We get a real treat here during winter with the birds that use the Midwest for their wintering grounds.

Illinois Extension is launching a flexible vegetable gardening webinar series to help gardeners of all levels save money and grow produce successfully

Lee County 4-H invites all new 4-H families and interested families to attend the upcoming New 4-H Family Orientation, designed to help youths and parents feel confident and prepared as they begin their 4-H journey.

The Ogle County Master Gardeners invite community members to grow their gardening knowledge through two free educational programs offered in March and May at the Julia Hull District Library, 100 Library Lane, Stillman Valley.

A new environmental initiative is taking root in Lake County this spring as the Illinois 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program partners with Lake County 4‑H, the Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Round Lake Park District to restore oak ecosystems across the region.

Doors open at 8 a.m. with the keynote presentation beginning at 8:30 a.m. Join Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Nancy Kuhajda for a lively discussion about Milk Jug Gardening.

Individuals who are passionate about nature, conservation and strengthening their communities are invited to apply for the Illinois Master Naturalist Program, now accepting registrations for its spring 2026 training cohort.

Nancy Kuhajda, horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee and Will counties, will teach the classes.

Cost for the 10 meals is $90 cash or check or $95 by credit card. Proceeds benefit the Ogle-Carroll Ag in the Classroom Program.

Assistance resources range from mental health vouchers and crisis support lines to comprehensive financial planning tools. Economic stress takes a personal toll.

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, 39 youths from Stephenson, Winnebago, Ogle, Boone and DeKalb counties attended a public speaking workshop at the Machine Shed in Rockford.

Illinois Extension staff offer gardening education throughout the state.

Last fall, three different ideas were presented to the 4-H staff that led to one large collaborative effort.

Shrubs with colorful stems, interesting seed pods, or textured bark can also add depth and create a stunning winter display.

The law requires companies that sell batteries or products with batteries to pay into a battery stewardship organization to cover the costs of the statewide collection program.

The Lessons for Living is a free online series of one-hour sessions designed to empower adults of all ages with practical, easy-to-understand guidance for living an inspiring, healthy and fulfilling life. All sessions require registration.

There are a variety of plants that can be eaten as microgreens, and each one will add a slightly different flavor to your meals. One good choice includes things in the brassica (broccoli) family, like radish, broccoli, kale, cress, etc.

Free webinar examines how invasive species threaten Illinois ecosystems

Stay indoors and out of the cold with new webinars from the University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening series.

Local residents will have an opportunity to learn more about one of Illinois’ most fascinating native animals during Wild Neighbors: Beavers – Nature’s Engineers, a free program offered by University of Illinois Extension. The presentation will be Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Much has been in the news lately about “exploding trees”, caused by the extreme cold temperatures. But is this something to be worried about?

Frozen water pipes aren’t life threatening, however frozen or broken water pipes do cause damage to homes each winter.

The Flagg-Rochelle Public Library in conjunction with Ogle County Master Gardeners will be hosting a seed library kick-off event Saturday, Jan. 31.

University of Illinois Extension Family Life Educator Kara Schweitzer will offer a free family life program in January, providing community members with research-informed guidance on aging, caregiving and overall well-being.

Bird watching can provide a lot of nature connectivity for all ages. It also boosts environmental literacy, awareness of nature, and stress-reduction through mindfulness and curiosity.

Stan Eden of rural Oregon served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. His service included helping with rebuilding efforts after the Korean War.

A federal nutrition program, SNAP-Ed, will end this year after losing federal funding, affecting local families in Kankakee and Will counties who rely on free healthy eating education.

Native plants not only help support pollinators but also filter out pollutants, help build healthy soils, and mitigate flooding.

The next time you go pinecone picking keep these fun facts in mind, as pinecones play an important part in nature and have a specific function in the plant world.

It is important to know how credit can change your spending power as well as know how you can recognize the danger signs of credit misuse.

Here are a few facts about coyotes that might help you to better understand them, anticipate their behavior, and prevent negative encounters.

While wanting to help is commendable, it’s important to prioritize food safety. Those relying on food pantries often face higher risks of severe illness due to chronic health conditions, age or other factors.

Looking for activities to do when the winter weather keeps me indoors. Try plant propagation.

Turn your food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer for all your planting needs.

What is an invasive species? An invasive species is an introduced species – often a plant, animal, or insect – that causes some kind of harm.

Ogle County 4-H recently announced that Karen Marsh has been inducted into the 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, recognizing her 24 years of service and dedication to local youths.

Ninety-eight Ogle County 4-H members were honored for their achievements during the 2025 4-H year at club programs this fall.

The University of Illinois Extension serving Ogle and Carroll counties has received a $1,000 donation from CHS Rochelle to support the Ag in the Classroom program.

Let’s take a closer look at what we can do to promote pollinators in our yards that can be done without spending a lot of time or money.

Extension is offering individually portioned, ready-to-heat freezer meals — perfect for gifting or stocking your own freezer.

Ogle County 4-Hers were recognized for excellence in 4-H project work at the recent county 4-H Achievement Celebration.

Like it or not, there are a few gardening chores left before shutting down for the year and starting to plan next year.

Kendall County volunteer and Oswego resident Tom Kopacz earned a 2025 Outstanding Illinois Master Gardener Award.

There were 26,203 student contacts made through 1,298 programs in Ogle and Carroll counties last year.

Studies across the U.S. have tracked white-tailed deer vehicle collision rates in relation to time changes, with some showing a 16% spike in deer-vehicle collisions after the fall time shift.

Pumpkins thrown into landfills are never broken down and release greenhouse gases, accounting for over one billion pumpkins thrown out every year.

In the fall, natural areas often become dumping spots for yard waste, pumpkins, straw, and other organic decorations. Many think that a thrown-away pumpkin will break down and disappear. Not exactly.

An autumn garden can display a variety of colors, textures, and gradients to set a festive and fun mood.

Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and head into winter strong.

The 2025 Ogle County Farm Stroll on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, invited the public to explore the heart of local agriculture, with 10 farms across the county opening their gates for a day of education, connection and countryside charm.