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Lifelong Impact. Explore Topics Body 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. Block Reference Find local progams Select a County View Map Read a Blog Attend a Local Event Connect with Our Staff Title Plan Your Garden Body Growing your own produce brings many rewards, and the gardening game is already underway for many gardeners across Illinois! Whether you're starting your own plants from seed or purchasing transplants, it's a good idea to plan your garden to maximize both space and the growing season. Extension has expert tips on planning, planting, growing, and managing a great garden. When to Plant in Illinois Learn How to Get Started Connect. Learn. Grow. Footprint for Innovation Through a visionary gift, the future home of Illinois Extension is taking shape. This innovative hub for learning, collaboration, and community impact will connect research to real life for all 102 Illinois counties. Explore Our Future Home Extension's Valued Volunteers Extension's network of 5,100+ volunteers creates a lasting, positive impact in Illinois communities — sharing knowledge, building tomorrow's leaders, and providing hands-on expertise to support resilient communities. See Community Impact Wildlife is Everywhere Learn how to support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday wildlife encounters with research-based information you can trust. Explore Illinois Wildlife Title A Strategic Path for Extension Impact Body 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. Explore the Process Recent News Illinois Extension specialty crop expert’s legacy built on grower trust April 16, 2026 URBANA, Ill. — When something feels off with a specialty crop like peaches, apples, or horseradish, one phone number growers may have on speed dial is Elizabeth Wahle. Since 2002, Wahle has been with University of Illinois Extension, assisting growers through production questions, while helping… Local greenhouse featured as first stop in Extension's Summer Twilight Series April 16, 2026 RICHVIEW, Ill. – Illinois Extension is kicking off the 2026 Southern Illinois Summer Twilight Series with a trip to Richview. Whether you’re a flower gardener, bride-to-be, or interested in learning more about growing cut flowers, you’ll want to join the upcoming tour of Flower Girls Greenhouse… Summer Twilight Series strengthens southern Illinois food systems April 10, 2026 RICHVIEW, Ill. – Illinois Extension is excited to announce the return of the eleventh-annual Summer Twilight Series. This southern Illinois tradition brings farmers, educators, and community members together to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture. Twilight… More News Upcoming Events Stewardship Week 2026 April 22, 2026 April 24, 2026 County Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Pope Saline White Kindness Rocks! April 22, 2026 April 26, 2026 County Christian Jersey Macoupin Montgomery 4-H Clay Workshop April 23, 2026 County Fulton Mason Peoria Tazewell Eat and Educate - Navigating Change as we Age April 23, 2026 County Randolph More Events Share with us Body View this profile on Instagram Illinois Extension (@ ilextension ) • Instagram photos and videos Body University of Illinois Extension Volunteer with Extension Learn Something New Read a Blog College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension 101 Mumford Hall (MC-710) 1301 W. Gregory Dr. Urbana, IL 61801 Email: extension@illinois.edu EEO myExtension Staff Login