Jefferson County

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Extension in Action

We believe in the people of Jefferson County. We are committed to our mission to connect our local communities to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, develop educational programs, extend knowledge, and build partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments. See what in-person programming and webinars are coming up that will impact our communities and bring us all to a prosperous future.

Visit the Jefferson County Extension office at 4202 Williamson Place, Suite 2, Mt. Vernon, IL

Ph: 618-242-0780 | Hours: Mon–Thu 8AM–4:30PM (Closed 12–1PM), Friday by appointment.

Check out our 2025 Impact!

Extension Educators working alongside the local Regional Office of Education to educate PreK student on gardening.

Adults gathered for a hands-on cut flower program, learning arranging techniques and care tips while creating their own floral designs.

Local growers attend the 2025 Fruit and Vegetable School, gaining fresh insights and emerging knowledge to help their orchards thrive.

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Upcoming Local Programs & Events

Register for local Extension programs online using links below, or connect with the Jefferson County Extension Office by phone at 618-242-0780 or email at uie-bcjmw@illinois.edu.

June 15 | Make it for Dad: BBQ Blend Workshop (Jefferson County Extension office, Mt Vernon)
June 23 | Electricity Snap Circuit (Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Mt Vernon)
June 20 | 4-H Horse Show (King City Saddle Club, Mt Vernon)
June 26 | Marcoot Jersey Creamery (Marcoot Creamery, Greenville)
July 15 | Back to Basics Series Gardening on a Budget (Jefferson County Extension Office, Mt Vernon)
July 18 - 22 | 4-H Shows (Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Whittington)
Aug 11 | Sourdough Starting Back to Basics Series (Marion County Extension Office, Salem)
Aug 18 | Herb Gardening Back To Basics Series (Washington County Extension Office, Nashville)
Sept 15 | Beekeeping 101 Back to Basics Series (Big T's Honey Bee Farm, Greenville)
Oct 10 | Tree Care Back to Basics Series (Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, Carlyle)

View all programs available to residents in our local area!

Learn More about Youth Programming

Local Resources

Find a local 4-H Club in Jefferson County

Jefferson and Marion County Dog SPIN Club (Texico)
Texico Stars (Texico)
Marlow Cardinals* (Bluford)
Prairie Wranglers (Belle Rive)
Salt and Light (Mt. Vernon)
Waltonville Bulldogs* (Waltonville)
Waltonville Lucky Leprechauns* (Waltonville)

* These clubs offer a dedicated Cloverbud club for youth ages 5-7 years.

Traditional 4-H Clubs meet regularly throughout the year, offering members the opportunity to explore a wide range of projects, including STEM, Agriculture, Creative and Visual Arts, and more. These clubs provide hands-on learning experiences, leadership development, and a strong sense of community for youth of all interests.

Special Interest Clubs (SPIN CLUBS) are short-term clubs that meet 6-8 times over a brief period, focusing on a single topic. These clubs provide an in-depth exploration of a specific interest.

For more information, call the Jefferson County Extension Office at 618-242-0780.

Jefferson County Extension Scholarships and Awards

Jefferson County Newsletters

Interested in receiving monthly newsletters for your county?

Subscribe today to receive future messages.

For more information, call the Jefferson County Extension Office at 618-242-0780.

Jefferson County Advisory Council Members

Click here to learn more about the Extension Council.

John Consolino
Jamie Storey
Courtney Kabat

Food Pantries in Jefferson County

Park Avenue Baptist Church, 1100 Partridge Place, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 1-3 p.m.
Angels on Assignment, 1201 Broadway Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 - Fridays, 9-11 a.m. Every 3rd Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. You will have the choice of Tuesday or Friday, not both.
Mt. Vernon Mobile Market, 500 S 10th Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 - third Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran, 3205 Broadway Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 - third Thursday, 4:30-5 p.m.
Hope’s Entourage, 521 Perkins Ave, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 - second & fourth Mondays of the month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 5-7 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Woodlawn, 301 N Central Street, Woodlawn, IL 62898 - first or second Friday of the month, 11 a.m. Call ahead: (618) 390-1046
Epworth United Methodist Church, 401 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 - third Thursday of the month, must call ahead to sign up (618) 242-5394
Lively Stone Apostolic Church, 1700 Oakland Avenue, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 - Monday-Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Youth Opportunities in Clinton County

For more information, check your most recent 4-H newsletter, call the Jefferson County Extension Office at 618-242-0780.

Enroll in 4-H Explore projects through 4-H

Free Pressure Canner Testing

Dial pressure canner gauges need to be tested once a year. Over time, a dial gauge’s calibration can become inaccurate and show an incorrect pressure. If the pressure is even slightly lower than recommended, the internal temperature of the food will not be high enough to kill all the bacteria, and harmful toxins can build up and cause illness or death.

To get your pressure canner dial gauge tested, drop off your lid at any of our county offices. Once the lid is tested, you will be contacted about the results and for pick up. Pressure canner testing is available at other Extension offices around the state as well. For more home preservation resources, visit the state Pressure Canning page. Questions? Feel free to call us at (618) 327-8881.

someone holding a leaf with plant disease damage

Plant Problems? We Can Help!

Did you know you can bring plant samples directly into our Jefferson County office? We make it easier for you to identify and address plant problems by accepting samples directly from the public and sending them to the University of Illinois' Plant Clinic for analysis. Before you visit, learn how to prepare your plant sample – then visit our office, no appointment necessary!