Calendar: Indiana Grazing School at ParGil Learning Center

LAGRANGE, Ind. — Indiana Grazing School will be 1 to 6 p.m. ET Sept. 27 and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET Sept. 28 at the ParGil Natural Resources Learning Center, 2335 N. State Road 9, LaGrange.

Livestock producers and forage-input personnel will gain hands-on training on topics that include soil fertility, water and fencing systems, animal health, and plant identification.

Grazing School is presented by the Indiana Forage Council, Purdue Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources, USDA-NRCS, and the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Registration is $80 and includes course information, take-home books and materials, and a meal/snacks. Additional registrants from the same operation pay $55. For registration information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4mjxshsj.

Wellness Walk

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. — The September Cook County Nature Wellness Walk will be 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 21 at Sauk Trail Woods-Central, 291 E. Joe Orr Road, Chicago Heights.

Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during the leisurely walk. A tea ceremony will be conducted after the walk. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/hjx72pbn.

Sweet Creations

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Sweet Creations: Delicious Dishes with Local Honey will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Macoupin County Historical Society, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville.

Lisa Peterson, Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator, will demonstrate how to cook with honey. Participants will learn more about nutrition and honey, health and honey, food safety, and preserving honey using safe canning recipes.

Food demonstrations will include Bruschetta at 10 a.m., Avocado Dip with Honey-Jalapeño Vinaigrette at 11 a.m., and Honey Apple Cucumber Salad at noon.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ykum9ek4.

Tree ID Walk

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Tree ID Walk will be 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 23 at Chippiannock Cemetery, 2901 12th St., Rock Island.

Participants will learn show 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.

This program will involve light hiking on uneven terrain, and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/mwp54ybb.

Name That Tree

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Hardwood University program Name That Tree & ID That Wood will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Sept. 24 at Purdue University Martell Forest, 1007 N 725 W, West Lafayette.

The program will include hands-on experience in identifying local hardwood species of trees when looking at bark, leaves and twigs. Participants will learn about the importance of Midwest hardwoods as a carbon-sequestering material.

Cost is $79. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/36k8uees.

Tired of Cooking

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — The Lessons for Living program I’m Tired of Cooking will be 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 24 at the Macoupin County Extension office, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

What’s for dinner? The question is asked 365 times a year. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut or lose inspiration, but sometimes just a few simple changes can get you back on track. Learn quick and easy hacks for eating well and making meals at home a more enjoyable process without spending hours in the kitchen.

This class is presented in collaboration with the Macoupin County Home and Community Education Association. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/3ejhsuxe.

Healthy Recovery

DIXMOOR, Ill. — Healthy Recovery and Nutrition will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 24 at the LifeHouse Group, 14127 Leavitt Ave., Dixmoor.

Many individuals dealing with substance use also face food insecurity and multiple nutritional deficiencies. This program will illustrate how proper nutritional support can reduce relapse and support the recovery process.

To arrange a Healthy Recovery and Nutrition Program for your group, contact Rebecca Griffith at rjg29@illinois.edu. Facilitated by Community Health Extension Educators Leilah Siegel, Sonia Lopez, Michele Crawford and Sophia Ottomanelli.

Strategic Plan

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact: Illinois Extension’s Strategic Plan Launch, will be 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 24.

Illinois Extension’s strategic planning process, which began in February 2023, has created opportunities for many voices to contribute their own vision for Illinois Extension’s future. In this town hall session open to the public, learn about all the elements of the strategic plan and discover how Illinois Extension will launch its compelling, future-forward plan that synthesizes the ideas of our entire community into signature initiatives that support Extension’s strategic priorities.

The town hall will be hosted by Amanda Cole, assistant director for Strategy, Planning and Implementation; and Bobbie Lewis Sibley, Strategy, Planning, and Implementation outreach associate.

Join the meeting at https://tinyurl.com/4d379wzk.

Pressure Canning

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Canning with Confidence: Pressure Canning will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Jersey County Farm Bureau, 402 S. Jefferson St., Jerseyville.

Participants will learn how to safely pressure can summer produce, and practice water bath canning salsa with tomatoes.

Cost is $10. Register by calling the Farm Bureau at 618-498-9576 or visit https://tinyurl.com/5n7kfdv8.

Goat Meeting

SALEM, Ind. — The Washington County Goat Association Annual Meeting will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. ET Sept. 24 at the Washington County Government Building, 806 Martinsburg Road, Salem.

The meeting will include association business, election of board members, and a farm tax presentation by Lisa Singleton, CPA. Light refreshments will be served. Association annual dues of $20 may also be paid at the meeting. A membership form is available online at https://tinyurl.com/dr628dwx.

All goat producers are encouraged to attend. RSVPs are not required. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/49vkxra8.

Healthy Immune System

WATERLOO, Ill. — The Wellness Wednesdays program Healthy Behaviors for a Healthy Immune System will be 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo.

As cold and flu season approaches, now is the perfect time to focus on protecting our health. While there is no magic bullet to prevent illness, maintaining a healthy immune system provides a strong line of defense against seasonal sickness.

Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Kris Juelf will discuss how to support your immune system through a balanced diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and effective stress management.

The program also will be offered online. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4ek2t4ks.

Homegrown Harvest

DECATUR, Ill. — The Homegrown Harvest Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 25 at the Johns Hill Association Community Garden, East Lawrence Street and South Maffit Street, Decatur.

Homegrown Harvest is a series of family-friendly workshops designed to support vegetable gardeners. Topics include safely harvesting food, pests and diseases, seed-saving, managing weeds, growing pumpkins, and fall crops. Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Sarah Vogel encourages participants to bring questions and items for discussion. Beginners and seasoned gardeners of all ages are welcome — bring your own tools and gloves.

Register by calling the Macon County Extension office at 217-877-6042 or online at https://tinyurl.com/545efu8j.

The Scoop on Squash

FREEPORT, Ill. — Getting the Scoop on Winter Squash will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport.

This workshop will discuss various types of winter squash, and how store squash to extend its shelf life so you can enjoy it months after harvesting. Also discussed will be the nutritional benefits of winter squash, and recipes for preparing and using these culinary favorites.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc2pbm7t.

Double Feature

GIBSON CITY, Ill. — An Illinois Extension double feature, Cooking for One or Two and Decluttering Your Home and Finances, will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Moyer District Library, 618 S. Sangamon Ave., Gibson City.

First up at 1 p.m., Cooking for One or Two with Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen will show you how to adjust recipes to feed one or two easily to ditch the mountain of leftovers. Then, after a short break, Where to Start: Decluttering Your Home and Finances with Family Life Educator Emily Harmon will help you simplify your space and finances.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n7v74mk.

Wellness Walk

NORMAL, Ill. — A wellness walk with the University of Illinois Extension master gardeners and master naturalists will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the ISU Horticulture Center, 1000 W. Raab Road, Normal.

Participants will experience the beauty of nature through fun, guided activities designed to heighten the senses and mindfulness. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/ykah86hc.

Cooking with Grandma

WAYNESVILLE, Ill. — Cooking with Grandma will be 6 to 7 pm. Sept. 25 at the Waynesville Township Library, 303 2nd St., Waynesville.

Cooking is a pastime that can be enjoyed at any age. Cooking with Grandma is a great opportunity to share some laughs while learning some of grandma’s cooking and baking secrets.

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/mtvzph72.

Power Lunches

PERU, Ill. — Packing Power Lunches will be 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Peru Public Library, 1409 11th St., Peru.

Susan Glassman, Extension nutrition and wellness educator, will discuss how to plan ahead, be innovative, pack a variety of food groups, and stay on budget to create delicious, wholesome lunches. Participants will spice up a yogurt parfait and try a sample, and take home recipes and resources for creating wholesome lunches.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ycx2h9zc.

Brownie Contest

AUBURN, Ind. — The DeKalb County Homemakers’ Day will be Sept. 26 at 4-H Exhibit Hall, 708 S. Union St., Auburn.

Judging for the Brownie Contest begins at 9:45 a.m. ET, with the winner announced at 12:15 p.m.

Other events will include author and speaker Barb Morrow at 9:45 a.m., Genealogy with Jane Seyl at 10:45 a.m., and the Heimach Center Presentation at 11:30 a.m.

All events open to the public. For more information, call the DeKalb County Extension office at 260-925-2562.

Master Naturalist Conference

MACOMB, Ill. — The 2024 State Master Naturalist Conference will be Sept. 26-27 at Spoon River College Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St., Macomb.

This annual gathering brings together master naturalist volunteers and coordinators to learn and grow their skills as advocates, teachers and environmental stewards.

Available tours and sessions beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 26 include the Illinois River Driving Tour; Mississippi River Boat, Drive and Hike Tour; Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture Farm Tour; Invasive Species and Habitat Restoration; Forest Management: Tree ID, Best Management Practices and Invasive Species; and Conservation Interpretation: Magic Through Making Art. Night in Nature: Bats, Insects, and Bonfires will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 will feature a day of sessions with environmental experts from across the Midwest at the Spoon River Outreach Center. Oak tree expert Guy Sternberg will start the day at 9 a.m. with the keynote address on native trees in a changing climate.

The cost to attend is $45 and includes lunch on Friday. There are additional fees for some tours. Certified arborist CEUs are available. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5f29ryu3.

For questions, contact Chris Enroth at cenroth@illinois.edu or 309-837-3939; or Katherine Budde at kbudde@illinois.edu or 309-342-5108.

Navigating Changes

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Navigating Changes as We Age will be 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 26.

Everyone is aging, and many changes happen along the way — physically, mentally, and financially — in about every aspect of our lives. This Lessons for Living program will examine some of those changes and how to adopt a more accepting mindset that will result in improved well-being and possibly new opportunities.

Register for this Lessons for Living Series program at https://tinyurl.com/5xff2t45.

Cover Crops

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Gardening with Cover Crops will be noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 26.

The quality and quantity of your garden harvest is directly correlated to the condition of your soils. Cover crops, used at various times throughout the year, can benefit not only your soil but your future harvests.

In areas where you would like additional garden beds next year, use cover crop seed, elbow grease, and water to establish and jumpstart those garden beds this fall, winter, and early spring 2025.

Register for this free Modern Homesteading Series program at https://tinyurl.com/yvunh2cf or call 618-687-1727.

Climate Hub

URBANA, Ill. — The online program highlighting the Midwest Climate Hub will be 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 26.

The Midwest Climate Hub provides agricultural producers with information to help them cope with climate change by linking research, education and Extension partnerships. Laurie Nowatzke, coordinator of the Midwest Climate Hub, will explore the tools housed in the hub that provide agriculture professionals with insights about climate, weather and conservation practices that can be used during the growing season and beyond.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2mzv87pw.

Whole Grains

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — The program Whole Grains Made Simple: From Shopping Cart to Dinner Plate will be 3 to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 at the JCH Wellness Center, 412 Maple Summit Road, Jerseyville.

Learn how to identify whole grains when grocery shopping, get ideas for how to incorporate more whole grains into your diet, and practice making recipes with whole grains such as barley, quinoa and brown rice.

Register by calling 618-498-3500 or sign up at the front desk of the JCH Wellness Center.

Fall Décor

MOUNT CARROLL, Ill. — The Fall Décor Workshop will be 5 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Mount Carroll Library, 208 N. Main St., Mount Carroll.

Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro will demonstrate how to make your fall arrangements come to life with natural and store-bought décor. Bring your favorite fall decoration and container for your take-home piece. To register, call the library at 815-244-1751.

Flower Preservation

FREEPORT, Ill. — The Flower Preservation Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Stephenson County Extension office, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

Participants will learn about flowers that best work for preservation, and the different methods of flower preservation. As part of the workshop, participants will use preserved flowers to make two projects: a pressed flower bookmark and a sachet.

Cost is $10. Register by calling 815-235-4125 or visit https://tinyurl.com/yusjuvs2.

Resource Coalition

INDIANAPOLIS — The Central Indiana Financial Resource Coalition will meet at 11 a.m. ET Sept. 27 at the Marion County Extension office, Discovery Hall, 1202 E. 38th St., Suite 201, Indianapolis.

The Central Indiana Financial Resource Coalition is committed to empowering front-line staff and professionals with the tools needed for success, including access to vital resources, professional development opportunities, and a robust network of peers. The supportive services are designed to enhance your capabilities, ensuring you have the knowledge and connections necessary to make a positive impact.

Access a wealth of information, engage in meaningful training, and expand your professional network on the fourth Friday of every month. For more information, contact Ashley Piland at wood246@purdue.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/mwhhxcrw.

Pumpkin Planters

DIXON, Ill. — Create a pumpkin planter from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 28 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon.

Fall pumpkins are a nice addition to any entryway. Participants will create a pumpkin planter of their own with instruction from Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black.

Cost is $29. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdcsbr37.

Stockmanship Program

DUBOISm Ind, — Purdue Extension, Indiana Forage Council, Indiana Beef Cattle Association, and Indiana Sheep Association are hosting two Stockmanship with Curt Pate programs at the Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center, 11371 E. Purdue Farm Road, Dubois.

Pate, an industry expert from Ryegate, Montana, with many years of personal and professional livestock experience, will highlight the economic benefits of handling livestock correctly.

A beef cattle-focused program is will be from 1 to 7 p.m. ET Sept. 27, followed by a small ruminant-focused program from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Sept. 28. A meal will be served at both programs.

Cost is $30. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2r8kkm9b.

Beekeeping for Families

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online program Beginner Beekeeping for families will be noon to 1 p.m. ET Sept. 27. The Lunch and Learn program will explore the basics of beginner beekeeping for both children and adults. Included will be essential resources, basic tools, key skills, and what to expect in your first year as a beekeeper. Also discussed will be how to actively engage children throughout the process.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdex9aeh.

Hunger Walk

PEKIN, Ill. — The 2024 Tri-County Hunger Walk will be 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 28 at Mineral Springs Park, 1701 Court St., Pekin.

Join the effort to raise awareness about hunger and support the health of our neighbors by donating healthy, shelf-stable food to local pantries and walking for 30 minutes.

New to the walk this year will be vendors offering free resources, and fun, family-friendly activities.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/44w75xt7.