Lake and McHenry Counties
Announcements & Highlights
Explore the latest gardening trends, techniques, and tools during this daylong series of seminars for gardeners of every skill level. Held annually, Gardenfest is sponsored by McHenry County College and the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners. Tour the MCC Greenhouse and explore hydroponic and aquaponic systems. Improve skills in planting and tool maintenance. Gain practical tips for growing tomatoes, grapes, fruit trees, and more.
GardenExpo will be happening the same day as Gardenfest. It's open to the public at McHenry County College on April 11 from 9 – 3 for your shopping pleasure, no registration needed to attend the expo! Gardening advisors from the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, MCC’s Center for Agrarian Learning, local garden centers, the Xerxes Society, the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee, and others will also be on-site to answer questions. Expo address: McHenry County College 8900 Highway 14 Building B, Crystal Lake IL 60014
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with us!
Feed your garden on May 2 from 10-2 in McHenry County at two locations: Nunda Township, 3510 Bay Road, Crystal Lake, and Kishwaukee Brewery, 1900 Dillard Ct, Woodstock. On May 6, from 10-2 in Lake County, you can visit the Extension Office, 100 South US Hwy 45, Grayslake. Visit our Events page for directions and more information!
Upcoming Programs
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 state today—and what we can do together to prepare for tomorrow.
Ticks in Illinois
During this session, you’ll learn about Dr. Steckler’s ongoing research on ticks and discover how you can contribute to an important citizen science project by volunteering to gather data. Your participation helps build a clearer picture of tick activity across the region.
Health & Management Roundup for Small Ruminants
This FREE program is open to the public and 4-H families. Join University of Illinois Extension Livestock Specialist Dr. Teresa Steckler for an engaging, in-person discussion on current and emerging health and management issues affecting sheep, goats, and other small ruminants.
Resources
Resources Available
Farm Record Books, Pesticide Applicator Training Manuals, and Workbooks are available for purchase through your local Extension Office. Please call ahead for availability.
Pressure Canner Testing
Contact local Extension staff to request free testing of your pressure canner's dial-gauge.
Gardening on a Budget
Starting a container garden can benefit your budget and be a fruitful hobby that satisfies your taste buds. Learn about the start-up expenses for a container garden and plan your produce to supplement your budget.
Gardenfest - ready, set, grow
Edible Landscaping
4‑H Global Gourmet: Explore India!
4-H Horse Orientation & New Member Sign-up
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.
4-H Youth Development
Commercial Agriculture
Consumer Economics
Family Life
Horticulture
Local Foods & Small Farms
Master Gardeners
Master Naturalist
Nutrition & Wellness
See the impact Extension makes in your community