Skip to main content

Lake and McHenry Counties

Lake County Extension Foundation

The Lake County Extension Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Local Food Purchasing Assistance

Are you a grower that identifies as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, female, disabled, a veteran, or has farmed for less than 10 years? Illinois has $28M to buy food at fair market value from YOU! Products will be distributed for free to local communities in need.

Great Opportunities at Extension

Hiring for Extension Program Coordinator 4-H Youth Development

Job opening in McHenry County for Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development

The Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development supports the promotion, expansion, and implementation of University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs in the schools and communities.
2024 Garden Series

Lake County Garden Learning Series

February 14, 2024 - December 11, 2024

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).
Events
News Releases
Overhead view of compost filled bin during winter.
Spring into composting by reviving a compost pile after winter
URBANA, Ill. — If you haven’t touched your compost bin or pile all winter, don’t worry, you are not alone. It could be filled with kitchen scraps to the top or left untouched since the fall. Getting a compost pile going again after the long, cold winter can be intimidating, but it is possible...
Kim at school speaking in front of crowd outside
Plant positivity, learn how to grow a school or community garden
A school garden, plant with some knowledge: enroll in our online course URBANA, Ill. — When green spaces fill schoolyards and neighborhoods with flowers and fresh produce, children and communities thrive. But the journey from the idea of starting a community or school-based garden to...
Members pose in green shirts in the Capitol.
Teen leaders showcase leadership, speaking skills at State Capitol
Springfield, IL – Illinois 4-H teens put their leadership skills to the test as they communicated the value and impact of Illinois 4-H with state legislators as a part of 4-H Legislative Connection on Feb.7 and 8. Legislative Connection provides Illinois 4-H teens a...

Announcements & Highlights

Vegetables cucumbers, tomatoes and cabbage

Home Food Preservation

Freezing your Summer Harvest
Thursday, March 28th 6-8 pm

Dehydrating Your Summer Produce
Thursday, April 4th 6-8 pm

Water Bath & Pressure Canning Basics
Thursday, April 11th 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Hands with dirt and food scraps on ground

Read more about building a culture of composting in greater Chicagoland

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings