Extension’s mission is to connect people with the University of Wisconsin. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.
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Become a Master Naturalist
Trainings are a series of sessions and field experiences that presents a consistent, statewide perspective on Wisconsin’s natural history, ecological processes, and conservation issues.
Ask a Food Question
Wisconsin residents can now call the AnswerLine, provided through a partnership between UW–Madison Extension and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, for trusted, research-based help with canning, freezing, drying, and more.
Ask Your Gardening Question
Looking for expert advice on a lawn, landscape or gardening issue?
Latest News
- Like many rural and northern Wisconsin communities, Merrill’s population decline is shaped by an aging population and fewer young people moving to or staying in the area. “If you don’t address those and turn those around, what happens is your city, no matter what you do, will struggle to remain vibrant,” said Scott Steele, former […]
- As the New Glarus Village Administrator, Kelsey Jenson is thinking about AI and how it affects her work. “AI is here and continuing to grow, whether we like that or not. I think it’s imperative for local government officials to know how AI is already being used in our work,” she said. For public entities […]
- Losing critical institutions and services makes it more difficult to have a thriving community and live in rural places. For communities in Wisconsin, there are planning tools and resources that are focused on increasing livability. The Rural Livability Project “Livability” is what makes somewhere a good place to live and work. But what livability looks […]
Extension’s Work Reaches Across Wisconsin
We help more than 200,000 farmers, parents, youth leaders, neighbors and businesses through our six program areas
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The Wisconsin Idea
Extension’s Role
UW-Madison is a public university guided by public service. The Wisconsin Idea stipulates that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
Extension brings the research of the University to the people of Wisconsin. Our offices throughout the state provide educational opportunities in the communities where people live and work.
I shall never be content until the beneficent influence of the University reaches every family of the state.
UW President Charles Van Hise in 1905
