Why Extension is Needed More than Ever

Horticulture Educator Rhonda Ferree shared a farewell reflection.

In an ever complicated and changing world, I feel that Extension is needed now more than ever. Through my 30 year career with University of Illinois Extension, I’ve watched us adapt and change our educational delivery methods and program priorities to better meet the needs of the people and communities we serve.

In my early career, my horticultural program focused mainly on teaching individuals how to grow beautiful plants. This was done through media, face-to-face instruction, and volunteer programs. Today we still do traditional programming but also strive to expand our reach to new audiences and cover emerging issues. This includes teaching people how to sustainably and responsibly grow their own food, such as through urban and community gardens.

Another recent priority is to educate local citizens with regard to the myriad of “green” practices often discussed in the media. Extension provides public value in this educational area by

helping individuals and commercial audiences better understand practices such as sustainable landscapes, organic production, integrated pest management plant protection systems, habitat preservation, invasive species management, water quality and availability, urban stormwater runoff management, pollinator protection, and more.

One of the biggest, and most exciting changes for me is how Extension delivers our educational messages. We strive to assure that all segments receive equitable programming by using creative and innovative educational modes that include technology, various delivery systems, and collaboration with local partners. For me, this has included the expansive use of social media and various distance technology delivery methods. Today, my social media network reaches a larger and more diverse audience that provides cuttingedge information to educate and interact with local citizens where they live and work.

Through the years, University of Illinois Extension has successfully adapted through ever-changing clientele needs and the many cuts in public funding to continually provide accountable and responsive service for its local citizens. In this complicated world of instant information access through smart devices, Extension is needed more than ever— continuing its reputation of providing reliable information in a timely manner.