University of Illinois Extension

Connect. Learn. Grow.

Response Resources for COVID-19

The spread and mitigation of coronavirus (COVID-19) is an evolving concern for Illinois. This library of resources can help families, businesses, community leaders, and ag producers cope.

Respond to the 2020 Census.

Getting an accurate count of Illinois residents directs funding for community programs and shapes important services and resources for the next decade.

En Español

La Extensión de la Universidad de Illinois es el principal alcance emblemático de la Universidad de Illinois en Urbana-Champaign, que ofrece programas educativos a los residentes de los 102 condados de Illinois, y mucho más.

Edible Landscaping

Turn your yard into an edible landscape. Horticulture Educator Austin Little will cover options, design and challenges in this August 11 webinar.

Budget-friendly tips for staying healthy

Make healthier choices for your family on any budget. Find your healthy lifestyle with Eat. Move. Save.

Webinars and Digital Training

Information you trust is just a click away. Illinois Extension’s high-quality programs are available for free online as live webinars. Miss a program? Check out the recordings.

Algae Growth on Ponds

Control algae problems before they take over. Educator Katie Parker discusses what pond owners should know about these aquatic plants.

Advocate for Natural Spaces

I took the Master Naturalist training because I wanted to learn more about our local natural areas, and how we can help. -Kathy Herron, Illinois Master Naturalist

Become a Master Gardener

Take your love of gardening to the next level. Master Gardeners are trained horticultural experts who serve their communities through service projects and educational programs.
Find Food Illinois Community food map lets residents search for sites that accept SNAP, LINK and WIC benefits, as well as school and summer meal sites, senior food resources, and benefit offices.
Community map locates food assistance sites
Illinois residents can now find all local food resources in one spot. The new Find Food IL community food map makes it easy to locate participating SNAP, LINK, and WIC partners by zip code, as well as the nearest food pantries and school and summer meal sites.
Seeds spilling out of a blank packet
Do not plant seeds of unknown origins
As mystery packages with unidentified seeds have shown up in mailboxes across the U.S. over the past week, Illinois Extension experts urge people to never plant unidentified seeds.
A man crouches next to a drone preparing to take flight
Tracking down invasive species with drones
University of Illinois Extension Foresters have taken to the skies to see if drones can be used to find invasive plants.
a mosquito landing on someone to feed
How do you get rid of mosquitoes? Start at the source
Preventing mosquitos starts with removing stagnant water where they breed. As little as a half an inch of standing water can be the ideal breeding habitat.
Graphic compilation of COVID-19 dress made of duct tape
4-H senior makes COVID-themed duct tape prom dress
Peyton Manker's elaborate ballgown has struck a chord with people around the world through a viral Facebook post. “I wanted my dress to be something positive that comes out of the pandemic."
Man measures base of large tupelo tree in wetland
Illinois’ big trees are on the map
From the depths of the Shawnee National Forest to backyards in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois’ biggest trees are branching out. For the first time, the state’s champion trees are now available as an interactive digital map.
Upcoming Events

  1. Anything Grows: Annuals/Succulents/Bulbs/Other
    Anywhere with Internet or Phone Access
  2. Seed Saving
    webinar (Jefferson County)
  3. Working with Extension - Success Stories

  1. Webinar - Cool Season Crops to Plant Now
    Online (Cook County)
  2. Health-Make-A-Thon 2020
    Online
More Events