Start your growing adventure

Do you live in Grundy, Kankakee, or Will County?

Receive information about local programs, advice from University experts in topics that matter to you, and more! These resources and more, absolutely free from Illinois Extension.

Answers you can trust, for life's everyday problems. That's Illinois Extension.

Body

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade....but what if you can't even grow the lemons because you don't know anything about plants!  Life has a tendency to throw you a curveball when you least expect it.  Illinois Extension is here to help as your friendly neighbors.  With experts that work in the communities they serve and research-based knowledge to set you up for success, Extension is here to extend knowledge and change lives.

Eat.Move.Save.

Need to find food...

Jars of preserves are displayed inside a store

I want to start a home bakery...

Illinois Master Gardener logo against a blurred background of a flower bed

I have a gardening question...

Events
News Releases
Horse bowl winners pose.
State horse bowl builds knowledge, lifelong friendships
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Winners pose.
Youth exhibit skills, gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 11-...
Hippology winners pose.
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Robotics team practices before competition.
Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. ­– Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings