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.

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Gardeners Corner

Get advice and inspiration to make your garden, landscape or houseplants shine in any season. Subscribe to Gardeners Corner, a quarterly newsletter from the Illinois Extension team of horticulture experts.

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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

4-H Memorial Camp Summer Session 3

June 15, 2025 - June 19, 2025

2025 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest

June 16, 2025

4-H Vet Science Workshop: Amboy

June 17, 2025

County

Lee

Whiteside

Carroll

Get to Know Native Bee Neighbors

June 17, 2025

More Events

News Releases

Tiny aphid insects crawling along plant leaves and stems.

June 16, 2025

Managing pests in the garden
URBANA, Ill. — Warm weather has arrived, and plants are starting to green up and bloom. That also means weeds, insects, and diseases are starting to become active too. As the saying goes, the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, and for gardeners, pests are also included in the...

Group of people setting up a pollinator garden

June 13, 2025

Celebrate Pollinator Week with tips and tools for a more pollinator-friendly yard
URBANA, Ill. — As they flutter through plant and flower blossoms, spreading pollen with every landing, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators quietly sustain healthy ecosystems, successful home vegetable gardens, and agricultural production. This...

June 12, 2025

Discover reliable health insights in the Summer Self-Care series
URBANA, Ill. — Technology has improved access to health information, but the spread of misinformation online poses serious risks. To address this, researchers, educators, and communities must work together to ensure people get accurate, evidence-based guidance.The ...

Fishing winners pose with winning catches.

June 12, 2025

Illinois youth reel in early wins in statewide 4-H fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament is off to a strong start and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge that celebrates outdoor...

June 9, 2025

Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...

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