Building a strong and connected community

Illinois Extension building a strong and connected community

As we move forward in 2025, 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
Community Resiliency
Food and Family
Fund Development
Master Gardeners
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.

Master Gardener Training starts June 12.

Master Gardener Training

We are excited to offer in-person Master Gardener Training this summer at the Whiteside County Extension office! Training starts June 12.

Soil Testing Kits

Soil Testing Kits are now available, contact our offices for more information.
Events
More Events
News Releases
Fresh tomatoes and dehydrated tomatoes on a tray
Yes! You Can: Dehydrating Your Summer Produce
Dehydrating food is one of the oldest food preservation methods around. Historically, the sun and wind were used to dry foods, primarily to prevent spoilage and ensure survival through long winters by inhibiting microorganisms through moisture removal. Since then, it has evolved dramatically,...
Corn growing in field
Talking Crop Podcast
The Talking Crop podcast is back for its third season. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Kathryn Seebruck, Talking Crop is a row crop production podcast, with episodes occurring...
More News Releases

Dig Deeper

Topics we address
Agricultural Technology
Beef Cattle
Christmas Trees
Climate
Community Gardens
Community Planning
Composting
Container Gardens
Cottage Food
Crops
Diabetes
Disasters
Economic Development
Energy
Environmental Quality
Family
Farm Management
Firewood
Flowers
Food
Food Preservation
Food Safety
Forestry
Fruit Trees for Home Gardens
Health
Hemp
Herbs
Home Vegetable Gardening
Houseplants
Illinois Grasses
Illinois Master Naturalist Program
Insects
Invasives
Lawns
Livestock
Local Food Systems and Small Farms
Local Government Education
Mental Health
Mushrooms
Natural Resources
Nutrient Loss Reduction
Personal Finances
Plant Problems
Plants
Pumpkins
Rainfall Management
Regenerative Agriculture
Roses
Septic Systems
Small Fruits for Home Gardens
Soil
Specialty Crops
Thriving Youth
Ticks
Turkey
Vaccines
Weather
Wildlife
Youth Gardening

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings

State Extension
Serving Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties
Whiteside County Extension Office
12923 Lawrence Road
Sterling, IL 61081
Phone: 815-632-3611
Carroll County Extension Office
642 S East Street
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Phone: 815-244-9444
Lee County Extension Office
280 W Wasson Rd
Amboy, IL 61310
Phone: 815-857-3525