Sustaining a Healthy World
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
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
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
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.
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.
Shiba 'Shibu' Kar
Bees Birds Butterfly Certified Livestock Manager Citizen Science Climate Community garden Composting Conservation Drainage Energy Energy Conservation Energy Efficiency Environment Forestry Grasses Invasive species Manure Management Master Naturalist Native Plants Outdoor Skills Plant Disease Pollinator Habitat Ponds Recycling Soil Sustainable Agriculture Water Weather Wildlife