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

Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us

Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with us!

Feed your garden on May 6, from 10-2 in Lake County, you can visit the Extension Office, 100 South US Hwy 45, Grayslake. Visit our Events page for directions and more information!

People at the plant sale

Lake County Extension Master Gardeners 2026 Plant Sale

Save the date of Saturday, May 16, 2026, for the Lake County Extension Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale. New plant list is live!

A garden at McHenry college

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!

Upcoming Programs

A person tending to their vegetable garden

Successful Vegetable Gardening

Looking to start or enhance a vegetable garden? Join Lake County Master Gardeners for this presentation, where we will cover all the basics, including planning the garden (site selection, vegetable selection, and supplies), preparing the soil, proper planting techniques, and caring for the established garden.

A forest of Oak trees

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.

2 children exploring a pond

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.

Local Resources

A large stack of resource books

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.

A butterfly and bee on native flowers

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!

Four Seasons Gardening a person holding a basket of vegetables

Veggie Visions

Embark on a culinary adventure with the exciting lineup of new vegetables unveiled for the 2026 season. Learn about the unique characteristics, growing tips, and delectable uses of these fresh additions.

News Releases
Prepare for food preservation season with free pressure canner testing
URBANA, Ill. — As gardeners begin planting seedlings and planning for warmer weather, it’s also time to think about what needs to be preserved. Home preservation methods like canning, freezing, dehydration, and fermentation extend the shelf life of foods compared to storing fruits and vegetables...

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.

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings