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
Title
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.
Title
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.
Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in northern Illinois following corn harvest last…
Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference builds confidence, leadership skills in young teens
Springfield, Ill.—Nearly 90 seventh and eighth grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2026 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) held March 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. This event is planned and hosted by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team.…
Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference builds confidence, leadership skills in young teens
Springfield, Ill.—Nearly 90 seventh and eighth grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2026 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) held March 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. This event is planned and hosted by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team.…
2026 Sheep Weigh-in
Nature Explorers SPIN Club: Savanna
Tazewell 4-H Jr. Master Gardener Club Begins
Green Connections: Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery Tour