Calendar: Planting trees for bucks, birds and bees

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Trees for Bucks, Birds and Bees will be 8 am. to 4 p.m.Sept. 30 at Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello.

Explore how planting trees can increase pollinators, wildlife and opportunities for recreation on farmlands. Connect with hunting and conservation experts, and other participants interested in planting trees to support wildlife.

Topics include:

• Choosing the right trees and shrubs to meet your conservation goals.

• Current research on the benefits of adding habitat.

• Ways to enhance tree planting for hunting and other recreation.

Participants will be walking on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and to keep yourself comfortable. Long pants are recommended because of tall grass and bugs. Bring a chair for the outside portion of the event if you would like to spend time sitting at the beginning or end of the event.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc3kck5h.

Beneficial Insects

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — A program about beneficial insects in the garden will be 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at the McLean County Extension, 1615 Commerce Pkwy., Bloomington.

Kacie Athey, assistant professor and Extension specialist with the University of Illinois, will discuss the lesser-known pollinators that play crucial roles in our environments. Gain a deeper appreciation for these hidden heroes and learn how they contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem.

Beef Meetings

DUBOIS, Ind. — Zoetis, the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, and Purdue Extension are hosting two Southern Indiana Beef Meetings in September.

The first meeting will be 6:30 p.m. ET Sept. 22 at the Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center, 11371 E. Purdue Farm Road, Dubois. The second meeting will be 6:30 p.m. ET Sept. 23 at Southern Hills Church, 1645 Hwy. 135 S, Salem.

Topics will include: IBCA Updates, Asian Long-Horned Ticks, Bovine Theileriosis, Calf Health and Fall Management. Beef Quality Assurance continuing education credits are available at both locations. Zoetis is also sponsoring a meal at both locations.

RSVP by calling the Washington County Extension office at 812-883-4601 or email dhowellw@purdue.edu.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/e6873sda.

Tap to Snap

BUTLER, Ill. — The Tap to Snap program will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary, 194 Bremer Lane, Butler.

In this hands-on workshop, participants ages 8 to 18 will learn quick and easy tips to take amazing photos using their phones. Most of the activities will be with phones, but if you have a digital camera, you’re welcome to bring it along. At the end, new skills will be put to the test with a mini photo scavenger hunt where participants will explore, snap, and show off what they’ve learned..

In case of bad weather, the class will be moved to Brianna Wolf Photography Studio, 200 W. Front St., Suite A, Nokomis.

The program will be repeated 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Kiwanis Park at Taylorville Lake, Eastwood Drive, Taylorville. Register at https://tinyurl.com/txn6ub2s.

Bucket List

DIXON, Ill. — Someday is Today: Live Your Bucket List will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 23 at Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. 2nd St., Dixon.

Are there things in your life that you’ve wanted to accomplish but haven’t? Are there personal goals that would bring you joy and fulfillment, but are always put on the back burner because “life happens?” Do you say things like, “I’ll get to that someday,” or “When things slow down, I’d like to try that?” If so, you may need to work on your bucket list — a list of things you’d like to accomplish or experience in your lifetime.

Learn the benefits of goal-setting throughout life, and strategies for creating your own bucket list.

Inheritance Decisions

BENTON, Ill. — Families and Inheritance Decisions will be 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 23 at the Gwen Wynn Senior Center, 104 N. 10th St., Benton.

Join Family Life Educator Robin Ridgley in this program that helps families make fair decisions when passing down personal items with sentimental value. It offers tools and guidance to navigate emotional ties, prevent conflict, and talk openly about the inheritance of special belongings. An optional $7.50 workbook is available at the event.

To register call 618-439-3181. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n6db9ta.

Five Ingredient Fix

BRIGHTON, Ill. — Five Ingredient Fix: Delicious Meals Using Less will be 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Brighton Memorial Library, 110 N. Main St., Brighton.

In this hands-on class, participants will explore the benefits and challenges of five-ingredient meals, learn different cooking methods, and unlock the secrets to freezer-friendly dishes. Participants will practice making a few easy, delicious recipes to enjoy.

Stormwater Summit

GLENCOE, Ill. — The Stormwater Leadership Summit will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.

This summit will bring together community leaders and experts to create a network of assistance and support to meet stormwater management goals.

The summit will feature:

• Expert-led training on actionable frameworks for addressing stormwater challenges.

• Community stories of stormwater planning for resiliency.

• Mini-expo showcasing organizations and businesses addressing stormwater management.

• Facilitated coalition-building sessions to create lasting partnerships.

• Post-summit support and resources to help communities achieve their stormwater management goals.

The goal is to equip community leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to address stormwater challenges.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/muchth47.

Fall Foliage Hike

STREATOR, Ill. — The Fall Foliage Hike will be noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at Sandy Ford Land & Water Reserve, 1399 N. 18th Rd #1375, Streator.

The hike with University of Illinois Extension master naturalists offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore and capture the vibrant beauty of the season. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

Farm Stroll

HARVARD, Ill. — The McHenry County Farm Stroll will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28.

This free, self-guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about local agriculture and connect with the farming community. Many farms will offer food, produce, and other farm-related products.

Locations include:

• Jorge’s Farm, 6710 S. Oak Grove Road, Harvard.

• Piscasaw Gardens, 9306 Lawrence Road, Harvard

• Wanda Farms, 17419 Hebron Road, Harvard

• Hephzibah Farms Inc, 13202 Hebron Road, Hebron

• Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Road, Woodstock

• Sun Berry Orchard, 2318 Greenwood Road, Woodstock

• Bull Valley Farm Country Store and Cow Valley Creamery, 8815 IL Route 120, Bull Valley

• Hitch’N Post Alpaca and Llama Farm and Country Cottage, 1406 Park Lane Dr., Woodstock

• Garlic eScape, 14115 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock

• Lazy K Ranch, 18209 Collins Road, Woodstock

• Adama Farm, 18317 Garden Valley Road, Marengo

The Farm Stroll is organized by the McHenry County Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension, and the Center for Agrarian Learning. McHenry County Extension master gardeners and 4-H volunteers will be on-site to assist farm families in accommodating guests, and conducting demonstrations and tours.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3dbeff3p or call 815-338-3737.

Smart Snacking

DEER CREEK, Ill. — Smart Snacking will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Deer Creek Library, 205 E. 1st Ave., Deer Creek.

Do you reach for a snack when you’re hungry or is it out of habit? This lesson will have you reflecting on your snacking behaviors and will help guide you to make smart snacking decisions. Enjoy a food demonstration and take home some new healthy snack recipes.

Preserve at Home

MACON, Ill. — Preserve at Home will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at South Macon Public Library, 451 W. Glenn St., Macon.

Learn skills and resources to safely waterbath and pressure can through freezing, drying, and fermentation. Turn your garden and farmers market produce into jams, pickles, fruit leather, and more to enjoy during the winter months. Food samples will be provided. Bring dial-gauge pressure canner lids and gauges for a free accuracy test.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5asemw47.

Great Apples

ROCKTON, Ill. — Growing Great Apples will be 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 3 at Talcott Free Library, 101 E. Main St., Rockton.

Learn about apple varieties suitable for northern Illinois, seasonal management of common insects and diseases, and the fundamentals of establishing and maintaining fruit trees.

Slow Cooker

FREEPORT, Ill. — Mastering the Slow Cooker will be 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 3 at Stephenson County Senior Resource Center, 206 E. Stephenson St., Freeport.

Learn slow cooker basics, such as selecting the correct size and shape to make the most of your cooking time, and the best time to add various ingredients to maximize the taste and texture of foods. There will be a taste test and recipes to try at home.

Sourdough Starter

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Sourdough Starter Made Simple will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Macoupin County Extension, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

Learn how to create and care for your own sourdough starter from scratch. Each participant will leave with a jar of starter, plus the confidence to keep it thriving. Also, learn how to make a gluten-free version.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2zzcn9zj.

Health Fair

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fall Health Fair will be 9 to 11 a.m. ET Oct. 4 at Johnnie Mae Farm, 2518 Winter St., Fort Wayne.

This event is focused on health, wellness, and community connection. There will be interactive activities, seasonal refreshments, and local resources.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5hcuhuav.

Forestry Invasives

LYNNVILLE, Ind. — The Forestry Invasives Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CT Oct. 4 at Lynnville Community Center, 316 State Rd 68, Lynnville.

This free event includes expert speakers, a catered lunch, and a forestry tour.

Register by calling 812-897-2840 or email warrickswcd@gmail.com. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/437vudhx.

Plant-Based Diets

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The program Plant-Based Diets will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET Oct. 9 at the Allen County Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Did you know that there are several types of plant-based diets? In this lesson, you will learn what foods are included, the benefits, and other considerations when deciding to try the plant-based diet. This lesson will be presented by Abigail Creigh, Noble County Extension educator.

Call the Extension office at 260-481-6826 for reservations. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y486mzzv.

Hydroponics Workshop

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Hydroponics Workshop will be 6 to 8 p.m. ET Oct. 16 at the Vigo County Extension office, 275 Ohio St., Terre Haute.

Learn how to build your own compact hydroponics system. Participants will receive their own kit and seeds.

Cost is $40. Register by calling 812-462-3371 or carroll@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/rutwffe9.