

Cow and calf standing on hill beside states that are part of the driftless region

December 4, 2025

Driftless Region Beef Conference
The university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference to educate beef producers. The fourteenth annual event will be held Jan. 22-23, 2026, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque. Past participants in...

November 20, 2025

Certified Food Protection Manager Course Offered in Freeport
FREEPORT, Ill. — Dining out is a staple of American life, whether for special occasions or convenience. As more people eat meals prepared outside the home, ensuring food safety and quality is more important than ever.To help protect public health, the Food and Drug Administration (...

More News Releases