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.

Spring Youth Programs

There is so much to learn and do with 4-H this spring: edible art, plastic brick building, hiking SPIN club and so much more! Check back for new classes and events as the season progresses.

The Ready, Set, Grow Gardening conference will take place on Saturday, March 28.

Ready, Set, Grow!

Registration is now open for the 15th annual Ready, Set, Grow gardening workshop! Join us on March 28 at Sauk Valley Community College for a morning of learning and networking with fellow gardeners.

Soil Testing Kits

Soil Testing Kits are now available, contact our offices for more information.
Events
More Events
News Releases
Illinois 4-H names new class of statewide youth leaders
Champaign, IL – Thirty-nine outstanding 4-H members from across Illinois have been selected to serve on Illinois 4-H's ambassador teams, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and excellence within the...
A person pointing to a sign that reads: Friend of the Food Banks
An ACES alum with a hunger to serve
URBANA, Ill. — When Steve Ericson walked into the Illinois State Fair as a young exhibitor in 1974, he couldn’t have imagined that one day he’d return, not to show livestock, but to help connect Illinois-grown food to families in need. Now, as Executive Director of...
An image of French fries
Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries
URBANA, Ill. — Fried foods are popular with consumers, but their high fat content can contribute to health challenges like obesity and hypertension. If the food industry can offer lower-fat options of similar quality, people can more easily make health-conscious food choices.Researchers...
Boots with flowers planted in them
Spring Centerpieces
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner as she presents “Spring Centerpieces” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series on Thursday, April 2 at 1:30 p.m. This program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL....
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
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