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. We translate research-based discoveries into practical programs that strengthen families and positive youth development, local communities and economies, food and agriculture systems, health and wellness, and environmental resilience.
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Safe Food Preservation
Preserving food can make the most of a big harvest, so you can enjoy homegrown, locally sourced, or seasonal foods year-round. Choose from a variety of safe food preservation methods, and use a tested recipe.
Farm Stress Matters
Farmers and farm families face unique stressors that can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other negative mental health outcomes. Find vouchers for free counseling and other mental health resources for the ag industry.
Summer Food Safety
Keep friends and family safe during hot weather, picnics, and cookouts by following safe food-handling practices. Thaw frozen meat with one of four safe methods, cook to a safe internal temperature, and refrigerate perishable foods within two hours.
Empowering Environmental Stewards
Around the state and in your backyard, Illinois Extension Master Naturalists connect communities with the natural world. Every year, Master Naturalists invest in the future of Illinois’ natural areas by removing invasive species, monitoring the health of waterways, teaching youth about the environment, and more. Master Naturalist volunteers share their knowledge and talents by putting research into action to help sustain and support the prairie state’s natural resources.
Explore volunteer initiatives across Illinois with a new interactive map that highlights local projects.
Building Healthier Illinois Communities
The Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration is a statewide Illinois Extension initiative advancing healthier communities through research, education, and partnership. This new hub connects farmers, organizations, healthcare leaders, and communities with practical solutions, strengthens food systems, improves nutrition security, supports community well-being, and expands access to trusted, research-based resources across Illinois.
Recent News
PEORIA, Ill. — Meet with University of Illinois Extension agriculture experts and learn about the latest research affecting farms while attending the Greater Peoria Farm Show. Show attendees can visit the Illinois Extension booth during show hours on Tuesday, Dec. 1 and Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 9…
URBANA, Ill. — Build trust and lead with experience, safety, awareness, and knowledge to help ensure safer pesticide application with training from the Pesticide Safety Education Program at University of Illinois Extension. Sign up for an in-person training and testing clinic offered across…
CHICAGO — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumna Elizabeth Gutierrez calls her immersive Illini Science Policy Program experience both exciting and atypical.
In 2022, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation in Chicago had just hired its first executive director…
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