Extension’s mission is to connect people with the University of Wisconsin. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.
Want to get the latest updates from Extension directly in your inbox?
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
- The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) was awarded $127,000 by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to boost cooperative development throughout the state of Wisconsin. The funding will allow UWCC to expand technical assistance for start-ups, conversions, and existing co-ops, and address one of Wisconsin’s pressing concerns: retiring business owners without succession plans. “Like […]
- Professor Melissa Kono, a municipal clerk specialist in the Local Government Education program, was named the 2026 recipient of the Wisconsin Idea Teaching Award. Kono was honored for her work to exemplify the guiding philosophy of UW–Madison’s outreach efforts to extend the borders of the university. Kono meets her students where they are — literally. […]
- In an era of increased political polarization, innovative approaches to bringing diverse voices together may offer ways for communities to rebuild trust and increase civic dialogue. Polarization has far-reaching consequences. As Americans increasingly distrust those with different political views, polarization can erode trust, narrow social connections, and discourage everyday civic conversation. Public meetings can become […]
Extension’s Work Reaches Across Wisconsin
We help more than 200,000 farmers, parents, youth leaders, neighbors and businesses through our six program areas
Know what you’re looking for?
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
