Lake and McHenry Counties

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Announcements & Highlights

Farm

Farm Stroll 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended. We would love your feedback if you attended Farm Stroll 2025. Please click button to take the survey.

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Your voice matters! Join us & help shape the future of our community!

Thank you to everyone interested in the 2026 Extension Council. Please be on the lookout for our next informational session in McHenry County in November. Come for a night of networking with other community members to learn how you can help us impact Lake and McHenry counties.

Hands with dirt in them and food scraps on ground

Read more about building a culture of composting in greater Chicagoland

What's so important about compost? Food waste is a pressing environmental concern in Illinois. In Cook County — and in many counties around the state — it accounts for up to 37% of landfill material.

Series at Extension

A person planting flowers in the garden

Demo Garden Sunday Series (free to attend)

Located at McHenry County College next to Parking lot C Demo Garden Sunday Series: • Composting June 22nd @ 1:00 pm • Vegetable Gardening July 27th @ 1:00 pm • Seed Collecting August 24th @ 1:00 pm • Herbs September 21st @ 1:00 pm

A person planting mother in laws tongue plants in pots

Lake County Garden Learning Series

February 12, 2025 - December 10, 2025 This year we have a fantastic variety of topics being presented by The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and Educators along with Educators and Ecologists from the Lake County Forest Preserve District and the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO).
Events
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News Releases
Maddy Canada poses with blue ribbon.
Youth handlers shine at 2025 4-H state dog show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The 2025 Illinois 4-H Dog Show was held on Oct. 4 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Sixty-six 4-H members represented their home counties across Illinois in 118 individual runs made in partnership with their canine companion. Members who received a qualifying score at...
A deer in the field
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns
URBANA, Ill. — Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for its fourth season, in partnership with Feeding Illinois, Access Illinois Outdoors, ...
Ellis Rogers poses in a tree setting.
Illinois 4-H’er selected as runner up for national 4-H award
Dahinda, Ill. – National 4-H Council has named Ellis Rogers of Knox County a national runner up for the 2025 4-H Youth in Action Award. Rogers, 18, is recognized for her achievements and leadership in equine science. Ellis is a 10-year member of the Williamsfield Town and...
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Connect. Learn. Grow

Plant Problems? Insects Invading? What's that Weed?
Call our Master Gardener Helpline and a U of I Extension Master Gardener will answer your questions at NO COST! From insects to pollinator gardens, crabgrass to milkweed, if you have a question, they can help!
Become a Master Naturalist
Volunteer as a Master Naturalist to facilitate conservation and restoration in your community and educate others about natural resources.
Eat well, stay active, and save money
Find tasty recipes, shopping tips, and activities to keep you and your family healthy.
Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana
Sea Grant uses research, outreach, and education to bring the latest science to Great Lakes communities. Sea Grant helps strengthen and preserve ecosystems and communities in southern Lake Michigan and beyond.
Programs We Offer
4-H Youth Development
Commercial Agriculture
Consumer Economics
Family Life
Horticulture
Illinois Nutrition Education Programs
Local Foods & Small Farms
McHenry County 4-H
Nutrition & Wellness
See the impact Extension makes in your community
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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