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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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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
News Releases
there's a tear strip separating the overall image; on the left side is a beige background with a photo of a variety of squashes. On the right side is a photo of a variety of fresh vegetables in a basket
Selecting, storing, and using winter squash
Winter squash is one of the fall's most popular and tasty vegetables. Winter squash encompasses a variety of squash, such as Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, Hubbard, Sweet Dumpling, and Spaghetti squash. If you want to learn how to make your everyday squash go from ordinary to extraordinary, Join...
food inside plastic containers
Freezer meal fundraiser to benefit local Ag in the Classroom program
OREGON, Ill. - Meals made easy and for a great cause! Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple? We have a great opportunity for you to take a night off from cooking.  This is also a great gift idea as well. Order ten delicious meals that have been...
Purple background with gradient, Master Gardener logo, and "2024 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference" text.
Volunteers grow together during annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs, over 2,300 dedicated volunteers across Illinois are committed to gardening education and community outreach. While they typically help others learn to grow, Master Gardener volunteers will grow together during the 2024...
Superior young producers pose with banner.
2024 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Skillathon winners announced
Springfield, IL – The 2024 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest was held on Aug. 7 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Forty-three 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. This is a three-phase competition challenging the young 4-H member...

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