Extension Offers Many Programs

With the Macoupin County property tax bills arriving through the county, it's a good time to recap what all University of Illinois Extension offers Macoupin County residents. Many people ask where the tax money goes that is on my property bill. U of I Extension connects community needs with University resources–specifically targeting educational programs at the request of local residents and community leaders to address issues of concern. We make research-based information available to help local residents make informed decisions that can improve the quality of their lives.

At the core, University of Illinois Extension is about learning–in and beyond the formal classroom. We answer questions and teach about family life, youth development, prevention education, community and economic development, nutrition and wellness, community leadership and volunteerism, family and consumer economics, crop systems, farm business marketing and management, horticulture, animal systems, natural resources management and small business management.

The nationwide network of Extension programs began in 1914 as a means of presenting land-grant university research in understandable and useful ways to farmers and rural families. Today, Extension serves both urban and rural areas by offering programs in a variety of areas. Communities are directly served by Extension staff in 79 unit offices located throughout Illinois' 101 counties. Extension educators located in 14 centers across the state and specialists located on the U of I campus provide programming and research for these educational and community-building services.

To keep tomorrow's consumers aware of agriculture's importance, agricultural literacy programs in schools help children understand the food chain and connect the field to the table through fun activities. Safe pesticide application certification is available, as are educational programs featuring an array of horticultural and agricultural topics.

Nearly 35 active Master Gardeners share their expertise at numerous community events and fairs and research answers to horticulture questions. They also host many educational programs throughout the year. A popular program that is scheduled each year is the garden tour of local homes. Each year the money raised is given back to the community for beautification projects. Recent groups that received money were six school districts, Gillespie library, city parks and public buildings, and the Macoupin County Fairgrounds.

Community education and planning helps local leaders and businesses plan for the future. Educational workshops are offered in customer service and writing of a business plan. Communities also participate in planning services to develop goals for the future, and leadership training allows civic and local government leaders to build skills and collaborate.

The family nutrition program provides education in food safety, nutrition and food budgeting. School students learn the proper technique for hand-washing as well as healthy snacking and exercise during in-class lessons. Family and consumer education strives to help ease the challenges of living and working in today's fast-paced society.

Locally, 4-H Community Club members can select projects from hundreds of options ranging from computers to livestock to communications. 4-H members receive valuable leadership, citizenship and public speaking experience. Youth development programs in schools help teach our children everything from safety in programs like Operation Safe Kids to making informed choices and self-esteem.

Our valued volunteers serve on the local Extension Council, 4-H Foundation Board, Expansion and Review Committee as well as project/activity committees. Volunteers are treasures who share both time and talents with youth in Illinois through 4-H clubs, special interest groups, after-school programs, camps and short term groups. 4-H volunteers are active in supporting educational activities such as project workshops, judging contests, fair exhibitions and community service projects. Through these activities 4-H members learn leadership, citizenship and life skills.

For further information on programs available or to become involved as a volunteer, contact University of Illinois Extension, Macoupin County at 854-9604, on the web at http://macoupin.extension.uiuc.edu or at our office at #60 Carlinville Plaza in Carlinville.