Calendar: Take steps to eat the Med Way

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Steps to a Healthy You is a four-session class focused on eating a healthy Mediterranean-style diet. Sessions focus on the seven simple steps to eating the “Med Way.”

Sessions will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 at St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend.

Each session explores a mindfulness skill, and features Med Way recipes from medinsteadofmeds.com.

Two recipes will be served during each class .

Reserve your spot by calling St. Joseph County Extension at 574-235-9605. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3d8tcffu.

Take Charge of Your Health

MACOMB, Ill. — The online program Take Charge of Your Health: Chronic Pain Management will be 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 2-Nov. 6.

Living with chronic pain can feel isolating — but it doesn’t have to. This free six-week course offers practical strategies to help you manage pain and reclaim your quality of life. Led by trained facilitators who also live with chronic pain, the program fosters a supportive, judgment-free space where participants can share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn together.

Each session focuses on tools to help you navigate daily challenges — from medication and nutrition tips to physical activity, stress management, and communication techniques. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other long-term conditions, this workshop empowers you to take control and live your best possible life.

Tree ID Walk

WINDSOR, Ill. — The Tree ID Walk will be 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 3 at Wolf Creek State Park, 1837 N. Wolf Creek Road, Windsor.

Participants will learn to identify tree species by their leaves, bark and shape, explore native and introduced tree species, and discuss best practices for maintaining urban tree health. This event is suitable for all ages and skill levels. The walk will include light hiking on uneven terrain. Water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent recommended.

Declutter Home, Finances

CHESTER, Ill. — Where to Start: Declutter Your Home and Finances will be 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 3 at Memorial Hospital, 1900 State St., Chester.

Do you feel overwhelmed trying to organize your stuff? Do you have a filing cabinet spilling over with financial paperwork? Illinois Extension Educator Robin Ridgley will discuss how to get your home and finances organized. Explore reasons for clutter and how it makes you feel, understand what financial documents need to be kept and when to discard documents, identify strategies, and create a plan to clear your clutter.

4-H Dog Show

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois State 4-H Dog Show will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington.

Competition includes both obedience and showmanship. The Illinois State 4-H Dog Show uses the American Kennel Club regulations as a guideline.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/5h7ju2ut.

Fall Bird Migration

LEXINGTON, Ill. — The program Fall Bird Migration and Woodpeckers will be 8:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at Merwin Preserve North Gate, County Hwy 6, Lexington.

Step out into nature for a guided walk, learning more about the feathered friends all around us.

The excursion will be led by Dr. Pirmin Nietlisbach, assistant professor of evolutionary biology at Illinois State University.

Pumpkin Flowers

EAGARVILLE, Ill. — Pressed Flowers on Pumpkins will be 10 am. to noon Oct. 4 at Tony’s Park, South Lincoln Avenue, Eagarville.

In this hands-on activity, kids will decorate pumpkins using colorful pressed flowers, creating unique and nature-inspired art pieces to take home. Great for kids of all ages and a fun way to welcome autumn.

This event is taking place during the Eagarville Fall Festival.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mry2hwt8.

Fall Foliage Hike

SHEFFIELD, Ill. — The Fall Foliage Hike will be noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at Hennepin Canal, 16006 875 East St., Sheffield.

Experience fall with University of Illinois Extension master naturalists. Connect with nature, and deepen your appreciation for the dazzling palette of autumn. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

Family Night in Nature

CARLOCK, Ill. — Family Night in Nature. will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Chinquapin Bluffs Land and Water Reserve, 2226 County Rd 375 N, Carlock.

Participants will create a craft, then experience a fun presentation on owls. A trailer ride will take guests to hear night sounds and experience other nocturnal animals. Finish off the night by making and eating s’mores around the fire.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/pjrx3dw9.

Boone County Farm Stroll

BELVIDERE, Ill. — The Boone County Farm Stroll will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 5 at various locations in Boone County.

This free, family-friendly event is your chance to tour local farms and meet the growers, and shop for farm-fresh honey, produce, baked goods and more.

Stops on the self-guided tour include:

• Alpaca Pines Farm and Fiber Mill, 21756 Beaverton Road, Poplar Grove

• DieHard Dairy, 4915 Genoa Road, Belvidere

• Illinois Wool and Fiber Mill, 10828 Caledonia Road, Belvidere

• Nature’s Best Christmas Trees and Honey 13001 Illinois Route 76, Poplar Grove

• Paulson’s Ag Museum of Argyle, 6950 Belvidere Road, Caledonia

• S & J Farm Kirkland LLC, 1745 Cherry Valley Road. Kirkland

• Susie’s Garden Patch, 10258 Highway 20, Garden Prairie

• Trogg’s Hollow CSA and Market Farm, 11577 Poplar Grove Road, Poplar Grove

• Branching Out, 6538 IL-173, Poplar Grove

For a brochure and map, visit https://tinyurl.com/4app39fw. For more information, call Boone County Extension at 815-544-3710.

Slow Cooker Magic

HILLSBORO, Ill. — Slow Cooker Magic will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Hillsboro Public Library, 420 S. Main St., Hillsboro.

Learn how to save time, cut costs, boost flavor, and cook safely with this versatile appliance. Discover creative new uses and tips that make mealtime simple, healthy, and delicious. Taste testing and recipes will be offered during this class.

Invasive Species

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Invasive Species: Fall Edition will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension natural resources, environment, and energy educator, will talk about which invasive species are best controlled in the fall and the different methods you can use to control them.

Growing with Hydroponics

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Growing with Hydroponics will be 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Boone County Extension, 205 Cadillac Court, Belvidere.

Discover the magic of hydroponics — a soil-free method of growing plants using water and nutrients. University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black will discuss: How hydroponics works; Different types of hydroponic systems; Which plants thrive in water-based setups; and Tips for successful indoor growing.

Each participant will receive a hydroponics kit to start growing.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/22r6jxwa.

Halloween Carnival

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — The Hamilton County 4-H Junior Leaders Halloween Carnival, Haunted House and Hayride will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET Oct. 7 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.

Children are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy games, treats, a haunted house and hayrides.

For more information about this free event, contact Hamilton County Extension at 317-776-0854 or visit https://tinyurl.com/yc5zvy2p.

Stingers and Fangs

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The online program Stingers and Fangs: Indiana’s Most Dangerous Creepy Crawlers will be 6 to 8 p.m. ET Oct. 23.

Purdue Extension’s Tabby Flinn will discuss the creepy crawlers that pack a punch, including spiders, wasps, bees, centipedes and ants. Learn how to identify them, manage living with them, and when to call the experts.

For more information, call Vigo County Extension at 812-462-3371 or visit https://tinyurl.com/mpesa3cs.

Chainsaw Training

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. — Chainsaw Training for Landowners will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Oct. 25 at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 6220 Forest Road, Martinsville.

This workshop will have classroom plus outdoor demonstrations of:

• Personal protective equipment

• Chainsaw safety features

•. Introduction to felling techniques

Participants should dress to be outdoors and bring a sack lunch. Drinks will be provided.

Cost is $25. Register by calling 765-496-5013 or email ifwoa1@gmail.com, For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr2k5fc3.

Air Fryer Cooking

ELKHART, Ind. — Cooking with an Air Fryer will be 11 a.m. to noon ET Oct. 29 at the Owls Club, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart.

The air fryer has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Learn about the ins and outs of an air fryer, different model options, and safety techniques.

Woodland Owner Conference

MARSHALL, Ind. — The 2025 Indiana Woodland Owner Conference will be Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Turkey Run Inn, 8102 Park Road, Marshall.

Oct. 31 events include forestry tours from 9:30 to 11 a.m. ET at the Nelson-Stokes property, 7768 US-36, Greencastle; and 1 to 3:15 p.m. at the Allen and Peggy Royer property, 2148 N County Rd 440 W, Greencastle. The keynote program, The Sweet Benefits of Beekeeping with Mark Townsend, Hidden Hollow Honey, will be at 7 p.m.

Speaker topics on Nov. 1 will include Indiana DNR Division of Forestry Update, Using Phone Apps in Nature, American Chestnut Restoration Efforts, Farm Bill Programs Update, New Indiana Prescribed Fire Legislation, Empowering Landowners, and Sustaining Forests with Social Science.

There also will be a live auction and Indiana Woodland Owner Conference Awards Banquet.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mpzud63v.