Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact.
Put research-based knowledge to work for you.
At home, at work, and in your community — count on Illinois Extension’s reliable and relatable information to help you navigate resilience in all areas of life.
Find local progams
Connect. Learn. Grow.
Tips to Weather the Weather
Dig into the hows and whys of winter weather, learn how to minimize winter risk to landscape plants, and take precautions to avoid falls and stay safe with a collection of Extension's winter resources.
Extension's New Director
Matthew Vann begins his role as Illinois Extension's new associate dean and director Sept. 22. A lifelong champion of agriculture and community engagement, Vann steps into this role with a bold vision for the future.
Wildlife is Everywhere
Learn how to support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday wildlife encounters with research-based information you can trust.
Title
SNAP-Ed: Nutrition Education That Works
SNAP-Education transforms the health of our Illinois communities, providing evidence-based nutrition education, healthy messaging, and strategic partnerships to deliver services. In 2024, Illinois SNAP-Ed reached over 1 million residents through the Eat.Move.Save. program, which helps SNAP participants stretch their food dollars, shop for and prepare healthy meals, and adopt more physically active lifestyles.
- Illinois SNAP-Ed returns up to $9.54 for each dollar spent on programming by reducing obesity, food insecurity, and healthcare costs.
- Illinois SNAP-Ed is estimated to prevent 5,060 cases of obesity and 570 cases of food insecurity for Illinois adults and children in a single year.
- Illinois SNAP-Ed is estimated to generate discounted future societal benefits between $76.0 million and $135.3 million for one year of programming.
Title
A Strategic Path for Extension Impact
Throughout 2023 and early 2024, Illinois Extension, in partnership with Huron Consulting Group, engaged in a comprehensive planning process to refine and refresh its core priorities, goals, and paths to success through internal and external stakeholder surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions statewide. The research yielded vital findings around Extension’s engagement, services, partnerships, and impact and identified shifting trends, demographics, and needs that will impact Illinois residents.
The global plastic waste trade contributes to coastal litter in importing countries, study shows
The ubiquitous plastic beverage bottle makes up about half of plastic waste collected for recycling in the U.S. Most recycled plastic is processed domestically, but a portion is traded overseas. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign draws on citizen science data…
Extension advances mission of lifelong learning at annual conference
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-long learning first-hand, staff gathered on Nov. 19…
Spring into Gardening Conference prepares gardeners for growing season
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike are invited to the sixteenth-annual Spring Into Gardening Conference. This year's program is Saturday, March 14, in Charleston. Enjoy a day filled with gardening advice, creative ideas, and hands-on guidance.
Expert-led…
"The Invisible Mammal" Film Screening Event | Sycamore
Chunky Knitted Blanket Workshop
Cloverbud Winter Wonderland Adventure