U of I Extension Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Unit

U of I Extension Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Unit University of Illinois Extension: Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Our main office is located in Sterling with satellite offices in Mt. Carroll and Amboy.

Delivering educational programs for youth, families, farmers, gardeners, businesses, schools and organizations in Carroll, Whiteside and Lee Counties. University of Illinois Extension is part of the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. We believe in you. We believe in Illinois: its people, its diverse neighborhoods and communities, and our shared future. We believe that hea

lth and wellness are the foundation for individuals, families, and communities reaching their full potential. We believe in and promote a culture of service as fundamental to strong and healthy families, neighborhoods, and state. We believe that the long term sustainability of the environment and agricultural productivity requires stewardship and care. We believe in and respect youth’s potential to change the world, and work to support nurturing communities and opportunities to learn and grow. We believe in the state of Illinois and we are committed to our mission linking local communities to the University, to develop programs, tools, and knowledge that will support needed change. Our mission is to align research to needs and translate research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. We address key issues in Illinois. Our work focuses on five grand challenges. Illinois Extension leaders work with a network of local stakeholders to define annual priorities that allow us to respond to evolving and emerging needs while still ensuring meaningful progress toward key outcomes in each of the five grand challenge areas. This blend of long-range focus and local accountability is a powerful strategy that ensures we stay true to our mission while we serve communities across the state.

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06/10/2026

Designed for youth ages 8–14, the camp will be offered at two locations, providing hands-on learningexperiences focused on plants, animals, and the environment.

We have opened up more dates for the Nature's Paint Box program!! Kids ages 5-10 will create their own paints using natu...
06/10/2026

We have opened up more dates for the Nature's Paint Box program!! Kids ages 5-10 will create their own paints using natural materials, and connect with nature while discovering the science and creativity behind natural pigments.

• June 18, Thomson Library 1-2 pm: go.illinois.edu/ThomsonNPB
• June 22, Whiteside County Extension Office, 2-3 pm: go.illinois.edu/SterlingNPB
• June 23, Lee County Extension Office, 1:30-2:30 pm: go.illinois.edu/AmboyNPB
• June 24, Kelly Park, Morrison, 10-11 am: go.illinois.edu/MorrisonNPB
• June 25, Andresen Nature Center, Fulton, 12:30-2pm: go.illinois.edu/FultonNPB
• June 29, Milles & Petrie Library, Ashton, 5-6 pm: go.illinois.edu/AshtonNPB
• July 8, Prophetstown Library, 1:30-2:30 pm: go.illinois.edu/ProphetstownNPB
• July 21, Carroll County Extension Office, 11-12 pm: go.illinois.edu/MtCarrollNPB
• July 21, Milledgeville Library, 2-3 pm: go.illinois.edu/MilledgevilleNPB

06/09/2026

1 month until the Whiteside County 4-H Show starts at the fairgrounds in Morrison. The public is invited to come see the projects local youth have worked on throughout the year. The show kicks off with the Horse and Pony show on July 9, followed by the Poultry, Cat, and Rabbit shows, as well as the Federation Pork Chop BBQ on Friday, July 10, and the general project show all day on Saturday, July 11.

Calling all Seedling Explorers, we will be learning about potatoes tomorrow! Get ready for a fun-filled morning, June 9t...
06/08/2026

Calling all Seedling Explorers, we will be learning about potatoes tomorrow! Get ready for a fun-filled morning, June 9th, 10am at the Sterling Township Garden. We will learn about potatoes through a story, try our hand at planting mid-season potatoes, experiment with potato art, and explore the garden. Be prepared to get extra messy with the group, as we’ll be using tempera paint with our potato stamps.

Seedling Explorers is a FREE program targeted to pre-K youth and their families. No registration necessary, just show up ready to get dirty and learn about gardening!

TODAY- June 8th is your last chance to sign up for our summer Master Gardener training! Register now at go.illinois.edu/...
06/08/2026

TODAY- June 8th is your last chance to sign up for our summer Master Gardener training! Register now at go.illinois.edu/whitesidetraining

Register by June 8th for our IN-PERSON summer session of Master Gardener Training for adults interested in learning more about horticulture and sharing that researched based information with others. Training covers various home horticulture topics including: Basic Botany, Flower Gardening, Insects, Integrated Pest Management, Plant Diseases, Small Fruits, Soils and Fertilizer, Tree and Shrub Care, and Turfgrass Care.

Fridays, June 12 - August 28; 9 AM-Noon
Whiteside County Extension Office
$225
30 ISBE Credits available for teachers
Apply by June 8 at go.illinois.edu/whitesidetraining

06/05/2026

The SVACC and SVACC Agribusiness Committee are excited to celebrate the next generation of agriculture leaders, makers, growers, and entrepreneurs with a special pop up on Saturday, July 18! Area youth ages 8-18 will have the opportunity to have a space at the Twin City Farmers Market to show off their locally grown and/or made products and test the waters on running their own booth. Stop by from 8AM until noon to support the next generation of leaders!

Illinois Extension has an assortment of youth programs this summer! From art to engineering, and nature to dance, we hav...
06/04/2026

Illinois Extension has an assortment of youth programs this summer! From art to engineering, and nature to dance, we have something for almost every interest and age from pre-K to Jr. High. For more information and to register, check out the Events tab on our profile.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate or cost is a prohibiting factor, please contact our office at the number in our profile.

Two of our summer staff kicked off their programming in Whiteside County yesterday! They have various programs planned i...
06/04/2026

Two of our summer staff kicked off their programming in Whiteside County yesterday! They have various programs planned in Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties. Check out our Facebook events for more information!

Address

12923 Lawrence Road
Sterling, IL
61081

Opening Hours

Tuesday 7:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6pm
Thursday 7:30am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+18156323611

Website

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