Reports

See the impact Extension had in our community

A Message From Our County Director

Ginger Boas

As I reflect on the past year, one theme emerges: expansion. We haven't just maintained the momentum of our existing programs; we've actively sought out new audiences and communities, particularly in rural areas and local schools, where the need for our services is often most pronounced.

This expansion stemmed from a deep understanding that knowledge and opportunity should be accessible to all, regardless of location or background. We believe that by reaching out to underserved communities, we can amplify our impact and contribute to building a more equitable and resilient society.

This annual report will tell the story of our journey. You'll read about:

  • Innovative programs designed to address the unique needs of rural communities, from financial literacy workshops to mental health awareness campaigns.
  • Fruitful collaborations with local schools, bringing our expertise directly into the classroom and empowering young minds.
  • Inspiring stories of devoted volunteers dedicating countless hours to bringing beauty, knowledge, and mentorship to the hearts of their communities.  

I invite you to celebrate our team's dedication, our supporters' generosity, and most importantly, the resilience and potential of the communities we serve. 

Ginger Boas
County Director

This year's impact report features...

A woman in a colorful shirt stands at the front of a classroom.

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy celebrates global delights with Illinois Extension

Classrooms at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy transformed into vibrant cultural hubs as Illinois Extension collaborated with the school to host an enriching Cultural Day celebration.  More than 200 second through fifth-grade students embarked on a global journey, exploring diverse traditions through hands-on activities, authentic cuisine, and music with the help of Extension’s 4-H, Nutrition and Wellness, and SNAPEd teams.

Read the Full Story

An instructor tells a participant in the class how to put the lid on a jar of marmalade as other class participants watch in the background.

Learning the art of canning with the farm-fresh apples and Illinois Extension

Local residents gathered at the Illinois Nutrition Education Program office for a hands-on canning workshop led by Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Rachel Mannen. The class offered participants a valuable opportunity to learn the art of preserving their harvests through the time-honored tradition of canning.

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An older volunteer and a young volunteer work together to cut down an invasive stump.

Master Naturalists rally volunteers to restore historic Sibley Burr Oak Grove

Master Naturalists cultivate a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world, fostering a sense of belonging within it. Through education, conservation, and outreach, they become engaged stewards of their local environments, working to protect the natural resources where we live to ensure our world is fit for the future. 

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A colorful garden along a sidewalk in front of a building with a beautiful blue sky.

Pollinator garden flourishes at Danville Public Library

The Danville Public Library’s pollinator garden is more than a project; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when community members come together with a shared vision. By providing education, tools, and inspiration, the Vermilion County Master Gardeners are leading the way in fostering a sustainable future, one garden at a time.

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A tea cup next to a hand that is turning the page in a newspaper

See What We've Done

Read all about the projects that Illinois Extension has been working on this year

A planner open on a table

See What We'll Do Next

See all of the wonderful events that Illinois Extension has planned in our community

A group of people posing for a picture. One person is holding a sign that says, "We volunteered!"

See Who We Are

Meet the wonderful Illinois Extension staff that are working to make an impact in our community

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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