Calendar: Prune fruit trees to ensure top quality, high yields

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Introduction to Fruit Tree Pruning will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Pruning and removing unproductive wood will help get your apple, pear, cherry and peach trees in shape for better fruit in the summer. If you don’t prune, it is possible that quality and yields may be lower than you expect.

The class will cover the tools growers will need, approaches for old-neglected and new trees, branches to be removed, and other challenges. “Each winter, I teach this class to help backyard growers, beginning farmers, and others get a better understanding of fruit tree pruning and gain confidence in the cuts they need to make,” said Grant McCarty, Extension local foods and small farms educator. “Over the last six years, nearly 300 individuals have gone through this class and sent me many photos of their trees to examine and assist with. What I enjoy about this program is that attendees see other’s trees, and they realize they may be dealing with similar challenges in their own orchard.”

The program will be repeated 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Highland Community College Student Conference, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3m62f98j.

Be Heart Smart

WHITING, Ind. — Thanks to a generous grant from Lake County Health Department, Lake County Extension will be offering the popular Be Heart Smart program at no cost to residents. The classes will include a Be Heart Smart program manual, a heart-healthy cookbook, food demonstrations and tastings, and educational instruction focused on the benefits of following a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Join Linda Curley, Extension health and human sciences educator, at the Whiting Public Library. 1735 Oliver St., Whiting, from 1 to 3 p.m. CT Tuesdays, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, March 4, and March 11. Register by calling the library at 219-659-0269. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p4rm4ah.

Poultry Workshop

VANDALIA, Ill. — The Eggcellent Poultry Workshop for youths ages 8 to 18 will be 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 22 at the Fayette County Extension office, 118 N. 6th St., Vandalia.

Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience with raising poultry, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn more. Participants will gain hands-on experience and valuable insights into the care and management of poultry flocks.

Soup’s On

DEER CREEK, Ill. — Simmer Up to Soup will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Deer Creek Library, 205 E. 1st Ave., Deer Creek.

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

Register for this free program by calling the library at 309-447-6724. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yt7dv73e.

Healthy Chocolate

PRINCETON, Ill. — The Health Benefits of Chocolate will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Bureau County Senior Center, 16 W. Marion St., Princeton.

Many chocolates are considered indulgent, but some can offer health benefits when consumed mindfully. Get the scoop on the science behind different types of chocolate and taste the difference. Susan Glassman, Extension nutrition and wellness educator, will explain how chocolate can be part of your healthy lifestyle. Participants will take home a recipe and resources, and enjoy a taste of dark chocolate hot cocoa.

Heart-Healthy Cooking

HILLSBORO, Ill. — Heart-Healthy Cooking will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Hillsboro Health, 1200 E. Tremont St., Hillsboro.

Discover the best foods to lower cholesterol, understand the different types of fats, and explore smart cooking techniques to support heart health.

Cooking with Air Fryer

MAROA, Ill. — Hot and Fast: Cooking with an Air Fryer will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Maroa Public Library, 305 Garfield St., Maroa.

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen countertop appliance because they are easy to use, energy-efficient, cook a variety of foods, and clean up easily. If your air fryer sits unused or you are considering purchasing one, plan to attend the University of Illinois Extension’s air fryer class.

Community Garden Training

MATTESON, Ill. — Online School and Community Garden Training will be 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 25.

Extension Local Foods Systems and Small Farms Educator Kathryn Pereira and Horticulture Educator Nancy Kreith will walk participants through the steps of forming and leading a school or community garden. Topics will include determining the garden’s purpose, recruiting volunteers, how to select and prepare a site, how to set rules and guidelines, and best practices for critical processes for communications, meetings and planning. Real-life case studies will be used to illustrate garden success and setbacks.

Food Summit

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Feeding Champaign County Food Summit will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. 1st St., Champaign.

The Feeding Champaign County Food Summit was created in response to a clear need to coordinate food access and security work throughout Champaign County. The third annual summit will continue to address these needs by connecting local food system leaders working towards developing solutions in the community.

Water Management

MAHOMET, Ill. — The Integrated Water Management Workshop for Farmers and Landowners will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26 and Feb. 27 at Farm Credit Illinois, 1100 Farm Credit Drive, Mahomet.

In times of changing environmental conditions, unmanaged drainage water with a lack of soil conservation practices can impact farm profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations. Understanding management options starts with knowing what’s happening out in the fields and where to turn for resources.

Workshop attendees will spend two days interacting with University of Illinois researchers as well as Extension and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, learning how to improve water and nutrient management on their farms to enhance crop productivity while minimizing impacts on the environment.

The goal for this workshop is that attendees will leave with sufficient knowledge about agricultural water management practices and their implementation to provide confidence and a better working relationship with their contractor of choice. Presentation topics include the basics of integrated water management, soil drainage, conservation, nutrient loss reduction strategy, surface runoff and erosion.

The cost to attend is $15 and includes lunch on both days. There will be 10 Certified Crop Adviser CEUs available for this training.

Forest Management

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner virtual course will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 26, March 26 and April 23.

The course will provide access to eight videos participants may watch on thier own schedule and three live, online Zoom meetings to provide access to additional information and answer questions. All content will be delivered via Zoom and other web-based resources.

Topics covered include Tree ID, Forest History and Biology, Management Planning, Management Practices, Wildlife Management, Timber Sales, Forest Economics, and Resources and Assistance for Forest Landowners. In addition, Extension will provide connections to local forestry and natural resource field days taking place across the state to help participants connect on the ground to professionals and see management practices in-person. A list of field programs will be provided to participants for an in-person field experience. Links to the videos and online meetings will be provided upon receipt of payment.

Cost is $15. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ypeuyh3a.

Annie’s Project 101

PEKIN, Ill. — Annie’s Project 101 will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 at the Tazewell County Farm Bureau, 1505 Valle Vista Blvd., Pekin.

Annie’s Project 101 is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from agricultural experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field. This 18-hour course is offered in a hybrid format, combining six hours of online content with two days of in-person sessions, each offering time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with presenters and fellow participants. Participants also have the option to view the online content at the Tazewell County Farm Bureau. The classes are relaxed, fun and dynamic way to learn, grow and connect with other women in agriculture.

Cost is $50. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n93rfxc.

Pruning Workshop

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Pruning: Technique and Timing with DuPage Master Gardeners will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 27 at the DuPage County Extension office, 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Naperville.

Attendees will learn when to prune different types of trees and shrubs, what types of pruners to use, and how and where to make the right cut. Master gardeners also will cover spring pruning tasks and have hands-on pruning practice after the presentation.

Annual Dinner

LOGANSPORT, Ind. — The Cass County Extension Board Annual Dinner will be at 5 p.m. ET Feb. 27 at the Cass County Fairgrounds Community Building, 2281 E County Rd 125 N, Logansport.

The event will include updates on the year’s actives and accomplishments as well as dinner and a keynote speaker.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2j9zzj23 or call 574-753-7750.