A field of yellows flowers poking through the tall grass while the sun is setting.

Gardening tips for every season.

Announcements and Highlights

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Ewing Demonstration Center

Ewing Demonstration Center has served the southern Illinois agricultural community since 1910, connecting local growers with campus faculty and educators.
People gardening together

Canning, gardening, and more

Whether you live in the third story of an apartment or on a 10-acre plot of land, homesteading skills can help bring you and your family closer to the food you eat.
Graphic of a butterfly "Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact"

Illinois Extension Strategic Plan

Illinois Extension engaged in a strategic planning process throughout 2024 that created opportunities for many voices to contribute their own vision for Illinois Extension’s future.

Events

News Releases

Carly Whorton presenting at 2025 grocer summit
Illinois Extension hosts second annual Independent Grocer Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Food Access Initiative, a program of Illinois Extension, is hosting the second annual Independent Grocer Summit at John A. Logan College on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. This annual event pulls together independent grocery store owners...
Three girls smiling for a picture with their coffee filter butterflies they made at Teen Teacher training.
Students become leaders at the 4-H Teen Teacher training
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — 4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to go beyond the expected and be Beyond Ready. The 4‑H Teen Teacher program helps young people develop leadership skills, improve communication, and become role...
A brown bat in a knot hole in a tree
Illinois study reveals another reason to save the world’s trees
All over the world, from Oregon’s old-growth forests to Queensland’s eucalyptus groves, creatures depend on trees for shelter. A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that as the climate destabilizes, the world’s...
a smiling group standing in front of a 4-H backdrop
Gregg family recognized with 2026 Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Gregg family’s 4-H story began more than 70 years ago when Virgil and Edith Gregg organized 4-H clubs in Shelby County and inspired generations of young people to learn and lead. Today, four generations and 17 family members have contributed more...

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