Lake and McHenry Counties
Use the Find Food IL map to find places in your community offering free food or meals. You can also find pantries that accept donations.
Find the food map here

Announcements & Highlights

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Master Gardener helpline

Have a gardening question that you need help answering? Call or email our Master Gardener Helpline and a U of I Extension Master Gardener will answer your questions at NO COST! Walk-ins are welcome as well.

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.
A pile of Pesticide and Farm reference books

Resources Available

Farm Record Books, Pesticide Applicator Training Manuals, and Workbooks are available for purchase through your local Extension Office. There is a wide variety of study materials available to help you prepare for the Illinois Pesticide Applicator/Operator Licensure Exams.

Exciting Events and Series

The Great Seed Event logo

The Great Seed Event 2026

Saturday, February 7th 10-2 pm McHenry County's third annual all-things-seeds event: vegetables, natives, flowers and herbs. Vendors, demos and a seed swap! By Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College

Many hands holding seeds

Save the Date for Lake County Seed Expo

Mark your calendars for March 7, 2026! The Lake County Master Gardeners' Seed Expo will be held at the College of Lake County. More info to come.

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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McDonough
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News Releases
An ambassador shows younger members spices.
Illinois 4-H livestock contest teaches decision making, adaptability
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth demonstrated their livestock knowledge during the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, held Saturday, Nov. 8, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion.Youth ages 8–18 competed in junior, intermediate, and...
Youth winners pose with their winning creations.
Young builders bring stories to life in 4-H challenge
URBANA, Ill. — From mad scientists to haunted trees, Illinois 4-H youth let their imaginations run wild in October’s statewide 4-H Creating with Building Bricks Challenge, themed “Monster Mash: Build a spooky creature or monster.” More than 80 youth from across Illinois...
A deer jumping into a road in front of a car on a foggy morning
Time change raises risk of driver collisions with wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — This Sunday at 2 a.m. Central Standard Time, daylight saving time will end, with clocks set back one hour. One of the most noticeable effects of “falling back” is that people will find themselves driving home from work or for after-school activities as the sun sets, putting them...
More News Releases

Connect. Learn. Grow

A leaf with discoloration and insects bites

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!
A person in prairie grass with binoculars

Become a Master Naturalist

Volunteer as a Master Naturalist to facilitate conservation and restoration in your community and educate others about natural resources.
A plate of healthy food, a bottle of water and exercise equipment

Eat well, stay active, and save money

Find tasty recipes, shopping tips, and activities to keep you and your family healthy.
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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

Dig Deeper

Topics we address
Agricultural Technology
Beef Cattle
Christmas Trees
Climate
Community Gardens
Community Planning
Composting
Container Gardens
Cottage Food
Crops
Diabetes
Disasters
Economic Development
Energy
Environmental Quality
Family
Farm Management
Firewood
Flowers
Food
Food Preservation
Food Safety
Forestry
Fruit Trees for Home Gardens
Health
Hemp
Herbs
Home Vegetable Gardening
Houseplants
Illinois Grasses
Insects
Invasives
Lawns
Livestock
Local Food Systems and Small Farms
Local Government Education
Mental Health
Mushrooms
Natural Resources
Nutrient Loss Reduction
Personal Finances
Plant Problems
Plants
Pumpkins
Rainfall Management
Regenerative Agriculture
Roses
Septic Systems
Small Fruits for Home Gardens
Soil
Specialty Crops
Thriving Youth
Ticks
Turkey
Vaccines
Weather
Wildlife
Youth Gardening

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings

State Extension
Serving Lake and McHenry Counties
Lake County Extension Office
100 South US Highway 45
Grayslake IL, 60030
Phone: 847-223-8627
McHenry County Extension Office
1102 McConnell Road
Woodstock IL, 60098
Phone: 815-338-3737