University of Illinois Extension celebrates Extension Week from April 19 – 25, 2009. The event recognizes the service U of I Extension provides local Illinois communities. It's a time to celebrate ongoing education.

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 including 4-H youth development; agriculture, natural resources, home gardening, horticulture, community and economic development, nutrition and wellness, family life and consumer education.

Extension Week recognizes the variety of programs that University of Illinois Extension provides. Throughout this newsletter you will find evidence of how U of I Extension in Mason County targets educational programs at the request of local residents and community leaders to address issues of concern.

In short, our mission is to help Mason County residents put knowledge to work. Join the celebration and take advantage of one or more of these valuable educational opportunities.