Extending Knowledge. Extension Is Here To Help.

Resources and Upcoming Programs

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We are moving

The Madison/St. Clair Extension office in Collinsville is moving to a new space and will be closed May 1 through May 10 for relocation. During this period, the office will be inaccessible for walk-ins, but will remain accessible by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call 618-344-4230 or email uie-mms@illinois.edu. Stay tuned for more updates.
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Apply now

Ready to make a difference in Illinois nutrition education? Become a Program Administrator for our INEP programs. Join our team and help shape healthier communities.
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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.
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Become a Master Naturalist

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

From rural landscapes to suburban backyards, ponds are both picturesque and ecologically vital. But without proper care, they can face challenges. Learn essential techniques from Fisheries Biologist, Eric Ratcliff and enjoy a fish fry! Register by noon Monday, April 22nd. Don't miss this chance to enhance your pond!
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2024 Winter Webinar Series

The Four Seasons Gardening series focuses on home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production. Join these free winter gardening webinars for tips to help you grow!
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Youth Cooking School registration now open

Registration for Youth Cooking School is now open welcoming youth aged 9-14. The food challenge session is designed for the more experienced chef, tailored for ages 11-15. Youth will learn basic cooking skills, kitchen and food safety, nutrition tips and prepare tasty recipes. Secure your spot now!   
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4-H spring photo contest

Capture the beauty of spring with your lens! Calling all 4-H members in Madison County to participate in our exciting Spring Photo Contest. It's time to showcase your photography skills and creativity! Submit your photograph by May 1, 2024.
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Eat well, stay active, and save money

Find tasty recipes, shopping tips, and activities to keep you and your family healthy.
Events
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News Releases
a group of children stand at a table full of potted plants in a classroom
Plant positivity, learn how to grow a school or community garden
URBANA, Ill. — When green spaces fill schoolyards and neighborhoods with flowers and fresh produce, children and communities thrive. But the journey from the idea of starting a community or school-based garden to planting one that is built to last is long. What funding sources are available?...
Recent quarter-sized holes in the soil made by periodical cicadas
Enjoy the silence. Cicadas are coming
If you haven't heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence. “Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for...
pressure canner tested
Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year. Various...
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Programs We Offer
A boy using a sewing machine 4-H Youth Development
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Youth smiling while stirring pot on stove at cooking class Illinois Nutrition Education Programs
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Dig Deeper

Topics we address
Agricultural Technology
Beef Cattle
Christmas Trees
Climate
Community Gardens
Community Planning
Composting
Container Gardens
Cottage Food
Crops
Diabetes
Disasters
Economic Development
Energy
Environmental Quality
Family
Farm Management
Firewood
Flowers
Food
Forestry
Fruit Trees for Home Gardens
Health
Hemp
Herbs
Home Vegetable Gardening
Houseplants
Illinois Grasses
Insects
Invasives
Lawns
Livestock
Local Food Systems and Small Farms
Local Government Education
Mental Health
Mushrooms
Natural Resources
Nutrient Loss Reduction
Personal Finances
Plant Problems
Plants
Pumpkins
Rainfall Management
Regenerative Agriculture
Roses
Septic Systems
Small Fruits for Home Gardens
Soil
Specialty Crops
Thriving Youth
Ticks
Turkey
Vaccines
Weather
Youth Gardening

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