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

Taking the Next Steps in Cover Crop Management

August 11, 2026

County

Stephenson

What's in My Food? Decoding Chemicals and Safety

August 11, 2026

4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest Skillathon

August 12, 2026

Selling Timber: What the Landowner Needs to Know

August 12, 2026

More Events

News Releases

August 11, 2026

Illinois 4-H announces winners of 2026 Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that encouraged youth to explore the outdoors, develop fishing skills, and connect with nature.This virtual tournament attracted an...

A gorup of people in a forest with connected hands

August 3, 2026

Turn climate concern into community action with Illinois Climate Stewards Training
URBANA, Ill. — From a spring full of tornadoes to summers with extreme heat and flooding, Illinois communities are already living through the impacts of climate change. Be part of the solution by turning...

photo collage of strawberry cheesecake blossoms, very berry cheesecake popsicle, piggy snacks, and lemon coconut sorbet

August 3, 2026

4-H'ers and families show culinary creativity through Summer Healthy Living Challenge
URBANA, Ill.—4-H youth and their families were challenged to beat the heat this summer by creating their own healthy snacks. They could adapt an existing recipe or invent something completely new, using their creativity to prepare a cool and healthy summer treat that requires little or no baking...

Lombard 4-H youth learn about retail career operations, customer service, and teamwork skills through a Casey's and Ready4Work partnership.

July 30, 2026

Illinois 4-H Ready4Work program prepares next generation for workforce
URBANA, Ill. — Workforce readiness remains a growing concern nationwide. Many young people lack access to opportunities that help them build essential job skills, according to the...

July 29, 2026

Illinois Extension welcomes U. of I. alumna to lead budget and finance operations
URBANA, Ill. — Beginning July 27, Sarah Doherty will oversee University of Illinois Extension’s statewide business and financial operations. Her new role focuses on responsible...

More News Releases

Building a strong and connected community

Title

Illinois Extension building a strong and connected community

Serving Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties