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Resources and Upcoming Programs

Winter break closure

Our offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 24, to Wednesday, January 1, for winter break. We’ll reopen with regular hours on Thursday, January 2. While we’re away, check out our latest blog for smart tips on holiday spending. Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season!

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.

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.

Register for the 2025 Gateway Green Conference

Explore three vital tracks including building sustainable landscapes, conservation stewardship, and tree care. This year's agenda will cover a wide range of topics, including pest and disease management, climate change resilience, conservation, urban forestry, and more.

Southwestern AG Summit

Sessions will focus on critical themes such as crop nutrient demand, disease management, and weed control, emphasizing the unique seasonal challenges faced by local farmers. Participants will gain the latest research updates from university experts, resources to make informed farm management decisions, opportunities to build connections with agriculturalists in their community, and continuing education units are available for Certified Crop Advisers who attend this in-person event.

Gateway Volunteer

We’re excited to introduce the Illinois Extension Volunteer Gateway, a new and improved website created by Illinois Extension to make volunteering easier and more rewarding. Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing your commitment, the Gateway will help guide you through the process and keep everything you need in one place!

Build healthy habits & explore diet trends

Uncover the truth about popular diet trends and explore intermittent fasting, Paleo, Keto, and more at the next session on January 22. Learn the pros, cons, and how to build sustainable, healthy habits. Become your own diet detective and make informed choices for your wellness journey!

Eat well, stay active, and save money

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

Events

Diabetes Support Group

January 9, 2025

County

Monroe

Take Charge of Your Health Webinar Series 2025

January 9, 2025

Thriving Youth Thriving Clubs: 4-H Thriving Model Volunteer Training Series - Belonging Session

January 14, 2025

Southwestern Agronomy Summit

January 16, 2025

More Events

News Releases

A plate filled with a variety of holiday cookies of shapes, colors, and flavors sitting on a wooden table next to evergreen holiday décor.

December 16, 2024

Sugar and spice make everything nice
URBANA, Ill. — Sugar and spice make everything nice, especially in holiday treats. But do you know where sugar and spice come from?Plants make the sugar glucose during the process of photosynthesis. Certain plants can take excess glucose, create sucrose, and then store it in either the...

December 13, 2024

Connections across Extension programs lead to lasting impact
URBANA, Ill. — Establishing connections is essential for the expansion of Illinois Extension. Interdisciplinary work shows how collaboration across programs brings valuable knowledge to new audiences and builds lasting relationships. From teams that improve food access and eliminate food...

A woman and man stand holding a certificate

December 13, 2024

4-H digital design program wins award for connecting youth with technology
URBANA, Ill. — In a world where technological advances happen daily, digital access and literacy are crucial for future generations to close opportunity gaps. University of Illinois Extension works to connect communities with technology to improve the quality of living through digital...

a man and woman holding a certificate hold hands

December 13, 2024

Northern Illinois youth dance program wins Extension Innovation Award
URBANA, Ill. — Dance is an art form that moves us while having fun. Research shows that children who dance report better stress release, improved focus and concentration, and a better sense of self and freedom. University of Illinois Extension awarded 4-H Youth Development Specialist...

Associate Dean and Director of Extension Shelly Nickols-Richardson

December 12, 2024

Why does the state need Illinois Extension?
The University of Illinois Extension just released a 10-year strategic plan that commits to serving the...

More News Releases

Programs We Offer

4-H Youth Development