Resilient Communities & Lands

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Resilient Communities & Lands (RCL) Program Action Team (PAT) is to strengthen collaboration across the Cooperative Extension System in support of communities, working lands, and natural resources.

The goals of the RCL PAT are to strengthen the capacity of the Extension system by:

• Expanding collaborations and strategic partnerships

• Securing additional funding for Extension educational programming across all program areas (Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development) and Land-grant institutions (1862, 1890, and 1994)

• Strengthening the skills of Extension faculty and staff through coordinated professional development opportunities

Context

Communities and working lands across the United States are facing increasing pressure from shifting environmental conditions, natural disasters, and changing resource demands. These pressures affect agricultural productivity, infrastructure, local economies, and long-term land stewardship.

As the outreach arm of more than 32,000 professionals across 112 Land-grant institutions—including 1890 and 1994 institutions—the Cooperative Extension System plays a critical role in helping communities respond to these challenges with practical, science-based solutions.

While Extension has a long history of supporting communities and land managers, there is a growing need to better align efforts, strengthen coordination, and deliver timely, locally relevant programming that supports informed decision-making and long-term planning.

How is the Cooperative Extension System responding?

The Cooperative Extension System currently supports more than 200 education programs related to community and land stewardship across the country.

ECOP’s Program Action Team (PAT) on RCL identified three priority areas:

Agriculture & Food Systems

Cooperative Extension supports farmers, ranchers, and landowners in adopting practices that improve productivity, operational efficiency, and long-term viability. These efforts help strengthen food systems, support supply chain stability, and prepare producers to manage changing conditions. Extension also plays a role in supporting workforce development tied to agriculture and related industries.

Community Preparedness & Planning

Extension works with communities across the rural–urban spectrum to develop practical plans that support long-term stability and readiness. This includes risk management planning related to natural disasters such as fires, floods, and severe weather, as well as strategies to strengthen local infrastructure, economic continuity, and community coordination.

Natural Resource Stewardship

Extension promotes responsible management of land, water, and other natural resources to ensure long-term productivity and sustainability. Programs focus on protecting working lands, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and supporting landowners and communities in making informed management decisions. Extension also provides education on emerging opportunities in land use, conservation practices, and resource-based markets.

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With these priorities in mind, the PAT will:

• Support system-wide planning and coordination

• Identify programs ready for national expansion

• Build partnerships that advance programming at scale

• Develop proposals for national funding opportunities

• Provide content and resources to support system-wide engagement on community and land issues

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What difference is Cooperative Extension making?

Effective Extension professionals engage communities directly, build trust, and create practical learning environments that support informed decision-making. This foundation is critical for long-term success and sustained impact.

Extension currently provides tools and resources that help communities develop cost-effective management strategies, support agricultural decision-making, and strengthen local planning efforts. Extension also facilitates dialogue across stakeholders and delivers educational programming that supports both rural and urban communities.

Examples of this work include:

• Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)

• Weather Ready Farms

• Sustainable Development Initiatives

• Water Conservation Programs

• Septic System Resources

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What can be done with additional resources and partnerships?

Additional resources would allow Cooperative Extension to strengthen coordination across the system, expand professional development, and accelerate collaboration and innovation.

With increased investment, Extension can scale proven programs, deliver practical tools more broadly, and support farmers, landowners, and communities in managing risk, improving operations, and planning for the future.

A coordinated, system-wide approach—grounded in local input—will strengthen the ability of Cooperative Extension to support communities and working lands nationwide.

There are significant and growing challenges facing communities, agriculture, and natural resource sectors. The individuals and organizations responsible for managing these systems need practical support, trusted information, and coordinated resources.

Because of its national reach, strong local presence, and long-standing relationships, Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned to respond and provide leadership in addressing these challenges.