Building a strong and connected community

Illinois Extension building a strong and connected community

As we move forward in 2024, 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

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School Programs

Announcements and Highlights

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Boost Your Brain Health

Join Extension Educator Kara Schweitzer for monthly Wits Fitness get-togethers to exercise your brain. Have fun and socialize while stimulating cognitive function and memory. Sessions are designed for adults of all ages.

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Free Seeds to Start Your Garden

Gardeners…come in to the Sterling Illinois Extension office to choose some seeds for the upcoming growing season! Offered free thanks to generous donations from Blain's Farm & Fleet and Walmart Supercenter, Sterling. First come, first served for a large variety of flower and vegetable seeds.

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Community Education Classes Offered at SVCC

Our staff is now providing business and community Education Classes at Sauk Valley Community College. There's bound to be a class for you!

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Events

Lee County 4-H Junior Gardener SPIN Club

April 16, 2024 - July 30, 2024

County

Lee

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs

April 16, 2024

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Embracing AI: Assistance for Enhanced Living

April 17, 2024

Wits Fitness Prophetstown | April

April 17, 2024

County

Whiteside

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News Releases

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April 15, 2024

Unlock better hearing and discover teleaudiology solutions with Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Hearing is not merely a sense but serves as a gateway to communication and connection with the world. However, many individuals face challenges with hearing loss, significantly impacting their daily lives. Recognizing this, individuals must educate themselves and understand the...

April 15, 2024

Six replacement trees for invasive Callery pear
URBANA, Ill. — Now considered an invasive species, Callery pear is a widely used ornamental flowering tree with negative effects on native ecosystems. The tree is still bought, sold, and planted because it has not yet made the...

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April 12, 2024

Savor the Season: Local Libraries Offer Exciting Cooking Classes
Thomson, Mt. Carroll, and Savanna Libraries are thrilled to announce the dates for April’s cooking classes led by Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the joys of Cooking with Vegetables, with a special focus on the versatile Asparagus....

Three people planting a tree in the park

April 12, 2024

Oak Tree Planting Project Set for April 25 at Old Mill Park in Savanna
Carroll County 4-H is pleased to announce a collaborative effort with the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District and Savanna Park District to initiate an oak tree planting project. This project aims to highlight the significance of preserving and promoting oak trees across Illinois...

Row of green evergreens and shrubs planted as a windbreak in a yard.

April 8, 2024

Discover added benefits to planting windbreaks
URBANA, Ill. — Windbreaks are utilized as critical components of agriculture worldwide and have been for centuries. Traditionally, windbreaks are linear plantings layered with trees and shrubs primarily designed to reduce wind speeds. Also known as shelterbelts, windbreaks have the potential to...

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