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

National Volunteer Week: April 21-27

Our sincere "Thank you!" to the more than 120 Extension volunteers in our service area who make meaningful impacts in our communities every day! Without their leadership, time, talents, and commitment we could not accomplish all we do. We welcome you to learn more and join the fun:

Volunteer Opportunities

Free Seeds

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 variety of flower and vegetable seeds.

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Summer Youth Programs

Learn, do and have fun this summer! Youth program topics include forensic science, nature exploration, sewing, gardening and dance. Check back for new classes as the summer progresses.

Find a Session

Events

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4-H Pixel Pioneers: Unleashing Creativity in the Digital Canvas

April 23, 2024 - May 28, 2024

Oak Tree Planting | Old Mill Park

April 25, 2024

County

Carroll

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Cooking with Veggies Monthly Lessons | Mt. Carroll Library

April 25, 2024

County

Carroll

National 4-H Day of Service

April 27, 2024

More Events

News Releases

April 16, 2024

Get tools to manage non-native plants and insects at Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Spotted lanternflies were found in Illinois for the first time in 2023. Quagga and zebra mussels clog water intake pipes on Lake Michigan, and every spring, invasive Bradford Callery pear trees and amur bush honeysuckle bloom across Illinois communities instead of native...

April 16, 2024

Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year. Various...

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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....

More News Releases