Calendar: How to ID trees

Illinois is home to hundreds of native and non-native tree species, but identifying them isn’t always easy. Gain confidence in your tree ID abilities by joining Horticulture Educator Sarah Vogel to learn how to recognize tree species.

The online program will be at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Register by visiting tinyurl.com/b2mswucb.

Cookin’ in an instant

Learn tips and tricks for using your electric pressure cooker in a free online series beginning at noon Oct. 21. Each week features a different recipe to try at home and discuss the following week. Participants must supply their own equipment and food. The six-week series is designed for beginners, but all levels are welcome.

What’s ailing my tree?

There are many things to be on the lookout for when determining what is causing tree issues. University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger will discuss tree insect diseases, and other means of a tree’s demise at 1 p.m. Oct. 21.

Participate in this event online or in person at the Montgomery County Extension office, #1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro.

Mental health first aid for the ag community

We see them every day, America’s farm families dealing with uncertainties of weather, cost of inputs, growing season risks, and long hours. As their neighbors, customers, business partners, and clients, you may feel helpless, but Illinois Extension can provide the tools to identify mental health issues and communication skills to support and save lives in the agricultural community.

Help farm families get the support they need by becoming more aware of available resources.

You’ll complete a two-hour self-paced online course before joining the live video conference at 8 a.m. Oct. 21. The conference will cover:

Mental illness symptoms
Substance use signs and addiction
Crisis interaction
Trauma
Self-care

University of Illinois Extension educators will lead the training. Register at tinyurl.com/2xefducx.

Healthy behaviors for a healthy immune system

We want to do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from getting sick. While no one food or healthy lifestyle behavior can prevent illness, you can help boost your immunity with a healthy balance of nutrient-rich foods, adequate sleep, physical activity, and managed stress.

Join University of Illinois Extension’s Nutrition and Wellness Educator Diane Reinhold and the Senior Resource Center for this virtual workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 21. Learn what steps you can take to build a strong immune system and reduce the risk of illness. This program will offer an in-depth understanding of how lifestyle impacts the immune system, explain the role diet and physical activity play in helping build and maintain a healthy immune system and provide fun recipes.

Abandoned mine land reclamation in Illinois

Over the past decade, coal power plants and mines have downsized and closed in Illinois, often leaving impacted communities without a plan to replace their tax revenue or jobs.

To help support Illinois’ coal communities and displaced workers, federal and state agencies are enacting an economic and workforce development program for impacted communities around the state. A free webinar at 11 a.m. Oct. 21 will share tools, resources, and ideas on available funding and retraining programs available.

Learn about the history, current status, and future of the Abandoned Mine Land program in Illinois and the program’s importance in addressing the physical safety and environmental threats of unreclaimed mine lands.

Additionally, explore:

The outcomes of potential new federal infrastructure funds on the Illinois AML program.
Employment implications.
Opportunities for communities who prioritize abandoned mine land reclamation.

Christmas in October

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — The Effingham County HCE will host its annual Christmas in October from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Effingham County Extension office, 1209 Wenthe Drive, Effingham.

There will be games. Christmas crafts. prizes, and food. Register at tinyurl.com/3tcmdeup.

Preserve at home

CLINTON, Ill. — Preserving can take the shape of canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting — and you can do it at home. A free workshop will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 23 at the Vespasian Warner Public Library, 310 N. Quincy St., Clinton. The program will cover needed equipment, supplies to get started preserving, and recipe resources to preserve safely. Register by Oct. 21 with the library in person or by calling 217-935-5174.

Halloween pumpkin workshop

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Create a one-of-a-kind Halloween pumpkin centerpiece with Amy James from the Petaled Pail at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Madison County Extension office, 1606 Eastport Plaza Drive, Suite 100, Collinsville.

You can select an orange or white pumpkin to decorate. Cost is $35. Register at tinyurl.com/hm26u277.