April 16, 2024

Calendar: Identify woody invasive plants

Nick Fuller, natural resource project coordinator for the Forest Preserve Distict of DuPage County, points out honeysuckle during a winter inspection at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. Honeysuckle is one of the invasive species that crews will be removing to return the area to its natural state. (Mark Busch)

Invasive shrubs, trees, and vines are a serious threat to native plants and natural areas in Illinois. Species such as Amur honeysuckle, and common buckthorn can grow so dense that they nearly block all of the light to the forest floor. Vines, like Oriental bittersweet, can wrap around trees so tightly it girdles them.

But, all is not lost. With a few management techniques, you can help in the safe and effective control of these species.

A webinar a 1 p.m. July 8 by Extension Forestry Specialist Chris Evans will teach you to identify the common woody invasive plants in Illinois and how you can control them.

Register at tinyurl.com/z8hjewhc.

How the palate changes

How does our palate change through our life cycle? What are some ways to enhance flavor using color and spices? What is behind the psychology of taste? Learn about the five senses, the process of aging, and the connection between smell and taste in the online Lessons for Living program at 2 p.m. July 8.

Register at forms.illinois.edu/sec/511564727.

Jasper County 4-H BBQ

NEWTON, Ill. — The Jasper Co. 4-H BBQ will be from 4 to 7 p.m. July 9 at the Jasper County Fairgrounds, 1300 Fairground Ave., Newton.

Tickets are available through Foundation, 4-H members, and Jasper County Extension staff.

Meal includes: pork chop or pork burger sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, chips and drink. Farm Bureau will be serving ice cream. Cost is $10 for pork chop meal, and $9 for pork burger meal.

For more information, call 618-783-2521.

DeKalb County Garden Walk

The annual DeKalb County Garden Walk will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 10. This year’s event will include six host gardens located in the DeKalb and Sycamore area.

Wristbands are required for each attendee and may be purchased for $10 each at the DeKalb County Extension office, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore; Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St., Sycamore; and Glidden Florist, 917 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. A list of all the host garden names and addresses will be included with your wristband.

For more information, contact Connie Handel, Extension program coordinator, at 815-758-8194 or cahandel@illinois.edu.

McHenry County Garden Walk

The McHenry County Garden Walk will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10. Tour the McHenry County Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden at McHenry County College and then experience some of the most unique, creative gardens across Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and Crystal Lake. From gardens overlooking a sparkling lake to those with magnificent trees, all nine gardens on the tour are a must-see.

Cost is $12 in advance, and $17 the day of the event.

Visit mchenry.edu/gardenwalk for more information.