Lake and McHenry Counties
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Announcements & Highlights
Your voice matters! Join us & help shape the future of our community!
Thank you to everyone interested in the 2026 Extension Council. Please register for our next informational session in McHenry County this November. Come for a night of networking with other community members to learn how you can help us impact Lake and McHenry counties.
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.
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.
Exciting Events and Series
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
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.
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).
Commercial Agriculture
Family Life
Illinois Nutrition Education Programs
Local Foods & Small Farms
McHenry County 4-H
Nutrition & Wellness