Events

From Backyards to Boardrooms: Building Community Led Climate Resilience at Every Scale

This 90‑minute interactive workshop hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Lake County and led by Jessica Rudnick, PhD, helps Illinois residents make sense of what climate change means for our…

Business Succession for a Strong Rural Community: Worker Co‑ops as a Transition Strategy

Learn how worker cooperatives offer a practical, built-in solution to rural business succession.

Rural communities across the country are facing a growing succession crisis as long‑time business…

Rooted Resilience: How Cover Crops Nourish Health and Ease Hunger

Come ready to learn, plant, and cultivate well-being from the ground up.

Participants in this session will first examine the connection between agriculture, nutrition, and family well-being. What…

Preserving Your Harvest: Home Canning

Do you want to learn how to enjoy your garden or farmers market produce all year long? 

Join University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Jenna Smith, for this free…

Specialty Gardens: A Growing Community Program

How about growing a specialty garden this year! Join Master Gardeners to learn how to plan a variety of specialty gardens including salsa, pizza, herb, and tea gardens. Spice up your garden and…

Ready & Resilient : Practical Climate Strategies for Illinois Municipalities

Illinois communities are already seeing the effects of a changing climate—heavier rains, more frequent flooding, hotter summers, shifting seasons, and added strain on local infrastructure. To help…

Nature Explorers SPIN Club: Lowden Miller State Forest

Give your child the chance to unplug, explore, and connect with nature through our Nature Explorers SPIN Club! Designed for youth ages 8–18, this hands-on experience encourages curiosity,…

From Peel to Plate

Fun fact: April is Winning at Reducing Food Waste Month!

Learn how to make the most of the food you bring home. This class looks at simple ways to cut food waste, store foods safely, and…

VCMG Presents: Unusual Tomatoes

Growing vegetables with unusual colors and shapes is part of the creative process for gardeners. Even your most common vegetables come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Have fun, be creative, and…

Repotting and Caring for Houseplants

Have you checked on your houseplants lately? Whether you're experienced at caring for houseplants or are simply curious about taking up the hobby, this workshop is for you! Participants will learn…