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 state with tools that empower people to use natural resources responsibly and support resilient and beautiful waterways, forests, and prairies. Shiba “Shibu” Kar, assistant dean and natural resources, environment, and energy program leader, helps Extension staff develop outreach and engagement programs that encourage individuals, farmers, businesses, and communities to adopt nature-friendly environmental and energy-related best practices that benefit themselves and the world.

What do you specialize in, and what motivated you to start working in that area?

I provide strategic and functional leadership for Illinois Extension’s natural resources, environment, and energy program and work closely with staff to design, implement, and evaluate outreach and engagement programs that encourage residents to adopt research-based best practices that support quality environments and resilient communities. 

I grew up between the ocean and the mountains, and that fostered a deep connection to nature and instilled a deep-rooted commitment in me to conserve and sustain natural resources and the environment. This, in turn, drives my passion for studying and conducting research as well as teaching and communicating about natural resources topics. 

What brought you to University of Illinois Extension? 

Prior to my current role, I served as an integrated faculty and Extension specialist in several state Extension programs — Wisconsin, Washington, and Pennsylvania. As a natural resource professional, I have noticed how many research findings often stay confined to journal publications, missing the opportunity to reach broader audiences and make a greater impact. I value how Extension can bridge the gap and make a positive impact on people’s lives and their environments. My current role brings together my technical expertise, Extension experience, and leadership skills to make a meaningful contribution by engaging with the public and sharing research-based knowledge.

What is a question you get asked a lot about the environment? 

I am often asked, “What kind of new and innovative environmental outreach initiatives are you taking?” At Illinois Extension, we are enhancing our staff capacity to expand our outreach efforts related to environmental awareness and actions. 

One area we have been excited about is the development of climate-related programming for the public and staff in partnership with other organizations. The Climate Stewards program and climate tools workshops for farmers connect communities with resources so they can take steps toward becoming more climate resilient. We also have developed climate training and other approaches to help staff in other topic areas, such as health and youth development, integrate climate topics into Extension programming.

What are you looking forward to working on this year?

As the champion of Illinois Extension’s forward-thinking strategic planning environment working group, I am very much looking forward to starting to implement a variety of steps that our team came up with to bolster climate resilience through education and outreach across all programming areas.

Extension’s natural resources, environment, and energy program provides research-based education for awareness and action to sustain healthy environments and ecosystems that support quality living and resilient communities. Extension staff empower people across Illinois to make a difference through the volunteer programs Master Naturalists, Climate Stewards, and Watershed Stewards. Have a nature question? Connect with your local Extension experts at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice.