Enhancing life's journey

Illinois Extension helping to enhance life's journey

Paths lead and guide us to our destination, whether a well-trodden path to a familiar place or an exciting journey to a new destination, following a path presents an opportunity for growth and learning. It is a great honor to serve our communities in the journey of learning, growth, and development. Illinois Extension remains committed to providing impactful education that has the power to change your path!

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Serving Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties

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Announcements and Highlights

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Year in Review

Each year we take time to celebrate the impact our Extension staff, volunteers, and partners have made in our communities.

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Volunteer With Us

Volunteer with 4-H, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, or Extension Council and help us extend our reach.

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Our staffing needs are diverse, learn more about Extension and come grow with us.

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Events

Group of yellow and purple perennial plants.

Dividing Perennial Beds for More Blooms

September 26, 2023

Addressing Ageism and Promoting Inclusivity | Lessons For Living | September 2023

September 28, 2023

Chalkboard advertising a horticulture program

Growing Horticulture in Northwest Illinois | Using Fresh Herbs| Lee County

September 28, 2023

County

Lee

two master gardener women showcasing a program

Potpourri 101 | Big & Small Gardening with Lee County Master Gardeners

October 3, 2023

County

Lee

More Events

News Releases

September 14, 2023

Four Seasons Gardening series ushers in the fall season with care
URBANA, Ill. — As seasons shift, take care and fall into gardening with ease. Find healing, growth, and how adding a little planning keeps the mind going and growing. Explore how to keep the season alive with tips for dividing perennials, continuing self-growth, and healing with time...

woman and man in a field with boxes for bats

September 1, 2023

Do artificial roosts help bats? Illinois experts say more research needed
URBANA, Ill. — Artificial roosts for bats come in many forms — bat boxes, condos, bark mimics, clay roosts, and cinder block structures, to name a few — but a new conservation practice and policy article from researchers at the University of...

August 30, 2023

4-H officers ignite their potential during training
Isn’t it exciting to discover new strategies for leading others? Current and prospective 4-H officers in Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties will do just that during 2023-24 Officer Training. On Monday, October 9th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, 4-Hers will participate in activities to further...

August 30, 2023

Silver Award for First Christian Church Food Pantry
A group of volunteers from the First Christian Church Food Pantry in Rock Falls, IL. accepted a Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT) silver award. The NEFPAT is implemented by University of Illinois Extension. The award signifies that the pantry offers nutritious foods to...

class winners and their dogs pose with ribbons

August 29, 2023

Wet noses, wagging tails, friendly competition greet 4-H dog exhibitors
DIXON, Ill. — It was a day filled with wet noses and wagging tails as more than 150 dog owners competed for championship honors in the 2023 Illinois 4-H State Dog Show held Aug. 26 at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Dog facility in Dixon. 4-H members who excel in the 4-H dog project are...

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