Over 30 Ogle County 4-H members and adults planted 25 oak trees at the Byron Forest Preserve on April 13. By growing this oak tree savanna, the forest preserve is increasing the population of oak trees overtaken by invasive species and more shade-tolerant trees. The 4-H Green Communities Tree Program follows the "learn-by-doing" philosophy of 4-H and is guided by the priorities of the Illinois Forest Action Plan.

A garden is a classroom waiting to be explored. If you've ever wanted to start a school or community garden but were not sure where to start, the School and Community Gardens course is for you! This self-paced, research-based online class gives you the tools you need to teach youth to garden. Learn how to build a thriving, long-lasting school garden program of any size. Find more information or sign up for the class here!

Did you know tree fruits can be grown in your backyard with proper care and training?  Join Boone County Master Gardener Jennifer Crider on May 14 at 6 pm at the Ida Public Library in Belvidere. Learn the basics of backyard tree fruits and how selection, training, and pruning are key factors for success. Registration is required. Call the library at 815-544-3838 or register online by clicking here. 

ATTENTION Teachers: Learn how to incorporate an agriculture curriculum into your classrooms! Registration opens on April 15 for the June farm tours in Carroll & Stephenson counties or Winnebago & Boone counties. The $75 fee includes transportation, lunch, and snacks. The deadline to register is May 23. Contact Melinda Colbert at charbm@illinois.edu or the Ogle County office at 815-732-2191 for more information.

Children will have fun learning about nature through hands-on activities, games, and nature awareness. Camps fill quickly, and space is limited to 20 children per camp, so register now! There are four weeklong programs (June-August), each with a different nature theme. Daily from 9 am-3 pm at the Natural Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve in Genoa. Contact Peggy or Marian at 815-784-2000 with questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate. Specific weeks are geared toward children entering 2nd grade-12 years old. View the brochure here.