Calendar: Tips for growing great apples

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Growing Great Apples will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Participants will learn about general production of apples, new and unique varieties, rootstocks, seasonal issues encountered in 2024, insect challenges, harvesting, and preparing your trees for winter. This program is for those currently growing apples or wanting to add trees for a small orchard as well as those interested in learning more about apple production in northern Illinois.

The program will be presented by University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty. “Apple orchards thrive in northern Illinois. From family-owned, u-pick orchards to trees in the backyard, these fruit trees regularly yield well with a wide range of different varieties,” McCarty said. “While they do well most years, they still can have challenges like biennial fruiting and insects/diseases. So, management is key for getting great yields.”

Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdee3rth.

The program will be repeated from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2pfs37ty.

Forestry Tour

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — The Forestry Tour will be 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET Oct. 5 at the Purdue Harrold Woodland, 5000 West 750 N, Columbia City.

Learn various management strategies for middle-aged hardwood plantations that are approximately 30 years old. Topics may include:

• Crop tree, cull tree, or residual stocking.

• Pruning decisions: when, why, and how.

• Evaluating the original tree planting plan and its implementation after 30-plus years.

• USDA funding options.

Cost is $15 and lunch will be provided. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3dyjkhxz. This event is cosponsored by Walnut Council Indiana Chapter, Purdue Extension, Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, and IN-DNR Division of Forestry.

Farm Stroll

POPLAR GROVE, Ill. — The Boone County Farm Stroll will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6. Take a self-guided tour of 11 diversified family farms. There is no beginning or end; you choose which farms to see.

Sites on the tour are:

• Alpaca Pines LLC Farm and Fiber Mill, 21756 Beaverton Road, Poplar Grove

• Claretta Farm, 10636 Orth Road, Garden Prairie

• DieHard Dairy, 4915 Genoa Road, Belvidere

• T-J’s Farm Market, 4919 Genoa Road, Belvidere

• Freedom Farms, 34314 Wheeler Road, Kirkland

• Homestead Farm, 9222 Huber Road, Belvidere

• Illinois Wool and Fiber Mill, 10828 Caledonia Road, Belvidere

• Nature’s Best Christmas Trees and Honey, 13001 Illinois Route 76, Poplar Grove

• S&J Farm, 1745 Cherry Valley Road, Kirkland

• Susie’s Garden Patch, 10258 U.S. Hwy. 20, Garden Prairie

• Trogg’s Hollow CSA and Market Farm, 11577 Poplar Grove Road, Poplar Grove.

The stroll is free, but bring cash for food and activities at the farms. Dress for the weather, and don’t forget your closed-toe shoes. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/hz2np9xs or call Judy Hodge, program coordinator at the Boone County Extension office, at 815-544-3710.

Gardener Training

MATTOON, Ill. — Online Illinois Gardener Training will be Oct. 7-Jan. 13.

Take your love of gardening to the next level by joining the online training course. The course is for those interested in the Master Gardener certification process and continuing on to volunteer in their community, or for those simply interested in bettering their gardening skills.

The training includes videos, a manual, reading materials, and quizzes. The course can be completed in 14 weeks with four hours of weekly work. Topics include soils and fertilizers, plant diseases, entomology, pest management, and organic gardening.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/msxtfa9b.

Eating for Eye Health

RANTOUL, Ill. — Eating for Eye Health will be 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 8 at the Rantoul Public Library, 106 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul.

Age-related eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness and vision problems in the United States. Learn about the most common types of eye disorders, the role of nutrition in eye health, and what you can do to protect your eyes.

Register by calling 217-893-3955 or email rantoullib@gmail.com. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3muett8p.

Grass to Garden

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Learn the basics of staring a community-based garden with the online Purdue Extension Grass to Garden Signature Program, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct. 28.

From improving access to fruits and vegetables to educating people on how food is grown, community gardens offer many benefits to the place you call home.

Nonprofit employees, local officials, community garden volunteers and garden enthusiasts will learn more than just growing plants, including:

• Strengthening agricultural and community development efforts.

• Improving access to local, nutritious foods.

• Creating healthier communities.

Cost is $50. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3jvkmy78.

Compassion Fatigue

MCCLEAN, Ill. — Compassion Fatigue: The Cost of Caring for Others will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Mt. Hope-Funks Grove Library, 111 S. Hamilton St., McLean.

We often prioritize others’ needs at our own expense, forgetting that our needs are important, too. Despite attempting to separate work from personal life, we often tie our identity to our profession. This session addresses compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma, highlighting risk factors and symptoms.

There is no cost to attend this program. To register, call the library at 309-376-5651.

Eating on a Budget

PANA, Ill. — Eating on a Budget Using Five Ingredients or Less will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 8 in the Community Meeting Room at Pana Community Hospital, 101 E. 9th St., Pana.

Need ideas for a few ingredient meals? Learn about simple meal preparations using just a few ingredients, practice writing a menu with a short grocery list, eating well on a budget, and practice making and tasting meals with less ingredients.

Register for this free class by calling 217-562-6231.

Engaging with Nature

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Discover the Benefits of Engaging with Nature will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 8.

In a culture increasingly dominated by technology and highly manipulated landscapes, connecting with nature can seem impossible. Explore what we are missing when we lose our connection to nature and gain inspiration that will help to prioritize nature connections, even as winter approaches and day lengths shorten.

Register for this Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series program at https://tinyurl.com/4mr2faat.

Craft Night

OLNEY, Ill. — Richland County Fall Craft Night for children ages 5 to 10 will be 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Richland County Extension office, 306 S. Fair St., Olney.

Everything needed for crafts will be provided, along with snacks and drinks.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4zmethvc.

Simmer Up

EL PASO, Ill. — Simmer Up to Soup will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the El Paso Public Library, 149 W. 1st St., El Paso.

A bowl of homemade soup on a cold winter day can be a comforting meal. Learn the many types of soup and ways to make them healthy and flavorful. You’ll receive a packet of recipes and taste a hearty bowl of soup.

Register for this free program by calling the library at 309-527-4360.

Beginning Sourdough

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — The program Beginning Sourdough will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Jackson County Extension office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Learn how to grow your home baking skills and add more variety to your everyday meals. Making your own sourdough bread is a wonderful skill to have when creating dishes at home. From fancy loaves and English muffins to weekly sandwich bread, you can help add an abundance of flavor and confidence to your meals.

Local baker and farmers market vendor Sonja Lallemand will discuss:

• Understanding the chemistry of breads.

• Creating your own baking timeline.

• Understanding baker’s percentage.

• Proofing, shaping and finally baking a loaf of sourdough bread.

Participants will leave with their own sourdough starter. Register at https://tinyurl.com/cpdnp9d3.

Tree ID Walk

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — The Tree Identification Walk with Master Gardeners will be 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Riverside Park, 2610 W. Riverside Park Road, Murphysboro.

Participants will learn about key identification characteristics, how to use a dichotomous key to identify trees, the diseases or pests associated with tree species, and how to protect your backyard trees.

Learn more and register at https://tinyurl.com/exej3ehn.

Mental Health First Aid

VINCENNES, Ind. — Purdue Extension Knox County will present the program Adult Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Oct. 10 at the Vincennes University Agricultural Center, 4207 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes.

Adult Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course that teaches participants:

• How to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Signs and symptoms for a variety of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and deliberate self-injury.

• Awareness and understanding of the impact mental health and substance use stigma can have.

• How to assist those in need to get help from a health professional.

Cost is $100 and includes manual, workbook and lunch.

For registration information, visit https://tinyurl.com/24x547jw. For more information, contact Tonya Short at 812-882-3509 or short43@purdue.edu.

District Meeting

FLORA, Ind. — The Extension Homemakers Fall District Meeting will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Oct. 10 at the Carroll County Event and Education Center, 102 N. 4th St., Flora.

Lunch will include pulled pork, Michigan salad, mac and cheese, and apple crisp. Cost is $15.

For more information, contact Caren Crum at 574-967-3538 or carencrum@purdue.edu.

Election 2024

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The program Our Current Political Environment will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET Oct. 10 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Dr. Michael Wolf, chair and professor of political science at the Purdue University Fort Wayne, will answer questions about the upcoming local, state and national elections.

Register for this Allen County Extension Homemakers program by calling 260-481-6826.

Pressure Cooking

BRIGHTON, Ill. — Cooking Under Pressure: Using Electric Pressure Cookers will be 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at Brighton Memorial Library, 110 N. Main St., Brighton.

Learn how to prepare healthy meals made “under pressure,” how to care for the machine, 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 the library at 618-372-8450 or sign up at the library’s front desk.

Climate Change

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Actions for Illinois Residents to Combat Climate Change will be 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 10.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about the impacts of climate change. While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. Learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community in this free webinar. Explore how paying attention to what’s on your plate, checking the energy efficiency of your home, and getting active in your local community are all ways to be a climate-conscious global citizen.

This session will be led by Illinois Extension staff from the natural resources, environment, and energy team, community and economic development team, the Energy Education Council, and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3ywcwyxp.

Your Land, Your Legacy

SALEM, Ind. — Women landowners are invited to attend the program Your Land, Your Legacy, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET Oct. 11.

Program topics include succession planning, diversification, and incorporating conservation practices.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. at the Washington County Community Foundation Building, 1707 N. Shelby St., Salem. The afternoon will include a field trip to Cornucopia Farm in Scottsburg. The program will end at the Washington County Community Foundation with refreshments at 3:30 p.m.

For 10 years, the Washington County Community Foundation and the Washington County Conservation Partnership have offered this peer-to-peer, informal discussion program format to allow women landowners and land users to discuss their individual farm management goals.

RSVP to the Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District at 812-883-3006, ext. 3.

Community Forum

YORKVILLE, Ill. — The Kendall County Community Forum hosted by Illinois Extension will be 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, 10826 IL-71, Yorkville.

This informal, two-hour open house will include Café Conversations centered on topics such as promoting positive youth development, improving food access, addressing health issues, and protecting the environment.

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/ym7247er. For questions, contact Deanna Roby-Vorgias at roby@illinois.edu.

Sewing/Quilting Seminar

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — The Sewing/Quilting Seminar will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET Oct. 12 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds Exhibition Center, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.

There will be vendors, demonstrations and a fabric swap. Seminar topics will include Tips, Tricks and Tools; Declutter and Organize Your Sewing Room; and Repairing Vintage and Antique Quilts.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/48fd9uc8 or email Bernie Huber at bchuber@purdue.edu.

Pumpkin Centerpieces

DIXON, Ill. — Create a pumpkin centerpiece from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 12 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon.

Pumpkins are one of the most popular symbols of fall. Add some new flair to your decorating by creating a pumpkin focal point. With Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black, participants will learn how to make a fun centerpiece for any table, witches brew station, or favorite haunt. Supplies are included.

Cost is $29. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yt968fb7.

OAKtober Celebration

MATTOON, Ill.— OAKtober Celebration will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 12 at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 Dewitt Ave., Mattoon.

Participants will learn about the characteristics of white oaks, red oaks, burr oaks, sycamores, and other trees that call Illinois home.

Cos is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yh97s29h.

Salsa Gardening

CENTRALIA, Ill. — The Salsa Gardening Workshop will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 12 at Calumet Street Christian Church, 2240 E. Calumet St., Centralia.

The workshop will be led by Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Mary Liz Wright.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/nhcms4ff or call 618-548-1446.

Herbal Gifts

ATLANTA, Ill. — The program Creating Herbal Gifts from the Homestead will be 1 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Atlanta Public Museum, 114 SW Arch St., Atlanta.

Amy Wertheim of Wertheim’s Gardens in Atlanta will guide you through the best culinary, medicinal, and tea plants for your garden. She’ll also share how to transform your herbal bounty into unique, handcrafted gifts — perfect for the holiday season.

During the workshop, participants will learn how to:

• Dry and preserve herbs to retain maximum flavor.

• Create infused oils for use in lotions, salves and lip balms.

• Craft herbal products, including culinary oils, herbal vinegars, herbal salts and herbal teas.

All herbs for the class will be provided. Participants will leave with several herbal creations, plus materials to continue experimenting at home.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y9zf26tt.

Farm Stroll

MT. MORRIS, Ill. — The Ogle County Farm Stroll will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13.

Take a self-guided tour of several diversified family farms. The stroll is free, but bring cash for food and activities at the farms.

Farms on the tour include:

• BerryView Orchard, 7504 Midtown Road, Mt. Morris

• Hough’s Maple Lane Farm, 3788 N. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris

• Dietrich Ranch, 4574 N. Leaf River Road, Mt. Morris

• Barnhart’s Stone Corner, 2169 E. Honey Creek Road, Oregon

• Happily Homegrown, 4938 S. Scout Road, Oregon

• Orion Organics, 885 W. Stone Barn Road, Franklin Grove

For more information and a map, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdhxcahw.