URBANA, Ill. — The online program Farm Robotics: Revolutionizing Agricultural Practices will be 11 a.m. Sept. 12.

Naveen Uppalapati, research scientist, Center for Digital Agriculture, University of Illinois, will highlight the latest innovations in agricultural robots, including planting, harvesting, and monitoring robots. Attendees will learn about the benefits and challenges of integrating robots into farm operations and the future of robotic technology in agriculture.

The program is part of the I-FARM University Learning Webinar Series. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2px7t495.

Wee Naturalists

PECATONICA, Ill. — The Wee Naturalists program will be 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Pecatonica Library, 400 W. 11th St., Pecatonica.

Wee Nats is a fun, interactive program where children ages 4 to 7 will learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft and hike.

University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Educator Kelly Lafferty will host Wee Nats on the second Monday of the month. Topics will be Super Soil, Sept. 9; Owls, Oct. 7; Fallen Log, Nov. 11; Turtles, Dec. 9; Sensational Snow, Jan. 13; Groundhogs, Feb. 10; Trees, March 10; Birds, April 14; and Wetlands, May 12.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc5t857a.

Meditation Mornings

WESTCHESTER, Ill. — Nourish your mind and body with the online Meditation Mornings, 8 to 8:15 a.m. Sept. 9.

This free virtual series consists of 15-minute guided meditation sessions by Extension Educator Michele Crawford every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Oct. 4. Learn tools and techniques to support your overall well-being. All are welcome; no prior meditation experience is necessary.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/bduy3wdn.

Globally Inspired

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Globally Inspired Home Cooking will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. CT Sept. 10 at the Lake County Extension office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

This American Heart Association’s Healthy for Life Educational Experiences Program focuses on celebrating the flavors of food from around the world.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/bddu8mp9.

Landscape Design

MILAN, Ill.— The online program Design Stunning, Personalized Landscapes will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 10.

Emily Swihart, Extension horticulture educator, will discuss landscape design principles and explore design styles to begin personalizing your outdoor space.

Register for this Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/mrywypne.

Gardening for Pollinators

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The program Fall Gardening for Pollinators will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the DuPage County Extension office, 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Suite 170, Naperville.

This program will focus on how to provide fall habitat for pollinators in the garden. Extension Horticulture Educator Jamie Viebach will discuss fall-blooming pollinator plants, pollinator migration and overwintering, as well as why you shouldn’t clean your garden up quite yet. Attendees will receive a pollinator plant at the end of the session.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/a8xz7fw4.

Pasture Walk

JOHNSONVILLE, Ill. — A pasture walk will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Edmison Acres & Highland Cattle, 777 County Road 1875N, Johnsonville.

The Edmisons have provided a creative example of raising and selling cattle outside of the traditional beef cattle marketing. While not commonly seen in Illinois pastures, Highland Cattle are a hardy, multipurpose breed used for meat, milk, fiber, and draft animals. The breed is a creative option for those wanting to graze cattle but may only have a few acres.

Register to attend at https://tinyurl.com/rtxtrjan.

Venison Processing

RICHMOND, Ind. — The Purdue Cooperative Extension Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Fish & Wildlife are once again hosting their popular September workshops on processing venison.

Venison processing workshops will be 6 to 9 p.m. ET Sept. 10 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road North, Richmond; Sept. 11 at the Noble County Fairgrounds, 580 Fair St., Kendallville; and Sept. 12 at the John S. Wright Forestry Center, 1007 N 725 W, West Lafayette.

Topics will include a demonstration of deer processing including skinning, butchering and cooking techniques; quick and easy venison recipes; and food safety.

The Indiana deer hunting season is Sept. 15-Jan. 31.

To reserve your spot or if you have any questions, call Jonathan Ferris at 765-973-9281 or email ferrisj@purdue.edu.

Mechanical Weed Control

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The 2024 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Sept. 11 at the Meigs Horticultural Research Farm, 9101 S 100 E, Lafayette.

The field day features in-field demonstrations of cultivation tools for vegetables and row crops. There will be demonstrations of all scales of weeding tools, including hand tools, walk-behind tractors, four-wheel tractors, camera-guided hitches, and autonomous laser weeders.

The morning features a trade show and educational sessions. The afternoon features field demonstrations in vegetable and row crops.

Cost is $75. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3ucmpve3.

Tree ID Walk

CLINTON, ill. — Tree ID Walk will be 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 11 at Weldon Springs State Park, 4734 Weldon Springs Road, Clinton.

Participants will learn to identify tree species by their leaves, bark, and shape; explore native and introduced tree species; and discuss best practices for maintaining urban tree health.

Wear appropriate attire for light hiking. Water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent recommended. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4t2z5cj5.

Landscape Design

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The program Exploring Nature’s Canvas: Landscape Design will be 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Participants will learn a variety of design principles from Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger. He will help you build confidence in landscape design, teach you the basics of plant selection, and help you develop an attractive landscape plan.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/nhcnm4c9.

Weathering the Storm

GRIDLEY, Ill. — Weathering the Storm will be 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Gridley Public Library, 320 N. Center St., Gridley.

From unpredictable weather patterns to the rising cost of goods, farming is stressful. The Weathering the Storm program helps farmers and local growers understand the signs and symptoms of chronic stress. Extension Family Life Educator Sara Attig will discuss how to identify common stressors, recognize symptoms, and access practical management tools and techniques to reduce the effects of unwanted stress.

To register, call the library at 309-747-2284.

Pollinator Series

MATTOON, Ill. — A three-session series about pollinators will be 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 11, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Education Center, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon.

Topics will include an overview of pollinators, how they fit into our environment, what plants help to support them, and pollinator shelters.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mskwbjj9.

Cooking under Pressure

PANA, Ill. — Using Electric Pressure Cookers will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 12 at Pana Community Hospital, 101 E. 9th St., Pana.

Learn how to prepare healthy meals made under pressure, how to care for an electric pressure cooker, and tips for cooking a variety of food quickly and efficiently. The class will include hands-on practice using a pressure cooker and recipe testing.

Register by calling 217-562-6231.

Flower Arranging

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Fall Flower Arranging will be 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Carlinville Public Library, 510 N. Broad St., Carlinville.

Learn how to create a beautiful fall flower arrangement. To help you get started, Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Hosligner will give you ideas of plant materials and how to put together a beautiful arrangement. Floral care tips will be provided.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/3s5xumkf.

Cottage Food Laws

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Understanding Cottage Food Laws will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12.

Would you like to sell baked items, dried herbs, canned foods, and other value-added goods? Whether for a hobby or as a career, selling food grown or made in your home carries endless possibilities for enjoyment and profit. It also carries substantial responsibilities for the safety of those who purchase and consume your food products. This program will help you to navigate through the guidelines of the Cottage Food Laws and get you on your way to selling. Topics include allowed foods, prohibited foods, labeling, receipt testing, and point of sale.

Register for this Modern Homesteading Series program at https://tinyurl.com/mrm3j9h7 or call 618-687-1727.

Weather Workshop

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Weather and Climate Science Workshop will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET Sept. 12 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

The event will feature Nathan Gidley, a meteorologist with WANE 15 TV. Gidley will share what it is like to be a meteorologist followed by hands-on activities.

This free program is suitable for participants in grades 3-12 and parents are welcome to stay, as well.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/mr47h68y. For more information, call 260-481-6826.

Storing Produce

DIXON, Ill. — The program How to Use and Store Fresh Garden Produce will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 14 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon.

You have grown fresh produce all summer; what do you do with the excess produce like onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more? Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black will explore simple ways of storing produce for longer shelf life and sharing resources for easy recipes like refrigerator pickles to make your produce go further.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/34pzu96r.

Vegetable Gardens

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Start Your Own Vegetable Garden Workshop will be 11 a.m. to noon ET Sept. 14 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Learn various parts of starting a vegetable garden, including cover crops and composting. Urban Soil Health is donating cover crop seeds.

For more information and to register for this free event, visit https://tinyurl.com/3szvvt8z.