Lake and McHenry Counties
Virtual Stormwater Leadership Summit October 29, 2026
The second Illinois Extension Stormwater Leadership Summit brings together community leaders from across Northern Illinois to build tools and networks and explore shared solutions to address regionally significant water issues, such as flooding, drought, and the strain of impervious surfaces.
4-H News
Happy New 4-H Year!
In 4-H, you get to be you! We welcome everyone from all backgrounds, with all interests, wherever you live. We'll help you learn more about the things you like to do. We'll provide opportunities for you to meet mentors and kids who share your interests.
Edible Alliums & Fall Garlic Planting Workshop
Learn why fall is the perfect time to plant garlic, discover tips for selecting varieties, planting, growing, and harvesting, and gain practical knowledge you can use in your own garden.
Cooking 101 Spin Club
Perfect for youth with little or no kitchen experience. Each week, youth will learn a new skill, prepare recipes and sample their creations!
Upcoming Programs
Misunderstood Creatures
Join Lake County Extension Educators and Master Naturalists on October 20, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. As spooky season approaches, we want to talk about a few animals that get a bad rap for being scarier than they truly are. You'll learn your "creepy crawly" neighbors aren't so creepy- just misunderstood!
Gifts from the Garden
Join us as we share some of the many wonderful, joyful concoctions, tinctures, recipes, art projects, and other special goodies you can create and craft from your own garden. Let’s look at some of the delights our gardens can offer.
The Wild World of Wolly Worms
Join us at Avon Township on October 17 and together we will: listen to a nature story, participate in learning activities, and make a woolly worm craft.
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!
Pumpkins- a perfect Fall treat
Celebrate Fall in Illinois with pumpkins! Did you know we lead the US in pumpkin production? Learn how to grow pumpkins, the different varieties, preserving tips, and recipes!
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