Extension

We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.

Extension’s mission is to connect people with the University of Wisconsin.

We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.

Extension’s mission is to connect people with the University of Wisconsin.

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Featured Events

Featured Event

Raising Wisconsin’s Children: How to Talk to Kids About Tough Stuff

September 24, 2026

Discover effective strategies for discussing sensitive topics with children. You’ll learn how to create a safe environment and communicate with empathy to help children navigate difficult conversations.

More from Raising Wisconsin’s Children

Featured Event

Training for New Employees of Cooperatives

October 14, 2026 & October 21, 2026

Cooperative Roots: Understanding the Co-op Model, Difference, and Identity is a training is designed for employees of cooperatives seeking to deepen their understanding of the cooperative model. By the end of this training, attendees will have a stronger grasp of the cooperative identity and its impact on communities and economies.

Training Information

Two women in business attire discussing something at a computer

Find Answers to Your Questions

Connect with Extension Experts for the information you need.

A group of master gardeners answering questions

Gardening Questions

Looking for expert advice on a lawn, landscape or gardening issue? Fill out the form below and attach photos showing your garden concern. A Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener or Extension staff will respond to your inquiry.

Ask a Gardening Question

More in: Horticulture

A woman cooking while looking at her phone

Food and Nutrition Questions

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 a Food & Nutrition Question

More in: Health & Well-Being

A financial specialist helping a woman with her financial questions

Financial Coaching

Our financial educators can help walk through ideas and options to create a budget, keep up with bills, pay down debt, and other personal finances topics — totally free of charge.

Get Financial Coaching

More in: Financial Education

Wisconsin 4-H

As the largest youth development organization in the nation, 4-H provides a place for all kids to reach their full potential. They’re able to see the world beyond themselves through hands-on, research-based experiences in every corner of Wisconsin.

Join 4-H

Volunteer Opportunities

We support local volunteers and leaders to take action and serve as role models in their communities.

A Master Gardener explaining something to two children

Become A Master Gardener

Master Gardeners are motivated individuals who use gardening and horticulture education to make a difference in their communities.

Become a Master Gardener

More in: Horticulture

A Master Naturalist examining tree bark in the winter

Become a Master Naturalist

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program is a network of well-informed volunteers dedicated to conservation service, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Become a Master Naturalist

More in: Natural Resources

A Water Action Volunteer explaining something to another person

Join the Water Action Volunteers

Anyone can be a stream monitoring volunteer. WAV monitors come from different backgrounds and volunteer for different reasons, but they all share a commitment to protecting Wisconsin’s streams and rivers.

Join Water Action Volunteers

More in: Natural Resources

Extension Professional Advancement, Networking, and Development

Supporting Extension professionals with several levels of training, from self-paced/asynchronous training to virtual training with colleagues from other states.

Join EXPAND

Understanding Extension

We create key connection points for families, communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, government, and more. Explore our stories.

Melissa Kono, Associate Professor in Community Resource Development, speaking with a group of people

The Wisconsin Idea stipulates that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

View All Stories

Connecting Communities through Peer-to-Peer Learning

UW-Madison Extension incorporates peer-to-peer learning into programming, bringing peers together and giving them space to share and learn from one another.

Creating Positive Change: How Teen Courts Support Youth and Communities

Patrol Captain Mike Kowalski believes in giving teens a second chance.

Engaging Communities in Science

Through community-engaged science, UW–Madison Extension is building local capacity so that communities can thrive.

Our Program Areas Reach Across Wisconsin

We help more than 470,000 farmers, parents, youth leaders, neighbors, businesses, and more through our six program areas

Agriculture
We address emerging issues related to Wisconsin’s agriculture and horticulture systems to advance economically sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally sound practices.

Community Development
From educating elected officials to training the next generation of local leaders, we’re committed to empowering citizens to make positive, transformative change in their communities.

Families & Finances
We promote the development of resilient individuals and communities across Wisconsin and at every stage of life.

Health & Well-Being
We provide individuals, families, and communities the tools and guidance they need to reduce stress, improve nutrition, and support physical activity.

Natural Resources
We work with partners across the state to ensure that our diverse natural resources remain resilient and productive.

Positive Youth Development
Our research-based youth enrichment programs give young people the hands-on experiences they need to grow into the global leaders of tomorrow.