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

Master Naturalist Program

School and Community Programs

Announcements and Highlights

children running through bubbles at a park

Summer Youth Programs

Learn, do and have fun this summer! Youth program topics include forensic science, gardening and creating with color. Check back for new classes as the summer progresses.

Find a Session

Master Naturalist Training

Learn more about, and positively impact our local environment, by training to be an Illinois Extension Master Naturalist. You'll be exposed to several fascinating facets of Illinois nature, including botany, ornithology, prairies, forests and water systems.

Enroll Now

Wits Fitness Brain Health

Enjoy fun, interactive activities crafted to stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive function and memory for adults of all ages. Classes are held at locations throughout Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties.

Dates & Locations

Events

BEAD-Funded Connect Illinois Round 4: Benefit of the Bargain Round

June 30, 2025

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll | July

July 1, 2025

County

Carroll

Whiteside

Lee

Wits Fitness Thomson | July

July 1, 2025

County

Carroll

Lee

Whiteside

Ampliar el Acceso a los Alimentos: Compras de Comestibles en Línea para las Comunidades Rurales de Bajos Ingresos

July 2, 2025

More Events

News Releases

Looking down the rows where a corn and soybean field edge meet

June 27, 2025

Corn after soy: New study quantifies rotation benefits and trade-offs
URBANA — While the majority of Midwestern farmers rotate corn and soybeans, commodity prices and corn yield advantages compel some to plant corn year after year. Although foundational research on the benefits of corn-soybean rotation goes back decades, University...

June 26, 2025

High impact University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed programs face elimination
URBANA, Ill. — There are many barriers Illinois residents face in making healthy choices. For over 30 years, University of Illinois Extension’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programs have helped people stretch their food dollars while increasing their nutrition...

A green tractor pulls a seated trailer full of people around a farm tour

June 26, 2025

Agronomy Days at Illinois continue with research tours, field days, and more
URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Agronomy Days series officially kicked off in May, providing Illinois farmers with the opportunity to discover the latest agronomic...

Sun rise with electrical towers in front

June 25, 2025

Reduce energy consumption and stay safe during summer heat waves
URBANA, Ill. — The first heat wave of the summer hit the Midwest earlier than usual this week, with a heat index forecast of up to 105 degrees, pushing many indoors to stay cool. All those air conditioning units running almost nonstop put pressure...

June 25, 2025

New leadership joins Illinois 4-H Foundation Board
Champaign, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. The 4-H Foundation Board of Directors is committed to advancing the Illinois 4-H program by fostering partnerships, securing resources, and...

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