University of Illinois Extension - Boone County

01/29/2026

Native Alternatives for Landscape Grasses & Sedges Program

Sustainable landscaping starts with the plants we choose. Join us for an engaging and informative program designed for landscape professionals and property owners who want to incorporate more environmentally friendly practices into their work and home spaces.

This session highlights the benefits of using native grasses and sedges—plants that support local ecosystems, require fewer resources, and thrive naturally in our region. The program will be led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener, bringing expert insight and practical guidance.

📅 Date & Time
May 4 at 6:00 PM
📍 Location
Ida Public Library
320 N State St
Belvidere, IL 61008

📞 Registration
Call the library to register: 815-544-3838

♿ Accessibility
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Program Coordinator Jan Saglier at 815-544-3710 or email [email protected].

Grow your knowledge. Support native ecosystems. Transform your landscape.

01/27/2026

Mark this on your calendar—a free program presented by Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Peggy Anesi on Saturday, March 19, from 9:00 - 10:30 AM at the Boone County Conservation District, Roger Gustafson Nature Center, 603 N Appleton Rd in Belvidere.

Coyotes are one of the most misunderstood species in Illinois and the U.S. They evoke mixed feelings of fear, anger, and, for some, a sense of wild beauty. There are many stories about coyotes, and some circles believe them to be the jokester of the wild. Many of these feelings depend on who you are, where you live, and even what you do for a living.

Come and learn more about this incredible animal and what you can expect from them in your neighborhood. Register at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/wild-neighbors-coyotes

Questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, call the Boone County Extension office at 815-544-3710. If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please

01/27/2026

Groundhog Day is almost here! February 2 is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to brush up on one of Illinois’ most fascinating winter sleepers. Meet Illinois’ largest hibernator and get ready to celebrate the quirkiest holiday of the season!

Whether you’re hoping for an early spring or bracing for six more weeks of winter, now’s the time to learn what this chunky, charming creature is up to beneath the frost. Spoiler: it involves a LOT of napping.

📚Read more here:https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/naturalist-news/2021-01-29-great-groundhogs-getting-know-illinois-burrowing-hibernator

Stay curious, stay cozy, and get Groundhog‑Day‑ready! 🌱🐾

01/27/2026

It’s a Buggy World: Why Our Gardens Need Insects! 🐞

Led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener
📅 April 28 at 6 PM
📍 Ida Public Library — 320 N State St, Belvidere, IL 61008
Registration is required by calling the library at 815-544-3838.

Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most aren’t pests at all. Across the world, 95% of all animals are invertebrates, and 80% of those are arthropods—a fancy word for bugs. That includes spiders, crustaceans, centipedes, millipedes, and insects.

Many insects act as natural enemies to garden pests, pollinate our plants, and help keep ecosystems balanced. While some beneficial insects can be purchased, simple changes in how you manage your landscape can make it far more inviting to these helpful creatures and keep them around long‑term.

During this program, you’ll learn about:
-Why are beneficial insects essential
-How to identify garden-friendly bugs
-Landscape practices that attract natural enemies
-Ways to support insect diversity in your yard

Join us and discover how to make your garden a welcoming home for the insects that help it thrive.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, call the Boone County Extension office at 815-544-3710.

01/27/2026

🦋🌿 Calling all butterfly lovers and curious gardeners!

Join us for Swallowtails in Illinois, a vibrant and educational program presented by certified Boone County Master Gardeners.

📅 April 1
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Ida Public Library — 320 N State St, Belvidere, IL 61008
📞 Registration is required. Please call the library at 815‑544‑3838 to reserve your spot.

Discover the world of Illinois swallowtails and learn how to welcome these stunning pollinators into your own backyard. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned grower, you’ll walk away inspired.

What you’ll explore:
Swallowtail identification
Host and nectar plants that support them
Life cycle insights
and more!

This free, informative program is a wonderful way to bring more beauty and biodiversity to your garden. We’d love to see you there!

01/27/2026

Are you passionate about green spaces, eager to learn new gardening skills, or curious about making native plants shine in your home landscape?

Join us for this free program. Registration is required by calling the library at 815-544-3838.

Native plants are typically defined as vegetation growing wild in an undisturbed area at the time that scientific records began. Specific climate, soils, and other environmental factors define a plant's native range.

Our area is fortunate enough to have a large diversity of both prairie and forest plants that call central Illinois home.

In recent years, gardening with natives has become quite popular and often makes sense when considering the sustainability of our landscapes.

This program, led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener on March 12 at the Ida Public Library, led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener, is from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, please call Jan at 815-544-3710.

01/27/2026

Join us at the Ida Public Library in Belvidere for Gardening for Pollinators, a vibrant program that shows how to create welcoming habitats for bees, butterflies, and other essential creatures that keep our ecosystems thriving. The program is on March 5 from 6 to 7 PM.

Registration is required; call the library at 815-544-3838. This program is led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener.

You’ll explore how to choose the right plants, design pollinator‑friendly spaces, and support local wildlife in ways that are both beautiful and beneficial. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this program offers practical tips that make a real difference.

It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature, boost biodiversity, and enjoy a garden that truly buzzes with life.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, call the Boone County Extension office at 815-544-3710.

12/16/2025

If you're working on a large-scale habitat-restoration project or a garden project for a school or educational non-profit, you may qualify to receive free milkweeds from Monarch Watch. Apply here:
monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/free-milkweeds/

12/15/2025

**Take Charge of Your Health: Chronic Conditions** helps individuals build the confidence, motivation, and skills needed to manage ongoing health issues such as arthritis, chronic pain, mental health conditions, cancer, or diabetes through practical self-management strategies.

Kick off 2026 by taking charge of your health!

11/25/2025

Discover how to create a vibrant garden that supports bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Tenley. Registration required by calling the lda Public Library at 815-544-3838.

11/24/2025

Is gardening your "thing"? Do you excitedly wait until spring to start your seeds?
You don't have to anymore — learn how to start seeds all winter long! Join a Boone County Master Gardener as you discover how simple containers, cold weather, and a little planning can give you hardy seedlings that are ready for spring planting.
Call the library at 815-544-3838 to register. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, call the Boone County Extension office at 815-544-3710.

11/07/2025

Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals by Local Foods and Small Farms educator Grant McCarty, assisted by ag students at Belvidere North High School.