Extend the garden season by learning how to harvest flower seeds and gaining tips on where to start to reclaim runaway landscapes with the Four Seasons Gardening webinar series

Lindsay Young, formerly of Sterling, was presented the 2025 Illinois 4-H Alumni Award on Aug. 8, 2025, at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield for her contributions to her profession, service to her community and support of the 4-H program.

University of Illinois Extension is offering a free, interactive virtual series designed to help individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes take control of their health and live vibrant, fulfilling lives.

University of Illinois Extension is now offering an accessible, self-paced online course designed specifically for food handlers working in non-restaurant settings across Illinois.

Ogle County 4-H Fair General Projects winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Horse Show winners were recently named.

No matter what you harvest, get everything in place ahead of time before you begin drying herbs, pickling vegetables, and canning food for the future.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Poultry Show winners were recently named.

The 2025 Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner was Luke Lichty of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. The runner up was Ayden Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Goat Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Foods Contest winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Llama and Alpaca Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Quality Meats Show winners were recently named.

It's never too late to plant a tree and other woody plant as long as the hole is pre-dug, according to Nancy Kuhajda, Illinois Extension horticulture educator serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties.

Let's discuss some of the biggest offenders to home gardens and how to control them without using poisons, which have far-ranging consequences on other, unintended victims.

On Sunday, Oct. 10, 2025, the University of Illinois Extension will host the annual Ogle County Farm Stroll, a self-guided driving tour of highly diversified family farms open to the public on one big day.

The program at the Joliet Slammers game will raise awareness of the importance of water conservation and provide cost-saving tips to reduce water waste in the home.

Attendees can navigate scenarios families in poverty encounter, such as securing housing, feeding families, and accessing essential services.

When planning a shady retreat, pay close attention to the existing soil conditions. Choosing these local beauties not only bolsters regional biodiversity but should also be a priority over introducing non-native species.

There are a number of animals that feel very exotic to me, here in Northern Illinois: platypuses, lions, capybara, and armadillos. At least one of those may not be so exotic for much longer.

Kids learned about veterinary medicine Monday, July 28, 2025, during a workshop hosted by Whiteside County 4-H and University of Illinois Extension.

A 4-H workshop at the Rock Falls library Monday, July 28, 2025, taught kids about animal health.

As August approaches, it is important to scout for any heat stress symptoms in the garden to make proper production decisions to avoid crop loss and damage.

Monotropa uniflora, also known as Ghost Pipe or Ghost Plant, a plant that is more vampire than ghost. A perennial plant, it grows in wooded areas in small clusters that only reach about 4- to 8-inches tall.

Dangerous heat index values of 105 to 115 degrees are expected Wednesday and Thursday across northern Illinois

Whiteside County 4-H will host a workshop for young animal lovers to introduce them to the field of veterinary science. The workshop will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. July 28 at the Rock Falls Public Library.

A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines how green spaces and outdoor activites near the family residence influence functioning in early childhood.

Training will begin Aug. 2 and conclude Oct. 4. Classes will be held in different locations throughout Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties.

State Rep. Natalie Manley and Joliet Junior College Office of Sustainability launched a new event to encourage sustainability and cutting down on single-use containers.

Finding the right plant for your location’s unique needs is key. Also, paying attention to bloom times allows you to have a cascade of flowers throughout the entire growing season.

Reports are starting again from area residents about mystery seeds they didn’t order showing up in their mailboxes. Simply put, the danger is in the unknown.

There may be “new to you” vegetables or varieties of your favorite vegetables that can add excitement to your gardening life. And it’s not too late in the growing season to try something new.

Join Family Life Educator Kara Schweitzer and learn how the gentle, relaxing movements of Tai Chi can help relieve pain and stiffness from arthritis and improve balance.

Allison Burrs of Carroll County took first place in the Senior Individual Presentation category.

There are many ways to support pollinators and other wildlife in home landscapes, according to University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle.

Concerns over rising food prices and food security have sparked a strong interest in home gardening. Community gardens sold out spaces early this year.

Following these steps can help trees recover from winter damage, boost their health, and promote strong roots and lush leaves throughout the spring and beyond.

As spring creeps closer and closer, gardeners start to get the itch to go outside and start digging in the dirt.

Join keynote speaker, experienced landscape designer and horticulturalist Kim Hartman as she unveils the secrets to shade-loving plants – including fresh and exciting new options – to transform your garden into a stunning sanctuary.

Winter reminded us this week it is still here for awhile, but Illinois Extension is reminding gardeners it is never too early to start prepping for spring.

The public is invited to attend to see what the 4-H’ers have prepared for presentation.

The University of Illinois Extension says its new Four Seasons Gardening webinar series will begin on Feb. 11 with two new winter sessions.

There are some steps to try to get perennial potted plants through the tough winter months and enjoy them again come spring.

The Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit will take place Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Highland Community College Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road in Freeport.

A Dixon girl received top marks at a national 4-H event as part of the Illinois 4-H State Hippology team.

The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program marks 50 years this year. In 2023 alone, 2,358 active volunteers invested 165,508 hours of service to improve the well-being of their environment and their local communities.

Pare down holiday-season stress to create more meaningful, joy-filled experiences for host, family and friends as they gather together.

Need something to do this winter? The Whiteside County Extension has you covered with several classes, workshops and other activities.

Pumpkins smashed will be composted into the SVCC field soil to help next year’s pumpkins grow.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Illinois Extension is partnering with several organizations across the Sauk Valley region, including Sauk Valley Community College, Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, CGH Medical Center, and the Lee County Council on Aging.