Sustaining a Healthy World

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We have one world. Together, everyone can help protect the natural resources we rely on. University of Illinois Extension provides research-based training in every county. Our statewide network of 58 topic experts work with partners to raise awareness about the environment and the importance of taking action to support human well-being, quality living, and resilient economies and communities now and in the future.

Flagship Programs

Master Naturalists    Illinois Indiana Sea Grant   Safe Electricity   Forestry    Nutrient Loss Reduction   Climate Stewards   Red Oak Rain Garden

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A group of volunteers pose in nature
Empowering Environmental Stewards

Extension helps people understand the science behind the vital connections between themselves and nature. Master Naturalist volunteers share information and assist with conservation projects, while the Junior Master Naturalist program connects 4-H youth with the outdoors through hands-on learning. Climate Stewards and Watershed Stewards are community training programs that empower people to advocate for local sustainable practices. To help develop local workforces, Extension staff teach natural resources and sustainable energy courses at John Wood Community College and undergraduate forestry courses in dendrology and chainsaw safety at U of I College of ACES

Everyday Environment Series   Voice of the Wild Podcast   Find a Community Garden   Wildlife     Illinois Grasses

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Two people collect water samples in a wetland
Sustaining Healthy Water Resources

Water moves us and everyone relies on it, but aging infrastructure, increasing demand, pollution, and floods are making it more complicated and expensive for communities to clean and manage water. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant promotes water-focused healthy landscape practices, such as Lawn to Lake, and collects medicine, 10,8333 pounds to date, to keep it out of the water supply. Through the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, Extension works to reduce nutrient pollution in waterways alongside statewide partners. Extension also connects homeowners and communities with nature-based tools, including the Stormwater@Home series, to manage rainfall through programs and the demonstration Red Oak Rain Garden at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

Illinois Indiana Sea Grant   Nutrient Loss Reduction   Red Oak Rain Garden   Watershed Stewards   Rainfall Management

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A windturbine in a corn field
Building Resilient Communities

Extension helps residents and communities prepare for changing weather conditions and energy needs. Climate resilience is one of Extension’s long-term priority initiatives, and we provide programs and resources on home energy options, severe weather safety, and tools to help farmers adapt to growing conditions. Our Climate Stewards program empowers individuals to take action, while Safe Electricity provides electrical safety and energy efficiency information to 500 utility members nationwide and 5 million consumers in Illinois.

Safe Electricity   Climate Stewards   Climate   Weather   Energy

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A group of people in safety gear stand around a fallen tree
Managing Long-Lasting Forests 

The Extension forestry team provides evidence-based educational programs, training, and technical assistance to help private landowners confidently and safely manage their woodlands. Annually, they lead 80 events, including classes on chainsaw safety, forest health, maple syrup harvesting, and more, while also leading research projects. They provide direct assistance to nearly 500 landowners, including through the Beginning Forest Landowner program, which trains people how to take care of their woodlands and meet their goals. 

Forestry   Invasive Species   

Staff photo Shiba Kar

Shiba 'Shibu' Kar

Assistant Dean: Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Program Leader. Associate Director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Keywords
Environment
Energy
Master Naturalist
Forestry
Water
Invasive Species
Pollinator Habitat
Perennials
Grasses
Administration
Leadership
(217) 333-1234

Outreach and Community Engagement

2,434
Consultations with Extension Experts
2,902
Educational Programs
135,735
Program Participants
243
Organizational Partners

Environmental Stewardship

898
Master Naturalist Volunteers
70,834
Hours Volunteered
$2.4 Million
Value of Volunteer Time
51
Gardens Maintained in 36 Communities

Online Education

226,980
Website views
125,193
Views and Listens of Blogs and Podcasts
1,145
Hours of Video Watched
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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