You can join the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners

Ogle County is a beautiful place to live. That is not just my opinion. I have heard that many times from people all over the state when I tell them where I live. We are fortunate to have the natural beauty of the trees, river and rolling rich farmland, state and city parks and the large natural acreage. The University of Illinois Master Gardeners in Ogle County are another reason the first statement is more fact than opinion. They do many things to help people make and keep the county looking so nice.

In the past year alone they have helped over 250 residents with landscape, pest, gardening and horticulture problems on their hotline and at local seminars. The Master Gardeners take turns volunteering their time and expertise answering questions three mornings a week during the growing season.

Other activities have included seminars at libraries and beautification of the fairgrounds and judicial center, as well as individual help given to their neighbors.

To become a Master Gardener, each of the volunteers had to attend 60 or more hours of training, pass a difficult test and then give back 60 hours in the next two years working on projects like those I wrote about earlier. That is not all. They must keep up to date with the latest information in horticulture by accumulating 10 additional hours each year in continuing education.

This is why the Master Gardener program fits so well with University of Illinois Extension. The Master Gardeners are truly putting knowledge to work for all the residents to help keep Ogle County so attractive.

It does not take any special skill to become a Master Gardener if you are interested; just a willingness to learn and help others with gardening problems. Training will take place in Dixon, Belvedere and Dekalb as well as on-line starting in January, 2010 and going through April. If you are interested or would like more information call (815) 732-2191 or go to www.extension.uiuc.edu/ogle . You may also reach me by e-mail at lindenb@illinois.edu

With the Holiday season upon us it's time to think Turkey. Questions? This site will help you with answers from selection and cooking techniques to what to do with the leftovers. Also turkey history, fun and facts, and much more.

Desserts: Making Them Healthful Yet Delicious

When we try to get the most nutrition out of our calories, can we have our dessert and eat it too? University of Illinois Extension Ogle County will offer a workshop on healthy desserts on Wednesday, December 2nd from 6 – 8 pm in the Ogle County Farm Bureau Building. Healthy dessert strategies are becoming more important, whether you're worried about eating too many desserts during the holidays or stretching your food dollars to include dessert. Learn how to make healthful, money-saving desserts using fruit, calcium-rich foods, and grains that can fit in your family's meals. While this class comes too late for Thanksgiving, dessert season is just beginning. The registration fee is $10 which covers the cost of recipe booklets and food samples. Please call 815/732-2191 to register by November 30. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please mention when registering.

The links provided here will help you learn all you need to know about the H1N1 Flu Virus (also known as "swine flu").

What is 4-H?

4-H is a voluntary, informal education program for young people ages 8-18. 4-H Cloverbuds is a program for younger children who are 5-7 years old.

Now is the time to check out 4-H. The new program year started September 1st.

In Ogle county call 815/732-2191. We will answer your questions and help you find a club near you.