Lake and McHenry Counties
After more rounds of strong storms swept across much of Illinois, many communities are facing damaged property and stressful situations. The hours and days following a major storm are often filled with urgent questions.
Announcements & Highlights
Join our team!
Working alongside dedicated volunteers and local organizations, you'll help connect people of all ages with research-based horticulture and environmental education that makes a lasting difference.
A Garden Social Fundraising Event
The Lake County Extension Foundation invites you on Friday, August 28, from 3 - 6 p.m. for an afternoon of raffles, prizes, shopping, & socializing in celebration of gardening, community, and the joy of the season.
Nature Fun Fest 2026
Join Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, 4-H, the Lake County Nature Network, and the Round Lake Area Park District at this FREE event for all ages. Activities include pond dipping, nature crafts, live animals, scavenger hunts, plant identification, bird watching, and more!
Upcoming Programs
Collection, Processing, and Sowing of Native Seeds
Join us on Sept. 1 from 7 - 8 pm as we look at different approaches for seed collection, equipment, and techniques to clean native seeds.
McHenry County Farm Stroll 2026
Farm Stroll is a self-guided tour of McHenry County's diversified family farms. There is no beginning or end of the tour. Just choose the farms you wish to visit and go during the Stroll's time frame. There is no charge for Farm Stroll. However, bring some cash. Individual farmers will be selling products and produce. Some farms will conduct tours and demonstrations. Follow the farmers' instructions, respect the animals, and watch your children. Do not bring pets. Wash your hands after exposure to livestock.
Jardinería para las aves (Landscaping for Birds)
¿Te gusta observar aves y te gustaría atraerlas a tu jardín todo el año? Descubre las diferentes formas de conseguirlo en tu jardín incorporando plantas autóctonas. Esta presentacion sera en español.
Events
News Releases
Local Resources
Workbooks and Manuals
Farm Record Books, Pesticide Applicator Training Manuals, and Workbooks are available for purchase through your local Extension Office. Please call ahead for availability.
Illinois Pollinators
Pollinators are a group of amazing insects that are vital to both plant life and human life on earth. Filter pollinator plants by color of bloom, month of bloom, sun and moisture requirements, and more!
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. This is part of the Lessons for Living Webinar Series 2026.
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