Extending Knowledge. Extension Is Here To Help.

RESOURCES AND UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Soil and garden tools with Master Gardener logo

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.
A forest and trees with master naturalist logo

Become a Master Naturalist

Volunteer as a Master Naturalist to educate others about natural resources. Learn how to get involved.
Gardening materials, plants, and gloves on a bench.

Gardeners Corner

Each issue highlights seasonal recommendations and how-to's that will make your houseplants, landscape, or garden shine in any season.
An orange background with overlay text that reads four seasons gardening.

Get the Latest Fall Gardening Tips

Keep the season alive with free fall gardening webinars! Get tips for dividing perennials, learn to appreciate time spent in nature, and get a jumpstart on next year’s growing season by making the most out of your garden space.
Soil solarization

Illinois Fruit & Vegetable News

Get practical production advice and regional updates to improve your specialty crop farming operation. Read the latest issue.
Two people jogging outside.

Autumn Health Picks

Get research-based information on complex health issues in this free online series, where experts from the University of Illinois offer holistic solutions to address health challenges.
A young girl cutting vegetables on a cutting board.

4-H Kids Cooking Club

Our club offers youth in grades 3-5 the opportunity to develop essential cooking skills, gain knowledge in food safety and nutrition, and engage in hands-on food preparation and group activities. You'll also leave with fresh recipe ideas and the chance to create and enjoy new snacks. Join us if you have a passion for cooking, regardless of your level of culinary experience! Register by September 29!
A group of people standing outside with overlay text that reads diabetes 101.

Reduce Your Risk

It is more important than ever to take steps now to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Whether you or a loved one has diabetes or pre-diabetes, there are foundational concepts one must understand to manage this progressive condition effectively. Register for the free webinars to learn more. 
A basket full of fruits and vegetables. Someone holding a pencil with a clipboard on a table. The eat.move.save.logo is in the middle.

Eat well, Stay Active, and Save Money

Find tasty recipes, shopping tips, and activities to keep you and your family healthy.
Vegetable background with overlay text that reads Local Food Purchasing Assistance, supported by Illinois Extension

Supporting Local Farmers with LFPA

Illinois has $28M to support local farmers and fight hunger in Illinois through  USDA’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) program. LFPA aims to strengthen the Illinois food system over the next two years by purchasing food at fair market value from socially disadvantaged growers and producers. The best part? Community members in need will receive the food at no cost. Illinois is committed to sourcing 100% of LFPA products from socially disadvantaged growers and producers and ensuring culturally responsive, locally-grown foods are accessible to food-insecure communities. Let's create a collaborative network of food system support. Together, we can make a difference!  

Events
More Events
News Releases
4-H Leaders
Illinois youth program offers a place where kids can belong, lead, learn
URBANA, Ill. — 4-H members in Illinois will join the six million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4‑H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4‑H offers...
vegetables on a display crate
What is needed to create a long-term sustainable food system for Illinois?
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois food growers, distributors and activists voiced solutions for creating a more resilient and equitable food system in Illinois: support for growers and producers of all experience levels, investment in education and marketing strategies, and advocacy engagement to secure...
More News Releases
Programs We Offer
A boy using a sewing machine 4-H Youth Development
Tractor in a field of row crops Commercial Agriculture
Hand sliding credit card on payment machine Consumer Economics
Group on large windmills in green grassy area Energy & Environment
A family of 3 laughing, smiling, and hugging Family Life
Gardener sitting in row moving plants from flowerpots to ground Horticulture
Youth smiling while stirring pot on stove at cooking class Illinois Nutrition Education Programs
Hands holding a basket of fruits and vegetables shaped like a heart with fitness equipment on the floor Nutrition & Wellness

Dig Deeper

Topics we address
Beef Cattle
Climate
Community Gardens
Community Planning
Cottage Food
Crops
Disasters
Economic Development
Energy
Environmental Quality
Family
Finances
Firewood
Flowers
Food
Forestry
Health
Hemp
Herbs
Home Vegetable Gardening
Houseplants
Illinois Grasses
Insects
Invasives
Livestock
Local Food Systems and Small Farms
Local Government Education
Mental Health
Mushrooms
Natural Resources
Plant Problems
Plants
Rainfall Management
Soil
Specialty Crops
Thriving Youth
Vaccines
Weather

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings

State Extension
Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Counties

Monroe County
901 Illinois Avenue
PO Box 117
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: 618-939-3434
Email: uie-mms@illinois.edu

Madison County
1606 Eastport Plaza Drive, Suite 100
Collinsville, IL 62234
Phone: 618-344-4230

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition Innovation Center 
2051 Lynch Ave
East St. Louis, IL 62204
Phone: 618-875-8939

Scott Air Force Base Youth Center 
4691 Patriots Drive
Scott Air Force Base, IL 62225
Phone: 618-256-4991