FAIRBURY, Ill. — Creatures of the Night will be 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Fugate Woods Nature Preserve, 23150 E 1000 N Rd, Fairbury.
Learn about the nocturnal creatures that call this area home, including bats, owls, skunks, raccoons and opossums. After the educational session, gather around the fire to make s’mores and roast hotdogs.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/3yc69e4c.
Wellness Walk
RIVERDALE, Ill. — The October Cook County Nature Wellness Walk will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Kickapoo Woods, Halsted and 144th streets, Riverdale.
Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during these slow and leisurely walks that can lead to improved mental and physical health. A tea ceremony will be conducted after the walk. This walk is designed for those 18 and older.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/6rz9bsya.
Crochet Workshop
The Crochet Workshop will be 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 14 at the Wayne County Extension office, 2B Frontier Drive, Fairfield.
Participants ages 8 to 18 will learn the fundamentals of crochet, from basic stitches to creating beautiful handmade projects. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is designed to guide you through every step of the process. Crochet is a relaxing, creative activity that allows you to make everything from simple dishcloths to intricate garments. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid grasp of crochet techniques and the confidence to tackle more advanced projects.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/4atxpfhk.
Pollinator Palooza
CARLYLE, Ill. — Pollinator Palooza will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, 804 Lake Road, Carlyle.
Pollinator Palooza is a pollinator celebration for all ages. Enjoy games, prizes and crafts. Educational session will include Pollinator 101 at 10:30 a.m., and The Flight of Monarchs at 11:30 a.m.
A special station by Project Wingspan at Eldon Hazlet Prairie will be on display from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. Walk the quarter-mile path and learn about the importance of native wildflowers for wildlife and pollinators. See how your family can help pollinators at home.
Learning stations open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food trucks will be available.
For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3ttbhuud.
All About Apples
JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — All About Apples: From Nutrition to Preservation will be 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at the JCH Wellness Center, 412 Maple Summit Road, Jerseyville.
Learn what apples work best for pies and apple sauce, and the best way to can, freeze and dry apples. Participants will make apple sauce and receive recipes.
Register by calling 618-498-3500 or sign up at the front desk of the JCH Wellness Center.
Farmer Resources
URBANA, Ill. — The online program Resources for Farmers in Crisis will be 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 15.
When injury, illness or natural disasters strike, farmers and ranchers need help to continue operating. This program highlights two key resources for farmers in crisis. The Farm Rescue program plants, harvests, hauls, and does chores for free when farmers have an emergency. The AgrAbility program helps agriculture workers with disabilities. Learn about qualifications, what services are available, and how to request assistance from these essential non-profits serving the ag community.
The program is part of the Cultivating Caution: A Monthly Guide to Farm Safety and Health Webinar Series.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/2s37vt2y.
Garden Workshop
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The Fall Garden Workshop with Piatt and DeWitt County Master Gardeners will be noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Piatt County Extension office, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.
The weather is beginning to turn cooler now, so it’s a perfect time to start thinking about preparations for next year’s garden. Learn how taking care of a few details now will mean fewer chores, pests and problems in the spring. Master gardener volunteers will discuss a fall garden checklist that will offer tips and provide a guide for fall gardening tasks.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/4xc4yayr.
SIU Sustainability
NORMAL, Ill. — The Sustainability in Action at Illinois State University webinar will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15.
Learn about sustainability efforts occurring in in the community and on campus at Illinois State University. Efforts at ISU, aided by the Office of Sustainability, provide a model for recognizing how to lower the amount of waste going to landfills. Organizers work to encourage students to first refuse, reduce and reuse before needing to recycle. During this webinar, participants will learn about ISU’s key initiatives, including:
• Share Shop: A program that encourages the exchange of items to reduce waste.
• Fix It Friday: Repair sessions that extend the life of everyday items.
• Pass It On and Front Yard Free Cycle: Initiatives promoting the reuse of goods within the community.
• Zero Waste Events: Strategies to minimize waste during campus events.
• Water Bottle Fillers: Efforts to reduce plastic pollution by promoting reusable water bottles.
This presentation aims to illuminate ISU’s intentions to create more cyclical systems for waste through reusing, composting and recycling. These efforts work to decrease harmful contaminates that end up in our landfills — affecting our environment and our own health.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/38rntwmr.
Decluttering Your Home
COLFAX, Ill. — Where to Start: Decluttering Your Home and Finances will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Martin Township Public Library, 132 W. Main St., Colfax.
Do you feel overwhelmed trying to organize your stuff? Do you have a filing cabinet spilling over with financial paperwork?Join Family Life Educator Sara Attig in a free workshop to get your home and finances organized.
• Explore reasons for clutter and how it makes you feel.
• Identify what financial documents needs to be kept and when to discard documents.
• Explore secure options to discard sensitive financial documents.
• Learn the benefits of decluttering and minimizing.
• Identify strategies and create a plan to clear your clutter.
To register, call the library at 309-723-2541.
Hardwood University
EDINBURGH, Ind. — Hardwood University: Marketing Hardwood Veneer, Stave and Sawlogs will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Oct. 16 at Danzer Veneer Americas, 206 S. Holland St., Edinburgh.
Hardwood specialists will discuss tree quality and log merchandising. The highest-value use of hardwood resource is for fine face veneers. Excellent markets have always existed for “perfect” trees and logs. Marketing of “somewhat less than perfect” trees and logs can present a challenge. The practicing forester may be unsure what a particular veneer buyer can accept and why the log or tree value varies widely and changes weekly. Furthermore, the markets for the veneer itself change. A tour of the Danzer facility and showroom will be included.
Sponsors include the Indiana Hardwood Lumber Association and Purdue Extension — Forestry and Natural Resources.
To sign up, visit https://tinyurl.com/5xa6jdp3. For more information, contact Rado Gazo at 765-494-3634 or gazo@purdue.edu.
Future Hardwood University courses include: Urban Forestry, Washington, Indiana, Oct. 23; Grade-sawing Hardwood Logs, Pike Lumber Company, Akron, Indiana, Nov. 14; Digital Forestry, Part 1, Recent Advances, Martell Forest - Purdue University, Montmorenci, Indiana, Nov. 20; Selling Kiln Dried Hardwoods, Banks Hardwoods, White Pigeon, Michigan, Jan. 29.
Grow Your Green Thumb
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Grow Your Green Thumb, a 4-H program centered around STEM and agriculture, meets 4 to 5 p.m. ET Oct. 16 at Johnnie Mae Farm, 2518 Winter St., Fort Wayne.
Participants will learn about gardening and cooking with fresh produce, and will receive a coupon for produce at the end of each session. The spark club is associated with the power of produce club that engages youth in the local food system through educational opportunities and exposure to new fruits and vegetables.
For more information or questions, email rcclay@purdue.edu or call 260-481-6826.
Achievement Night
PINCKNEYVILLE,, Ill. — Perry County 4-H Achievement Night will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Pinckneyville Community Center, 203 N. Walnut St., Pinckneyville.
Perry County 4-H members will be honored and awarded for their hard work and accomplishments.
Mental Health Workshop
STERLING, Ill. — Youth Mental Health First Aid Workshop will be noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Whiteside Extension office, 12923 Lawrence Road, Sterling.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This five-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
Prior to attending the live training session, participants will complete a two-hour, self-paced pretraining course.
Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4bx7dfut.
Wellness Walk
NORMAL, Ill. — The Wellness Walk will be 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the ISU Horticulture Center, 1000 W. Raab Road, Normal.
Experience the joy of nature and boost your well-being. Participants will be immersed in the beauty of nature through fun, guided activities designed to heighten their senses and mindfulness.
This event is suitable for all ages. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mw4fm3mh.
Trees for Wildlife
ROCKFORD, Ill. — The program Trees and Shrubs for Wildlife will be 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Forest Preserve of Winnebago County, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford.
Chris Evans, Extension forestry specialist, will touch on several aspects of forest management with a focus on habitat improvement and increased wildlife utilization. Evans will focus on issues of local concern, including invasive plant species control, tree and shrub species selection, timber stand improvement, and selective harvesting. The optional guided hike will start at 5 p.m., and the presentation will follow at 6:15 p.m.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/mwfxaxrd.
Let’s Walk
BELVIDERE, Ill. — Let’s Walk! will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 17 at the Prairie Fields, 1111 Fairgrounds Road, Belvidere.
Boone County Extension staff will lead this free walking program for beginners of all abilities and fitness levels.
Whether you are aiming to boost cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, or manage your weight, walking offers a simple and effective solution. Walking is an accessible form of exercise that can easily fit into your daily routine.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/349xcj8y. For more information, call the Boone County Extension office at 815-544-3710.
Garden Overhaul
ELIZABETH, Ill. — Giving Your Garden an Overhaul will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Jo Daviess Extension office, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.
Two years ago, the master gardeners in Jo Daviess County were looking at the gardens in front of the Extension office and were not completely satisfied. They decided to take action and now have a beautiful garden to show for their hard work.
Master Gardener Madelynn Wilharm will discuss the steps that were taken to make the garden what it is today. Some things she will touch on include which plants were chosen to keep and which ones to remove, how invasive chives were dealt with, why the new plants that were planted were chosen, and how they tried to incorporate colors for all seasons. She will also touch on next steps and maintenance.
Whether you are starting from scratch or just want to make a few changes, now is the perfect time to start planning for next spring.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/etnxfutu.
Chainsaw Safety
FREEPORT, Ill. — The Beginner Chainsaw Safety Course will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, Freeport.
Topics that will be discussed include personal protection equipment, safety features of a chainsaw, proper handling and starting procedures, five-step plan for tree felling, hinge design for directional felling, and understanding compression and tension forces in wood.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n6kar42.
Garden Symposium
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association’s Garden Symposium will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Oct. 19 at Brooks Exhibit Hall at Old National Events Plaza, 715 Locust St., Evansville.
The event will feature over 25 vendors, a silent auction, food and speakers, including:
• Paul Allen Smith Jr., an American television host, garden designer, conservationist and lifestyle expert.
• J Schwanke, the host, creator and producer of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom, seen on public television.
• Josh Roggenbuck, regional product manager for Walters Gardens, discussing everything you need to know about Proven Winners plants and flowers.
For more information and tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/3ddkrvcv.
Forest Plan
ELIZABETH, Ill. — The Forest Management Plan Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Elizabeth Community Building, 402 West St., Elizabeth.
Forest management is a way to get the most out of your forest, whether your goals are increasing timber value, wildlife habitat, beauty and recreation, or just having a healthy forest. Effective forest management starts with a plan.
This workshop will cover how managers and landowners can set goals for their forests, what programs are available to assist in forest management planning, understanding a forest management plan and its recommended practices, and a discussion on the trends and issues facing forests in northwestern Illinois. The day will end with a tour of a managed forest.
This workshop will be useful for any forest manager, whether you are just thinking about starting to manage your forest or you already have a plan in place.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/smhk845x.