July 05, 2025

Calendar: Heritage chickens workshop

A White Java rooster is among chickens on hand during a backyard chicken workshop at Garfield Farm Museum in LaFox Saturday6. Javas are heritage breed chickens raised for both eggs a meat. (Mary Beth Nolan for Shaw Media)

Javas are heritage breed chickens raised for both eggs and meat.

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Learn about the diverse range of heritage chicken breeds for laying eggs as well as meat birds at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Jackson County Extension office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro. Discussed will be different heritage breeds and their eggs; selecting healthy chickens; different coops, including movable coops; and how to feed chickens for egg production. The program will be offered in person or online. Register at tinyurl.com/nyta85v3.

Choosing native trees and shrubs

Native trees and shrubs support insects and wildlife in local ecosystems. Discover the value and characteristics of native woody plants and the beauty desirable trees and shrubs can add to various sites in your landscape at 1 p.m. Nov. 2. The online program will be presented by University of Illinois Extension Educator Andrew Holsinger. Register at tinyurl.com/aufrtzbk.

Take charge of your health

The Take Charge of Your Health program allows you to learn to thrive, not just survive with your ongoing health conditions. Discover healthy ways to live with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and others. Find practical ways of dealing with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choices, and learn better ways to talk with your doctors and family about your health.

The interactive virtual series will take place over six weeks at 1 p.m. Wednesdays starting Nov. 3. Register at tinyurl.com/p9twxjrm.

Radon, still an indoor issue

FREEPORT, Ill. — When was the last time you tested your home for radon? What changes might have increased our exposure risks over the last few years? Join University of Illinois Extension Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator Jay Solomon to learn more about the dangers of radon in our homes at 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring St., Freeport.

Cost is $10. Register at tinyurl.com/5a6w6kw7. Each participating household will receive a free radon test kit.

Thankful for our feathered friends

MORRISON, Ill. — Bird watching is a wonderful winter activity, and what better way to attract them to your yard than to provide them with the necessary nutrition. Join Whiteside County master gardeners as they explore how and what to offer for our feathered friends at 1 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Whiteside County Extension office, 100 E. Knox St., Morrison.

Participants will make their own bird feeder. Register at tinyurl.com/2awej5yf.