As in many communities, COVID has left the Zion community feeling the need to engage families and the community. Last winter, Extension assisted on a grant to increase literacy and physical activity in Zion, a low-income communities.

After a long and challenging school year, McHenry County 4-H offered a three-week in-person hands-on Cloverbud experience for youth ages 5 to 7. Led by 4-H Teen Ambassadors with the assistance of volunteers and staff, Cloverbuds had fun activities.

McHenry County Master Gardeners continue to assist their neighbors suffering from food insecurity by donating more than 30,000 pounds of fresh produce to food pantries throughout the county this past summer and fall.