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Building a strong and connected community

Illinois Extension building a strong and connected community

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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.

Announcements and Highlights

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Spring Plant Sales

MAY 11: Friends of the Windmill sale, Cattail Park, Fulton, 8AM-Noon, or until plants are gone. MAY 18: Lee County Master Gardeners sale, 1196 Franklin Rd, Amboy, 8-11AM, or until plants are gone. MAY 18: Morrison Garden Club sale, Odell Library, Morrison, 9AM-1PM, or until plants are gone.

Master Gardeners

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Free Seeds

Gardeners…come in to the Sterling Illinois Extension office to choose some seeds for the upcoming growing season! Offered free thanks to generous donations from Blain's Farm & Fleet and Walmart Supercenter, Sterling. There are still many vegetable seeds left to choose from. Open 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. most days.

Find Us

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Summer Youth Programs

Learn, do and have fun this summer! Youth program topics include forensic science, nature exploration, sewing, gardening and dance. Check back for new classes as the summer progresses.

Find a Session

News Releases
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Add a dash of herbs to spice up floral bouquets
URBANA, Ill. — Cultivating a cut flower garden filled with favorites can be a fun family project that can become budget-friendly gifts for everyone. Adding herbs to a garden and bouquets will create a unique, personal touch to designs. Fresh herbs look and smell amazing and will be long-...
Winners pose by a backdrop.
4-H public speaking contest participants show hard work, courage
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –  4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest...
Person driving a tractor without a cab on a rural road.
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide. Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...
Youth teams standing at a crop scouting station discussing plants with a researcher.
Illinois crop competition calls for youth scouting teams
URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois Youth Crop Scouting Competition is not just any competition. It is a unique opportunity for agriculture students to showcase skills and knowledge while working on a team competing for a prize...

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