BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — For more than a century, University of Illinois Extension has developed educational programs, extended knowledge, and built partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land grant institution. This work is supported locally by 130 trained volunteers who have made it their mission to support local communities.
“This National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to take some time to recognize the people across our communities who create opportunities for others to thrive by giving so generously of their time and talents,” said Marilu Andon, Illinois Extension county director serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties. “Illinois Extension specializes in Lifelong Learning, advancing one mission, under one college, to bring Lifelong Impact to our communities. This would not be possible without the support of our amazing network of trained volunteers.”
In 2025, 130 volunteers across the Illinois Extension programs of 4-H, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties contributed time valued at $353,772, according to volunteer reporting and Independent Sector value of volunteer time.
Across the state, volunteers receive training and support programs that interest them across a variety of programs that Illinois Extension supports. Statewide, the program reaches over 831,000 program attendees according to a recently published report.
Bringing youth development to the forefront
4-H volunteers serve as club leaders, project mentors, and in other roles, mentoring the next generation of leaders.
“Our 4-H leaders and volunteers are the heart of everything we do,” said Brooke Katcher, 4-H recruitment and engagement coordinator. “They create safe spaces that let young people discover who they are, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to be beyond ready for life.”
In 2025, volunteers statewide led over 1,800 clubs.
“The work of our volunteers has made 4-H so impactful in the lives of our members: Participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and twice as likely to serve in the military,” said Katcher.
Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers bring the outdoors
Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers bring research-based knowledge to the community, helping the public understand and care for the world around them.
“Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers play a vital role in helping people connect with their environment in meaningful ways,” said Nancy Kuhajda, Illinois Extension horticulture educator. “Whether it’s helping a family grow their own food, diagnosing insect or disease issues affecting plants and providing research-based answers, or restoring a local habitat, these volunteers turn knowledge into action that strengthens communities across Illinois.”
In 2025, volunteers across the state provided at least 60,662 information services across the state, and, as reporting this data is voluntary, the number may be much higher.
Lifelong Impact, powered by volunteers
Across the local community and throughout the state, Illinois Extension volunteers expand the reach of Lifelong Learning, ensuring that communities have access to the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
“Our volunteers are sharing Lifelong Learning by supporting the Illinois Extension family of programs,” said Andon. “Whether that’s by leading a 4-H club, answering gardening questions, or helping the public identify invasive garlic mustard, they are creating Lifelong Impact in local communities. We could not be more grateful.”
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Illinois Extension, visit extension.illinois.edu/gkw/volunteer.
SOURCES: Marilu Andon, County Director, Illinois Extension; Brooke Katcher, 4-H Recruitment and Engagement Program Coordinator, Illinois Extension; Nancy Kuhajda, Horticulture Educator, Illinois Extension.
WRITER: Anthony Warmack, Communications and Marketing Program Coordinator, Illinois Extension.
INTERVIEWS: Contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu, to request specialist interviews on this topic.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.