We live in a beautiful, diverse, and lively world full of numerous environments, habitats, and systems. Within our own counties we have prairies, farming fields, urban landscaping, gardens, and forests which home various plants and wildlife.  From the soil to the skies, we can see life all around us.  It is vital to recognize how we humans play a role in Earth’s systems and what we can do to ensure the natural beauty for centuries to come.  Illinois Extension works to provide research-based information to help you know about topics in the natural world such as water resources, climate change, and sustainable energy.