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University of Illinois Extension serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties

Main Office (Stephenson County)
Building R, Highland Community College,
2998 W Pearl City Rd
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: 815-235-4125
FAX: 815-232-9006
Email:uie-jsw@illinois.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm

Branch Office (Jo Daviess County)
204 Vine, PO Box 600
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Phone: 815-858-2273
FAX: 815-858-2274

Branch Office (Winnebago County)
1040 North Second Street
Rockford, IL 61107
Phone: 815-986-4357
FAX: 815-986-4329
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Discover Extension

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting our website. University of Illinois Extension is the link between the University and all of our friends and neighbors in JoDaviess, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. Extension staff offer practical, research-based education to help area residents improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. Please contact us at the local Extension office with questions or to learn more about these educational or leadership opportunities. We also encourage you to add our site to your favorites list.

Today's Features

4-H'ers with DOGS!! 4-H Dog SPIN Club is here for YOU!! This is a 6-session opportunity for you to learn how to work with your dog, to teach your dog obedience, and so much MORE!! Click below to learn more.

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2012 Farmers Markets open this week! Stop in at the Freeport and Lena Farmers markets for their opening day, Sat. May 19, 2012. Freeport Market runs 7:30-11:00 at the CVS parking lot, on South Street in Freeport. The Lena Market runs 8:00-11:00 at the downtown Lena parking lot, and coming soon, the first-time Highland Farmers Market, to open on Wed. June 13, 2012, from 3-6:00 pm at Highland Comm. College, parking lot C South. Come and Enjoy the local goodness of Stephenson County!

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We are busy getting ready for the 4th Annual OPENFIELDS FARM TOUR, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 10, 2012. We invite you to participate in this SELF-GUIDED TOUR of local farms, fields and gardens THROUGHOUT NORTHERN ILLINOIS. Meet the local producers, and learn about locally grown food! Click below for a FARM TOUR MAP, and check back often as new farm destinations are added to the tour and more event information becomes available.

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Have gardening and horticulture questions? Call our MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE starting Monday, April 2 through October 2012. U of I Extension Master Gardeners are available to answer your questions... and there is NO COST for this service. Call WINNEBAGO COUNTY at 815-986-4357(M-F, 9am-Noon & 1-4pm), and STEPHENSON COUNTY at 815-235-4125. (M-F, 9-11am) Check back soon for info on the JO DAVIESS COUNTY Helpline. We look forward to assisting you!

LOCAL FOODS DIRECTORY FOR NORTHERN ILLINOIS. Our 2012 Directory will be available in mid-spring, and will include 2012 Farmers Market information and additional local foods producers and resources. BON APPETIT!

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MARKETMAKER GOES MOBILE! Looking for food, farmers, fisheries, farmers markets, wineries, and agriculture and marine tourism destinations located near you? Now you can use your smartphone to find them. To access the new site, TYPE foodsearcher.com INTO YOUR MOBILE BROWSER. For more information, click below.

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Join us for the 27th Annual Stephenson County Ag Breakfast is Saturday, June 23rd, 2012. The menu features beef bacon, pork sausage, scrambled eggs, cheese, coffee cake, milk, and ice cream; serving from 6 am until 10 am at the Stephenson Co. Fairgrounds, Freeport,IL. See ad below for more details.

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The ILLINOIS FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAM, through its membership in the national Farm to School Network, is working toward meeting the challenge of bringing more locally grown food to the plates of children in Illinois' K-12 schools. The objectives are to serve healthy meals in school cafeterias, improve student nutrition, prove education, and support local and regional farmers. LEARN MORE about the program and JULIA GOVIS, U of I Extension Farm to School Program Coordinator.

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***Scholarship news: for 4-H Seniors in Jo Daviess County who meet the requirements application deadline is June 1st. Call extension office at 815-858-2273 for details or click below for application.

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**Scholarship News** The Darrell Miller Scholarship is once again available to Stephenson County 4-Her's who meet the eligibility requirements studying at a college or university. Deadline to apply is June 30, 12. Please see link below for the application and details or call the Ext. office.

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** Scholarship News** Now available at the Stephenson County Extension Office,is the R.C. Miller Agriculture Scholarship, for $1000, given to help students who are or will be studying agriculture, natural resources or related programs, with an emphasis in conservation. The application deadline is June 30, 2012. Call the Extension Office at 815-235-4125, for details,and click below for application.

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Interested in programs and events in WINNEBAGO COUNTY this spring/summer? Click below for a printable FLYER.

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Stephenson County Upcoming Programs and Events flyer! See all the latest fun, educational and informative programs and events we are hosting for your whole family to enjoy! Just click below.

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Do you have FINANCIAL QUESTIONS? U of I Extension has answers! PLAN WELL – RETIRE WELL is a monthly e-newsletter that provides up-to-date information on current financial issues, from student loans to Roth IRAs and credit scores. It also provides links to current blog posts, news articles, and tools from U of I Extension and other reliable sources.

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Dear visitors to the Winnebago County Extension office in Rockford... please note that beginning April 4, construction will begin on the northbound bridge at N 2nd St and Spring Creek Rd, and various lanes and ramps will be closed through October. Please consider alternation routes when visiting our office. Click below for more information.

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Click "Learn More" to visit the ILLINOIS FRUIT & VEGETABLE NEWS webpage for the latest newletter, information on spray guides and handbooks, and weblinks that benefit commercial growers of fruit and vegetable crops.

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2012 4-H SOuL Camp is back!! Click on link below for application and to learn more!

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Our 2011-2012 4-H season is underway! If you or someone you know is interested in joining 4-H in Winnebago County, click below for program information, club meeting locations, and leader contact information. For a 4-H information packet, call the Extension office at 815-986-4357.

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The PSEP Private Applicator Training is now available in a mobile-friendly version. Learners can access the modules on their handhelds any place, any time. Click below for more information.

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Check our Commercial Agriculture homepage for handy, printable agriculture resources, including CASH RENTS, CROP BUDGETS and LEASES FORMS. Click below to view and print.

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Information and Resources for You

4-H Youth Development Commercial Agriculture Environment and Energy Stewardship Horticulture Local Food Systems and Small Farms