From prairies to woodlands, the natural areas of Illinois are filled with diverse native species.  Extension provides education, resources, and stewardship to protect native plants and control invasive species. Locally, Extension’s walks and other programs focus on local ecosystems, while a comprehensive compilation of grass identification resources is available to all.  Check out our resources on invasive species, pollinators, and Illinois grasses, including 25 one-minute grass identification videos. Or get involved in providing stewardship for natural areas in your community through Extension’s Master Naturalist program.

Nature is good for us.  In addition to all the environmental benefits natural areas provide, connections with nature help us directly.  Time spent in nature reduces stress, improves our mood and helps us be active. Through local programs, webinars, podcasts, volunteer programs, and community resources, Extension provides opportunities for Illinois residents to connect with nature through greater understanding, stewardship, and community gardens and natural areas that provide sustainable landscapes. Check out our Everyday Environment webinar series, including nearly 50 videos, our Spotlight on Natural Resources podcast, the community garden locator, and our volunteer Master Naturalist and Master Gardener programs.

Extension connects kids with nature and helps them grow into engaged environmental stewards. All around the state, local educators provide programming to students through Conservation Days, school visits, and summer camps. Extension also provides a water usage activity book and other engaging at-home nature activities families can use. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant provides many teacher resources including lesson planner explorers on Land and Water Nutrients, Pollution Prevention, and Weather and Climate. Extension also teaches college students through a partnership with John Wood Community College and through outreach events at the University of Illinois Red Oak Rain Garden.

Through our decisions and actions, we can sustain, protect, and manage the water that sustains us. In support of clean water, Illinois Extension plays a central role for nutrient loss reduction, minimizing runoff of fertilizers from cities and farmland to protect downstream water quality.  Extension coordinates and facilitates policy, technical, and science groups working with the statewide Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy partnership. Extension also supports implementation of nutrient strategy in four priority watersheds and extends nutrient strategy information to the public education and through the production of a Biennial Report. Listen to our NLRS podcast. Read our NLRS blog. Extension also supports clean, well-managed water through Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s Lawn to Lake program, through the Groundwork toolkit for green stormwater infrastructure, and through resources in the Stormwater@Home series.