Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact

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Announcements and Highlights

26th Annual Gardener's Day

Get ready to dig into inspiration at Gardener’s Day! This special event will bring together gardening enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy engaging speakers, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to learn new tips and techniques for your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, Gardener’s Day offers something for everyone.

Wits Fitness

Feeling a little foggy lately? You're not alone—and there’s something you can do about it. Join University of Illinois Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley for a fun, interactive session designed to clear the mental cobwebs.

Legacy & Law: Navigating Farm Succession

Planning for the future of your farm is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your land, and your legacy. Understanding how succession works—and the pitfalls to avoid—can make all the difference when transitioning your farm to the next generation.

Information You Can Count On

Community Food Map

Use the Find Food IL map to find places in your community offering free food or meals. You can also find stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons.

Insights from the Field: Read Our Educator Blogs

Curious about what’s growing in our gardens, changing in our communities, or trending in youth development? Our educators share their expertise, stories, and practical tips through regularly updated blogs.

Your Toughest Questions, Answered

Have a question on a plant, tree, or insect? Our horticulture experts will share their advice and solutions to your toughest problems.

Upcoming Events

Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit

January 28, 2026

Federal Legislative 2026 Update

January 29, 2026

State 4-H Horse Judging Contest

February 1, 2026

Southwestern Agronomy Summit

February 3, 2026

More Events

Recent News

January 26, 2026

Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...

January 16, 2026

Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can now differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions of riverine nitrogen pollution in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The advancement, published in...

Delegates in formal wear pose in front of curtains.

January 15, 2026

Illinois 4-H youth among nation’s top teen leaders at National 4-H Congress
ATLANTA, Ga. — Ten Illinois teens represented the state at National 4-H Congress, a five-day national conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the country for leadership development, educational...

Members of Extension Academy and ACES/Extension leadership

January 14, 2026

Illinois Extension Academy cohort poised to cultivate collaboration and impact
URBANA, IL — Collaboration and shared expertise strengthen any project, especially when they help deliver University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s latest research and best practices to communities across Illinois and beyond.With the start of the fall...

January 13, 2026

Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...

More News Releases

Local Programs We Offer

4-H Youth Development