Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact.

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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.

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Extension's New Director

Matthew Vann begins his role as Illinois Extension's new associate dean and director Sept. 22. A lifelong champion of agriculture and community engagement, Vann steps into this role with a bold vision for the future.

cans of preserved food in jars

Preserve Fresh Food

Preserving food can make the most of a big harvest so you can enjoy homegrown, locally purchased, or seasonal foods throughout the year. Choose from a variety of safe food preservation methods, and use a tested recipe.

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Wildlife is Everywhere

Learn how to support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday wildlife encounters with research-based information you can trust.

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SNAP-Ed: Nutrition Education That Works

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SNAP-Education transforms the health of our Illinois communities, providing evidence-based nutrition education, healthy messaging, and strategic partnerships to deliver services. In 2024, Illinois SNAP-Ed reached over 1 million residents through the Eat.Move.Save. program, which helps SNAP participants stretch their food dollars, shop for and prepare healthy meals, and adopt more physically active lifestyles.

  • Illinois SNAP-Ed returns up to $9.54 for each dollar spent on programming by reducing obesity, food insecurity, and healthcare costs.
  • Illinois SNAP-Ed is estimated to prevent 5,060 cases of obesity and 570 cases of food insecurity for Illinois adults and children in a single year.
  • Illinois SNAP-Ed is estimated to generate discounted future societal benefits between $76.0 million and $135.3 million for one year of programming.

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A Strategic Path for Extension Impact

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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

Learn latest agricultural research from Illinois Extension experts at Greater Peoria Farm Show

PEORIA, Ill. — Meet with agriculture specialists from University of Illinois Extension and learn about the latest research impacting farms today while attending the Greater Peoria Farm Show, Dec. 2-4.

Show attendees can visit the Illinois Extension booth during show hours on…

Beam signing cements progress on a mission-centered gathering place for University of Illinois Extension

URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is poised to have its first central facility in its 100+ year history by Spring of 2027. The high-impact, geographically dispersed organization serves the state as the outward-facing public good unit housed in the University of Illinois Urbana-…

Water trees wisely to beat winter woes

URBANA, Ill. — As autumn colors emerge, it may seem that trees are preparing for rest. However, when fall brings dry conditions instead of seasonal rains, trees can enter winter under stress. Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and…

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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

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Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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