Extending Knowledge. Extension Is Here To Help.

Resources and Upcoming Programs

Office update

Our Edwardsville office will be operating under irregular and limited hours until further notice. Our office will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm and Tuesday and Friday is by appointment only. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 618-344-4230 or uie-mms@illinois.edu. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Join our team

Passionate about creating positive change in your community? University of Illinois Extension is hiring! We're seeking a Community Outreach Advisor and Community Outreach Worker to support the Illinois Nutrition Education Programs in Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties. Apply today and be a part of the impact!

Become a Master Gardener

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to share reliable and research-based information with home landscapers and gardeners. Learn how to get involved.

Become a Master Naturalist

Volunteer as a Master Naturalist to educate others about natural resources.

Strengthen management skills during spring planting

The series of webinars is another way to dig deeper, consider more plant options, strengthen management, and keep growing. Two new webinars explore the growing impact of invasive plants and how to get rid of them properly, and all about squash, pumpkin, and cucumber pests as garden visitors. The series focuses on home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production.

4-H Day with the Cardinals

Join us on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Busch Stadium as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Arizona Diamondbacks! Enjoy a day of baseball, fun, and 4-H spirit! Secure your tickets today for just $26, which includes a special edition t-shirt. Registration closes April 21—don’t miss out!

Now enrolling: Youth Cooking School

Calling all young chefs ages 9-14! Register now for a fun-filled culinary adventure packed with hands-on cooking, exciting activities, and delicious creations. Don’t miss out—spots are filling fast!

Diabetes Support Group

Are you or someone you care about living with diabetes, or at risk for developing diabetes or other chronic illnesses? Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Kris Juelfs, with University of Illinois Extension, will exchange practical tips and advice with peers who are navigating the challenges of living with diabetes. This April, we’ll focus on the topic of cooking for one or two. Call or email to reserve a spot at 618-939-6232 or mtl@waterloolibrary.org.

Eat well, stay active, and save money

Find tasty recipes, shopping tips, and activities to keep you and your family healthy.

Events

What Can I Read? Who Can I Be? Exploring the Impact of Book Bans

April 2, 2025

State 4-H Awards Banquet

April 5, 2025

Where to Start: Declutter Your Home and Finances

April 8, 2025

Ampliar el Acceso a los Alimentos: Compras de Comestibles en Línea para las Comunidades Rurales de Bajos Ingresos

April 9, 2025

More Events

News Releases

Green leaves of a bur oak tree on a new spring branch.

March 24, 2025

Root awakening: spring tree tips
URBANA, Ill. — As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, it's time to give trees the care they need to thrive. Trees, like all living things, require attention and maintenance, especially as they transition from dormancy to the growing season. Help trees recover from winter damage,...

Purple to blue-green tri-color background with Four Seasons Gardening text overlay.

March 21, 2025

Discover invasive plants, garden pests with Four Seasons Gardening spring webinars
URBANA, Ill. — While plants are waking up in backyards, parks, and gardens this spring, check in on the Four Seasons Gardening series webinars as another way to dig deeper, consider more plant options, strengthen...

a whitetailed deer running through grass in fall

March 19, 2025

Hunters Feeding Illinois provides 97,000 meals to Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. — In the 2024-25 hunting season, Hunters Feeding Illinois distributed 25,794 pounds of frozen, ground venison to 54 food pantries across east-central and southern Illinois. This provided an estimated 97,000 meals, reaching nearly 49,800 families.Formerly the Illinois Deer...

A man speaks to a group of people outside on a tour

March 18, 2025

Extension bridges gap between environmental research and real-world solutions
Strong natural systems and the resources they provide, from water filtration to renewable energy sources, are a vital part of healthy, robust communities. One of the core University of Illinois Extension program areas – natural resources, environment, and energy – connects communities across the...

Two people preparing fresh vegetables for a dish

March 18, 2025

March is Extension Living Well Month
URBANA, Ill. — This March, Illinois residents are invited to take advantage of educational opportunities provided by University of Illinois Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences team. March 2025 is Extension Living Well Month as...

More News Releases

Programs We Offer

4-H Youth Development