The Extension Ecosystem
March 24, 2026
Submitted by Chris Onstad
Being an outdoors person that has educational background in biological systems, I often ponder how extension is much like other ecosystems. Every department, team, and individual play a unique role that contributes to the overall balance and sustainability of the whole.
Just as in nature, diversity strengthens resilience; different perspectives and skills allow the organization to adapt, innovate, and thrive amid change.
Some of the most critical conversations occur at the front doors of our local extension offices. They may be as simple as a smile with a pleasant greeting of a new client, or it might be a member of the Board of Regents engaging with legislators.
Both, influence our organization. The gain or loss of individuals within our system changes the balance of the ecology. Its up to the remainder of us to make the adjustments.
Over several decades, I watched a flooded beaver dam loaded with wood ducks, loosen the aspens, then the beavers. The dam deteriorated and the habitat changed to a tall grassland where aspens repopulated the fertile soil and grew to thickets of trees and shrubs. Instead of ducks, it is now inhabited by pheasants, deer, and turkeys.
The change was neither good nor bad, just different. I’m pretty sure the beavers weren’t happy though!
Similarly, none of us are truly independent in extension, as each of us affect others in the system.
Our ecosystem includes managing complexity, trust building, goal alignment, resource allocation, ecosystem dynamics, and ethical considerations. Like nature, not everything is scripted and outside and inside influences can change the future of the ecosystem, much like changing precipitation patterns would influence agriculture.
Some of the changes seen affecting our ecology include digital transformation, funding, water, geographical and demographics, among so many others. Without a doubt, extension is needed more today than it ever has been. It just looks a little different.
What is your role in the extension ecosystem?
