Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact.
Put research-based knowledge to work for you.
At home, at work, and in your community — count on Illinois Extension’s reliable and relatable information to help you navigate resilience in all areas of life.
Find local programs
Plan Your Garden
Growing your own produce brings many rewards, and the gardening game is already underway for many gardeners across Illinois!
Whether you're starting your own plants from seed or purchasing transplants, it's a good idea to plan your garden to maximize both space and the growing season. Extension has expert tips on planning, planting, growing, and managing a great garden.
Connect. Learn. Grow.
Footprint for Innovation
Through a visionary gift, the future home of Illinois Extension is taking shape. This innovative hub for learning, collaboration, and community impact will connect research to real life for all 102 Illinois counties.
Extension's Valued Volunteers
Extension's network of 5,100+ volunteers creates a lasting, positive impact in Illinois communities — sharing knowledge, building tomorrow's leaders, and providing hands-on expertise to support resilient communities.
Wildlife is Everywhere
Learn how to support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday wildlife encounters with research-based information you can trust.
A Strategic Path for Extension Impact
Throughout 2023 and early 2024, Illinois Extension, in partnership with Huron Consulting Group, engaged in a comprehensive planning process to refine and refresh its core priorities, goals, and paths to success through internal and external stakeholder surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions statewide. The research yielded vital findings around Extension’s engagement, services, partnerships, and impact and identified shifting trends, demographics, and needs that will impact Illinois residents.
Recent News
Grow healthier ecosystems at home this pollinator month
URBANA, Ill. — Planting native flowers in a backyard, patio container, or community garden can provide critical food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. This June, in recognition of National Pollinator Month, University of Illinois Extension encourages community members to…
From training to table: Extension programs strengthen school nutrition
URBANA, Ill. — School meal programs play an important role in helping students stay healthy and ready to learn. To make sure these meals are safe and nutritious, school nutrition staff need regular training.
Federal rules by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010…
Add sunshine and new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars to summer
URBANA, Ill. — Summer activities around the garden can be fun and a way to spend a little more time outside. Take a break from the sun to watch two new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening series.
The summer series is June 9 and July 28, with…
Upcoming Events
Rural Roots Family Fun Day
Canning with Confidence, Food Preservation - Lacon
Eat and Educate - Cooking for 1 or 2
Garden Planning Workshop