Building a strong and connected community

Illinois Extension building a strong and connected community

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As we move forward in 2025, 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.

Announcements and Highlights

The first of 6 Nature Explorers meetings is March 24 at Franklin Creek State Natural Area.

Spring Youth Programs

There is so much to learn and do with 4-H this spring: edible art, plastic brick building, hiking SPIN club and so much more! Check back for new classes and events as the season progresses.

The Ready, Set, Grow Gardening conference will take place on Saturday, March 28.

Ready, Set, Grow!

Registration is now open for the 15th annual Ready, Set, Grow gardening workshop! Join us on March 28 at Sauk Valley Community College for a morning of learning and networking with fellow gardeners.

Soil Testing Kits

Soil Testing Kits are now available, contact our offices for more information.

Events
News Releases
Ignite delegates pose by giant clover.
Illinois 4-H teens build career-ready skills at Ignite by 4-H Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teen leaders from across Illinois recently joined hundreds of their peers from around the country March 25-29 for the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, a national youth leadership experience focused on career exploration, skill-building and connection.Hosted by National 4-H...
Proteins, fruits and vegetables on table with heart shaped bowl in center
Getting the Scoop on Dietary Guidelines For Americans
Decades of research have clearly demonstrated the connection between diet and health. Today, diet-related chronic diseases, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, remain leading causes of death, disability, and healthcare costs in the United States....
Trees in yards
Trees in Your Landscape: Functions and Benefits
Join Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator for the program “Trees in Your Landscape: Functions and Benefits” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series. This program is being held on May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County...
A person shows a lock and tag out bin safety system at an event table
Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...

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