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.

Connect with Staff Attend a Local Event Follow us on Social Media

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.

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.

Find a Session

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.

Check Out the Schedule and Register

Soil Testing Kits

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

Contact Us

Events

Everyday Stability: How Home Environments Support Children and Caregivers Through Change

March 11, 2026

4-H Shooting Sports Leader Training Northeast Illinois

March 14, 2026

Northwest Regional Horse Bowl & Hippology Contest

March 14, 2026

County

Carroll

Lee

Whiteside

Certified Food Protection Manager Course

March 16, 2026 - March 20, 2026

County

Stephenson

More Events

News Releases

Auditorium at Stateline Fruit and Vegetable growers conference

March 11, 2026

Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference Recap
Our 30th Annual Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference was held on Monday, February 16, in Rockford. Nearly 120 growers and community college students attended this event, which focuses on timely updates for fruit and vegetable growers in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. We...

March 10, 2026

Yes, You Can: Freezing Your Summer Harvest
Spring is just around the corner, and before long, summer gardens will be overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy those garden-fresh flavors long after the growing season ends. Home food preservation remains a popular way to reduce food...

March 9, 2026

Focus on Your Future: Protecting Your Vision for Life
Freeport, Ill.--More than 7 million Americans are estimated to live with vision impairment, with higher rates often seen in rural communities. Interestingly, many people fear losing their vision more than losing their memory, hearing, or speech, yet they frequently delay routine...

March 5, 2026

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

March 4, 2026

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...

More News Releases