Lake and McHenry Counties Homepage

Lake and McHenry Counties

Local Food Purchasing Assistance

Are you a grower that identifies as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, female, disabled, a veteran, or has farmed for less than 10 years? Illinois has $28M to buy food at fair market value from YOU! Products will be distributed for free to local communities in need.
Learn more

Announcements & Highlights

Plant sale at Lake county

Calling all gardeners: Save the date of Saturday, May 17, 2025, for the Lake County Extension Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale at the University of Illinois Extension | 100 HWY 45, Grayslake, IL 60030 For more information see EVENTS on our page.

Preview plants available
Hands with dirt 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.

How to Compost Here

Great Opportunities at Extension

Shaking hands

University of Illinois Extension is hiring!

We are excited to hire individuals that enjoy working with people of all ages. Looking for the right person that is self motivated and organized. One position is for bi-lingual only. You must be 18 years or older with a High School Diploma. This truly is a fun and challenging job for all levels of experience.

Jobs in Lake and McHenry Counties
2025 Garden Series

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).

Class descriptions and registrations
Events
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News Releases
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Connect. Learn. Grow

Your toughest gardening questions, answered
Call our Master Gardener Helpline and a U of I Extension Master Gardener will answer your questions at NO COST!
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