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
4-H Summer Clovers Club
Do your kids need something positive, fun, and engaging this summer? 4-H staff, McHenry County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom teachers, and 4-H Ambassadors are offering a summer 4-H club experience that introduces youth to a variety of exciting 4-H project areas in a relaxed, summer setting.
GardenWalk 2026
Join University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners and McHenry County College for a self-guided tour featuring gardens in Crystal Lake, McHenry, and Bull Valley. Experience colorful gardens studded with artwork, edible plots, and more! Tickets available NOW!
4-H Sewing & Quilting Clinic
Join our volunteers for a beginner-friendly, hands-on clinic! Youth will create a 9-patch pillow or table runner top while learning basic sewing and quilting skills, including cutting, piecing, and pressing. Suitable for Sewing 1 and You Can Quilt (Level 1) members.
Upcoming Programs
Northern Illinois Trees
Learn more about the value of various types of trees and planting a diverse set of trees in your landscape. We will review alternatives to invasive or non-native trees and shrubs suitable to our northern Illinois conditions. We will share best practices about how to care for and maintain your trees so they thrive.
Poultry Testing at Extension Office
From the Illinois Department of Agriculture - "Pullorum testing of birds will be required this year for fairs/exhibitions." Papers will be collected at the fair! Testing is required on a min. of 25% of your flock. (ex. If you have 10 birds, you should bring 3-4 birds for testing.)
Aquatic Macro-Invertebrate Ponding
Join the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists for an exciting adventure into the world of aquatic macro-invertebrates. This hands-on program offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating creatures living in our local ponds.
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!
Become a Dementia Friend
More than 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and many more live with other forms of dementia that impact their independence and well-being. 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