Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact.

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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.

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Helping Others Grow

Discover the 50-year Master Gardener legacy and join the mission of community enrichment through the art and science of gardening.

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Grow Your Food Business

Learn about the laws, certifications, processes, and practices required to run a home-based cottage food operation safely and legally in Illinois.

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Wildlife is Everywhere

Learn how to support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday wildlife encounters with research-based information you can trust.

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SNAP-Ed: Nutrition Education That Works

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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.

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A Strategic Path for Extension Impact

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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. 

Recent News

Illinois expert on keeping outdoor workers safe in excessive heat

URBANA, Ill. — Another round of excessive heat is on the way through much of the United States next week, with heat indices predicted to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more in many locations. 

Salah Issa, an expert in farm safety, weighs in with advice for those working outdoors.…

Program highlights high tunnel operations and pest pressure management

SIMPSON, Ill. - High tunnels can extend growing seasons, increase crop diversity, achieve higher yields, and improve quality, but their enclosed space can lead to higher pest pressure compared to open field production. A recent program at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center showcased current…

Keep animals safe and healthy during excessive heat

URBANA, Ill. — Excessive heat will once again blast much of the United States next week, with heat indices predicted to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more in many locations. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign animal welfare expert Angela Green-Miller says pets and livestock are at risk,…

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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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