Building a strong and connected community

Illinois Extension building a strong and connected community

As we move forward in 2024, let our hands continue to sow the seeds of knowledge and our hearts beat in unison, fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness. Together, we'll continue to shape a future where individuals and families in Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties thrive.

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Serving Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties

4-H and Youth

4-H Shows & County Fairs

Master Naturalist Program

School and Community Programs

Announcements and Highlights

Fall Youth Programs

Learn, do and have fun this fall! Youth program topics include mixed media art, world culture, bullet journaling and terrarium workshops! Check back for new programs as they become available.

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Gardeners Corner

Get advice and inspiration to make your garden, landscape or houseplants shine in any season. Subscribe to Gardeners Corner, a quarterly newsletter from the Illinois Extension team of horticulture experts.

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Wits Fitness Brain Health

Enjoy fun, interactive activities crafted to stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive function and memory for adults of all ages. Classes are held at locations throughout Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties.

Dates & Locations

Events

Youth Leadership Conference

November 23, 2024

County

Stephenson

Farmland Owners Conference

November 25, 2024

AG Coffee Talk

November 26, 2024

County

Lee

Whiteside

Carroll

From Flour to Ferment: Sourdough Starter Essentials

November 26, 2024

More Events

News Releases

November 15, 2024

Illinois 4-H Hippology Team earns champion title
LOUISVILLE, KY -- The Illinois 4-H State Hippology team showcased their extensive equine knowledge at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, securing the title of 2024 Hippology champions. Their expertise was tested across a range of topics, including breed identification and evaluation,...

Illinois extension master gardener volunteers throughout the years

November 13, 2024

Illinois Extension Master Gardeners celebrate 50 years of impact, momentum for future
URBANA, Ill. — The 1970s were a time of change; people nationwide had growing concerns about environmental damage from industrial pollution and a renewed interest in home gardening. The environmental movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day, and the Illinois...

Extension staff member shares information about soil nitrogen with a person at at display booth

November 6, 2024

Illinois Extension brings informative presentations to Greater Peoria Farm Show
PEORIA, Ill. — Meet with agriculture specialists from University of Illinois Extension and learn about the latest research during the Greater Peoria Farm Show, Dec. 3-5.Show attendees...

A group of people stand at the edge of a farm field

November 4, 2024

Scientists tackle farm nutrient pollution with sustainable, affordable designer biochar pellets
URBANA, Ill. — What if farmers could not only prevent excess phosphorus from polluting downstream waterways, but also recycle that nutrient as a slow-release fertilizer, all without spending a lot of money? In a first-of-its-kind...

October 18, 2024

Smash, Don’t Trash, Pumpkins this Season
Fall is the pumpkin’s time to shine, but what happens when it is time to say goodbye to the short-lived jack-o-lanterns? Green your Halloween by recycling pumpkins into compost at a free, outdoor Pumpkin Smash offered by the University of Illinois Extension and Sauk Valley...

More News Releases