Calendar: Create a pumpkin floral arrangement

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The Pumpkin Floral Arrangement Workshop with DuPage Master Gardeners will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the DuPage County Extension office, 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Suite 170, Naperville.

Learn the basics of floral design as a master gardener guides you through creating a pumpkin floral arrangement. Choose your favorite blooms to match your own style and holiday décor.

Tips to prepare: Participants should bring two or three bunches of cut flowers, which can be purchased from the supermarket or florist and/or collected from your garden. Recommended flowers include mums, grasses, dried materials, any fall colored blooms. Participants should also bring a pumpkin, approximately 7 to 8 inches in diameter (roughly the size of a pie pumpkin). Pumpkin should be hollowed out before arriving. Save the lid, which was cut out and bring to class, as it may be used in the design. Place a small plastic liner inside of the pumpkin to contain foam and water, such as a butter, sour cream, or yogurt container.

Cost of the workshop is $3. Register at https://tinyurl.com/49ckcsxx.

Barn Dance

PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. — The 4-H Barn Dance will be 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 19 at Timpner Barn, 5026 Lindenwood Road, Pinckneyville.

The Junior Barn Dance for 4-H members in grades third through seventh can attend from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The Teen Barn Dance for 4-H members in eighth grade and up can attend from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and a fun evening. All local 4-H members are invited and can bring two non-4-H members. The events are free, but bring canned goods to donate to a local food pantry.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/5t3tm4wj.

Trees and Leaves

ELIZABETH, Ill. — The Trees and Fall Leaves Workshop will be 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Schurmeier Teaching Forest, 147 E. Reusch Road, Elizabeth.

As the leaves change colors, the University of Illinois Extension and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation invite participants ages 6-12 and their families to join a free outdoor adventure. Environmental educators will guide participants in exploring and identifying various leaves and learning about the trees.

Register by calling the Extension office at 815-858-2273 or visit https://tinyurl.com/ywpnn6px.

Tree Walk

KINCAID, Ill. — The Master Gardener Tree Walk will be 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at Father Dalby’s Forest, 30 St. Ritas Ct., Kincaid.

View the changing colors of fall at Master Gardeners of Christian County’s annual tree walk. Participants will tour the grounds, learn about what trees to utilize in the landscape, and avoid the pitfalls of planting a tree at the wrong site.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/mwy2cmu4. For more information, call Christian County Extension at 217-287-7246.

Horse Clinic

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ill. — The Saddle Up for Success 4-H Horse Clinic will be noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Carroll County Fairgrounds Horse Arena, 28374 Milledgeville Road, Milledgeville.

Join leaders of the 4-H Boots N Spurs Equine Club for an afternoon learning about and practicing speed racing events, including barrels, plug and flag race. Before riding, leaders will cover horse judging basics and proper leg care for your horse. Bring your horse if you’d like to practice during the riding portion of the clinic.

Register for this free workshop for ages 8-18 by visiting https://tinyurl.com/92n92c46. 4-H membership not required to attend.

Ecology Hike

EDDYVILLE, Ill. — The Ecology Hike will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at Lusk Creek Canyon, Indian Kitchen Road, Eddyville.

Learn about plants, wildlife, and nature during this hike through this ecologically important and scenic area. Portions of Lusk Creek Canyon are owned and managed by the Shawnee National Forest, with portions designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark.

This is a joint event of Illinois Extension and the Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club and will be led by Kevin and Kim Rohling.

More information about this hike can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yckx9yr8.

Register for this free event by visiting https://tinyurl.com/mry4yvj7.

Sausage Workshop

PEORIA, Ill. — The Sausage-Making Workshop with Michelin-Star Chef Josh Lanning of Slow Hand Craft BBQ will be 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the restaurant, 4450 N. Prospect Road, Peoria.

Lanning will discuss the theory behind sausage-making and meat sourcing; techniques for making both bulk and encased sausages in a home kitchen; and equipment options and ingredient sourcing.

The workshop will include a live demonstration and sausage tasting.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2shbpmpt.

4-H Kickoff

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — The Kane County 4-H Kickoff will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.

Learn about 4-H programs for ages 5-18 in DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties. There will be hands-on activities, as well as projects and curriculum on display.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/56y8kzku or contact Lydia Nickels at lydian@illinois.edu, 630-584-6166.

Home Canning

HEYWORTH, Ill. — Preserving Your Harvest: Home Canning will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Heyworth Public Library, 119 E. Main St., Heyworth.

Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Jenna Smith will present the step-by-step process of canning with a boiling water bath canner, steam canner and pressure canner.

Register for this free program by calling the library at 309-473-2313.

Pumpkin Painting

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Pumpkin Painting for ages 8 to 18 will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Paint, pumpkin and pumpkin decorations will be provided.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y8bznnse.

Annual Meeting

SALEM, Ind. — The Washington County Extension Board Annual Meeting and 4-H Recognition Banquet will be at 6:30 p.m. ET Oct. 21 at Cornerstone Hall, 1500 RC Morris Drive, Salem.

The evening will feature a buffet, 4-H volunteer and youth awards, Extension Board recognition, and Purdue Extension updates. Donations will be collected to assist Washington County’s Purdue CARET members.

RSVP by calling Purdue Extension – Washington County at 812-883‑4601.

Mental Health First Aid

GREENFIELD, Ind. — The program Adult Mental Health First Aid will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Oct. 22 at the Hancock County Extension office, 972 E. Park Ave., Greenfield.

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack — we’d start CPR or call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or showing signs of alcohol use disorder.

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

Adult Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course that teaches participants:

• How to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Signs and symptoms for a variety of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and deliberate self-injury.

• Awareness and understanding of the impact mental health and substance use stigma can have.

• How to assist those in need to get help from a health professional.

Adult Mental Health First Aid includes two hours of online, self-paced learning, six hours of live instruction led by Purdue Extension staff, and a Mental Health First Aid participant manual hard copy.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n8tufbf.

History of Jell-O

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — The History of Jell-O will be 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 22 at the Macoupin County Extension office, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

This everyday dessert was not always so common. It was once the food of royalty and was prepared in large and complex molds. Learn all about this colorful, versatile dessert and how it has become a staple in American homes.

This class is presented in collaboration with the Macoupin County Home and Community Education Association.

For more information about this Lessons for Living program, visit https://tinyurl.com/4dv4una3.

Declutter Your Home

DEERE CREEK, Ill. — Where to Start: Decluttering Your Home and Finances will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Deer Creek District Library, 205 E. 1st Ave., Deer Creek.

Do you feel overwhelmed trying to organize your stuff? Do you have a filing cabinet spilling over with financial paperwork? Extension Family Life Educator Sara Attig will present this 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 309-447-6724.

Let’s Walk!

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Let’s Walk! will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 22 at Prairie Fields, 1111 Fairgrounds Road, Belvidere.

The staff of Boone County Extension will present 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.

Walks occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Nov. 7. For more information, call the Boone County Extension office at 815-544-3710 or visit https://tinyurl.com/3fhfbh32.

Carnivorous Plants

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Exploring Carnivorous Plants will be 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Carlinville Public Library, 510 N. Broad St., Carlinville.

This program is designed for curious minds eager to learn about the fascinating adaptations and survival strategies of these unique plants. The presentation will feature three incredible species: the Venus flytrap, sundew, and pitcher plants.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/4n8p9hx9.

Heart-Healthy Soups

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Heart-Healthy Soups: Flavorful Techniques for Better Nutrition will be 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, 201 E. Pleasant St., Taylorville.

Soup is nutritious and generally inexpensive to prepare. Learn the many varieties of soups, how to layer different flavors, and developing delicious flavor without the added salt. The class invites participants to practice techniques in making flavorful soups, taste-test hearty soup recipes, and make informed decisions for lowering blood pressure.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/fefedxkr.

Spot and Stop

Spot and Stop: Identify and Manage Invasive Species will be 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 a the Kennekuk Education Center at Kennekuk County Park, 22296 Henning Road, Danville.

Begin with a brief walk along a paved trail to identify some invasive plants in the field, followed by a presentation on how to effectively identify and manage these troublesome species.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a nature enthusiast, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to protect our local ecosystems from damaging, non-native invasives.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/4k3ar97b.

Raised Bed Basics

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Raised Bed Basics, instructions for adding a raised bed garden to your landscape, will be 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Champaign County Extension Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

Master gardeners will discuss materials needed for raised beds, tips for using and maintaining them, and design features for integrating them into your home landscape.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/5bde2ckb.

Pumpkin Decorating

NASHVILLE, Ill. — Pumpkin Decorating with Succulents will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Kaskaskia College Nashville Education Center, 17869 Exchange Ave., Nashville.

The program will be repeated at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at Kaskaskia College Salem Education Center, 1475 W. Whittaker St., Salem.

Cost is $15. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/bddrr9x4 or call 618-242-0780.

Food Allergies 101

ANDERSON, Ind. — Food Allergies 101 will be 6 to 7 p.m. ET Oct. 22 at the Anderson Public Library, 111 E. 12th St., Anderson.

Food allergies are on the rise. Today, one in 13 children and one in 10 adults in the United States has a food allergy. Danielle Scott, Purdue Extension health and human sciences educator, will discuss food allergies, the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, the most common food allergens, ways to prevent an allergic reaction, and following an allergy-aware diet.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/yvv5yt2b.

Urban Forestry

WASHINGTON, Ind. — Urban Forestry Training will be 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET Oct. 23 at Eastside Park, 2100 Memorial Ave., Washington.

Ben McCallister, ISA-certified urban forestry specialist, and Ed Oehlman, ANR Extension educator, will lead this introductory workshop on urban forestry and arboriculture. The train-the-trainer program is designed for landscape professionals, municipal tree board representatives, street and parks department employees, Extension educators, and anyone interested in urban forestry.

Topics will include tree physiology, ID and characteristics, disease diagnosis, and pruning and planting.

Cost is $15, and includes lunch. Register by calling Purdue Extention - Daviess County at 812-254-8668. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc7pzses.

Food Forests

URBANA, Ill. — The online program School-Based Agriculture for Nature-Based Solutions will be noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 23.

Explore the transformative potential of school food forests as climate change interventions. This session will delve into how these agroforestry-based programs produce fresh, nourishing food while enhancing socio-emotional wellness and environmental stewardship. By transforming school garden sites into multifunctional systems, these initiatives also offer high-capacity food production, mitigate adverse environmental impacts, and provide opportunities for stress relief.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/47meu4zk.

Beef and Noodle Dinner

AUBURN, Ind. — The DeKalb County Beef and Noodle Dinner will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. ET Oct. 23 at 4-H Exhibit Hall, 708 S. Union St., Auburn.

The event is open to the public with a free-will donation. Funds raised will go to Extension Homemakers Scholarship Fund.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4h76f8va.

Trunk or Treat

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Treat Yourself to 4-H will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the 4-H Center Industrial Building, 201 E Boonville-New Harmony Road, Evansville.

Participants in grades K-12 are invited to the dress up in their Halloween costumes and participate in a trunk or treat. Fifteen-minute parent info sessions will be held from 6:30 and 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Megan Hoffherr at mkron@purdue.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/yupe87p2.

Wellness Walk

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen and Family Life Educator Emily Harmon will lead a wellness walk, 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 24 at Carle at The Fields Trail, 3310 Fields South Drive, Champaign. In case of bad weather, the walk will be held indoors at First Christian Church, 3601 S Staley Road, Champaign.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdhfjtjz.

Invention Convention

ELKHART, Ind. — The Indiana 4-H Invention Convention Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Oct. 24 at the Elkhart Area Career Center, 2424 California Road, Elkhart.

This professional development training will equip educators and volunteers to facilitate the Indiana 4-H Invention Convention program in their 4-H clubs, schools, and other youth-serving organizations. Participants will work through the Invention Convention Worldwide curriculum and resources; develop plans to implement invention education in their classrooms, clubs, or organizations; and learn about student competition opportunities.

The registration fee covers lunch and teaching materials. Contact hours gained during the workshop are eligible for teachers to apply toward their professional growth points.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr28mv9t.

Book Club

DECATUR, Ill. — “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben will be the subject of the Master Naturalist Book Club, 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Macon County Extension office, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., Decatur.

Future book club titles will include “Winterdance” by Gary Paulsen Nov. 21, and “The Comfort of Crows” by Margaret Renkl Dec. 19.

For questions, to RSVP or request a Zoom link, contact Extension Program Coordinator Stephanie Hale at smhale@illinois.edu or 217-877-6042.

Ginger Garden

OLNEY, Ill. — From Garden to Plate: The Journey of Growing and Cooking with Ginger will be 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Richland County Extension office, 306 S. Fair St., Olney.

Did you know you can grow your own fresh baby ginger here in Illinois? Ginger is a popular flavor in Asian cuisine, has been proven to reduce nausea, and is used as an anti-inflammatory treatment. Ginger may not be the first crop that comes to mind when making your garden plans, but with a few steps, you could include ginger in your 2025 garden.

Local Foods Small Farms Educator Katie Bell will discuss cultivating ginger in Illinois and easy ways to preserve it. There will be a demonstration of pickling baby ginger by Nutrition and Wellness Educator Mary Liz Wright.

Register for this free program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3ah6ucv3 or call 618-395-2191.

Fall in the Garden

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers will present Fall in the Garden, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Demonstration Gardens at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield.

Volunteers will share tips for growing, harvesting, and storing horseradish; and winter composting.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yd7x8mv3.

Rural Tourism

SHABBONA, Ill. — Marketing Rural Tourism Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Resource Bank, 102 Indian Road, Shabbona.

Pam Schallhorn, Extension specialist in community and economic development, will discuss ways to create effective tourism marketing campaigns that reach different generations, as well as insights into identifying target markets, and the importance of digital marketing.

The program is targeted for members of tourism organizations and their volunteers, as well as anyone interested in learning how to market their local and regional tourist attractions and recreational assets.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ytumbp7j.

Homegrown Harvest

DECATUR, Ill. — Homegrown Harvest Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 at the Johns Hill Association Community Garden, East Lawrence Street and South Maffit Street, Decatur.

Homegrown Harvest is a series of family-friendly workshops designed to support vegetable gardeners. Topics include safely harvesting food, pests and diseases, seed-saving, managing weeds, growing pumpkins, and fall crops.

Beginners and seasoned gardeners of all ages are welcome. Bring your own tools and gloves.

Register online at https://tinyurl.com/msm58dnk or call the Macon County Extension office at 217-877-6042.

Mum’s the Word

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online program Mum Production and Varieties will be noon to 1 p.m. ET Oct. 25.

Participants will learn more about the wide variety of chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, highlighting their vibrant colors, bloom shapes, and seasonal popularity. Discussed will be the different types of mums, from garden varieties to decorative indoor options, and how they are cultivated and produced for mass distribution.

Register for this Lunch and Learn program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4tjztdkn.

Trunk or Treat

SIMPSON, Ill. — Trunk or Treat will be 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 IL-145, Simpson.

Pope-Hardin 4-H will be hosting a chili dinner and Pope County FFA will be offering a haunted house. All proceeds from the haunted house and the dinner will go to the respective organizations. Local businesses, churches, school groups and clubs, community organizations and individuals are invited to hand out candy for the trick or treaters.

Contact Ashlea Grumley at ashlea@illinois.edu or 618-695-2441 if you are interested in participating or have any questions.

Soups and Stews

OAKWOOD, Ill. — Learn how to make delicious and nutritious meals that are easy on your wallet at the program Hearty Soups and Stews, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Oakwood Public Library, 110 E. Finley Ave., Oakwood.

Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen will discuss how soup is nutritious, affordable, and a comforting way to enjoy a meal. In this class, participants will learn how to prepare heartwarming soups low in sodium and fat but packed with flavor. Also discover how to make soups in electric pressure cookers and explore various soups that can help lower blood pressure. Handouts and recipes will be provided to recreate these delicious soups at home.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3cdp3za3.

Nature Walk

GENOA, Ill. — The Fall Nature Walk will be 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 26 at Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, Genoa.

Peggy Anesi, Extension natural resources, environment, and energy educator, will share her insights on local flora and fauna. Walks are suitable for ages 18 and older and will take place rain or shine.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3khxcjc2. Call the Extension office at 815-544-3710 with questions.

Haunted Trail

MCLEANSBORO, Ill. — The Hamilton County 4-H Haunted Trail will be 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 26 at Fox Prairie Disc Golf Course, 7542 Golf Course Road, McLeansboro.

There will be something for all ages as the night starts with an hour of no-scare walks, then, the spooky fun begins. Cost of the no-scare walk is $3; the Haunted Trail cost is $5.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Hamilton County 4-H programs.

For more information, call the Hamilton County Extension office at 618-643-3416.

Fall Photography

PANA, Ill. — The Fall Photography Workshop will be 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Kehias Arboretum, 2152 Illinois Route 16, Pana.

Learn how to capture the beauty of autumn in this hands-on workshop. Mary Davis of Mary Katlin Photography will discuss digital photography for cell-phone users. Participants will learn about lighting, editing, storing photos, and recommended phone apps, and put their new photography skills to the test while taking pictures of the fall foliage at Kehias Arboretum.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/msr3hc9n.

Plant Sale

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The African Violet and Gesneriads Workshop and Plant Sale will be noon to 4 p.m. ET Oct. 27 at the Allen County Extension Building, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

African violets, streptocarpus, and other gesneraids will be available for sale. Two workshop will be held at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4bar6fec or email Vivian Bickley, a master gardener and a member of African Violet Society of America and the Gesneraid Society, at amgvbickley@gmail.com.