purple coneflowers with a monarch butterfly

Building a strong and connected community

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Illinois Extension building a strong and connected community

As we move forward in 2026, 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

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

Summer Youth Programs

There is so much to learn and do with 4-H this summer! Check back for new classes and events as the season progresses.

Find a Session

Sauk Valley Grown

Save the date for this year's Sauk Valley Grown Farm Tours and Dinner on Thursday, September 10. More information to come!

View current events here

Soil Testing Kits

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

Events

Fur Real Companionship

October 13, 2026

What’s Happening Under the Panels? Exploring Solar Impacts on Soil Health

October 13, 2026

Inside the Stress Response: Understanding the Amygdala’s Role

October 14, 2026

Take charge of your health

October 14, 2026 - November 18, 2026

More Events

News Releases

three 4-H members aiming air rifles at targets

October 13, 2026

Illinois 4-H'ers excel in 2026 state shooting sports competitions
URBANA, Ill. — A total of 167 Illinois 4-H youth recently showcased their marksmanship skills in statewide competitions across the shooting sports disciplines of rifle, archery, pistol, and shotgun. These events serve as culminating experiences where participants can measure the progress they...

Cans stacked decoratively at the food drive booth.

October 8, 2026

Youth-led initiative creates local action, statewide change
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois 4-H youth across the state came together to make a difference in their communities through the annual Illinois 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive, held Aug. 14-...

A person working to repot plants while looking up something on a tablet.

October 7, 2026

Repot that plant while tuning in to Extension’s Gardening in the Air virtual gardening sessions
URBANA, Ill. — Repotting that houseplant has been on your to-do list, so add in some background gardening talk to set the tone for a fall Saturday. Join Extension on Oct. 24 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or while...

Two people posing in front of a glass window overlooking a street while shaking hands to present an award plaque.

October 5, 2026

From member to 4-H Hall of Famer, Burke leads multi-state Extension impact in agriculture
URBANA, Ill. — Leading and guiding University of Illinois Extension’s growing team of agricultural experts is no small feat. Last year, the team developed and delivered programs that drew over 95,000 people, both virtually and in person, across the...

October 1, 2026

University of Illinois launches Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension celebrated the launch of a new Center focused on food, nutrition, and health at an event that brought partners together from across campus and Illinois. The...

More News Releases

Building a strong and connected community

Title

Illinois Extension building a strong and connected community

Serving Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties