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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
- 4-H Meat Products Auction Celebrates Winning Producers, Raises Almost $100,000 for Youth ProgrammingThe 34th annual Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction continues to support 4-H members, clubs, and families across Wisconsin, raising $92,300 this month at its State Fair event that saw participation from champion meat producers, 4-H advocates, and other longtime supporters of youth development. The 2026 Meat Products Auction, organized by UW–Madison Extension in conjunction […]
- Often, local challenges involve factors that go beyond the resources, jurisdiction, knowledge, or even capabilities of one community. Extension has a unique opportunity to help communities take steps toward local solutions while acting as a bridge to larger state resources. Sometimes, that connects communities to information and funding. Sometimes, Extension helps by bringing local concerns […]
- The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, in collaboration with OneOp, is helping professionals across the country strengthen support for military families through the 6th Annual Military Family Readiness Academy. The free four-week online series, Building Strong Communities for Military Family Readiness, explores how local communities can build more connected, coordinated systems of support for military families. Through live […]
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
