Calendar: New farms added to Ogle County Farm Stroll

OREGON, Ill. — The Ogle County Farm Stroll will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12.

New farms have been added to this year’s self-guided tour, along with favorites from past years. Tour and learn about the farms around you.

Ogle County master gardeners will be present at several farms with information and activities.

The stroll is free, but bring cash for food and activities at the farms. Dress for the weather, and remember your closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget to pick up a “passport” at your first farm visit. Fill it out per the instructions, and drop it at your last farm visit for a chance to win a prize from one of the farms.

Farms on the tour include:

• BerryView Orchard, 7504 W. Midtown Road, Mt. Morris

• Hough’s Maple Lane Farm, 3788 N. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris

• Dietrich Ranch, 4575 N. Leaf River Road, Mt. Morris

• Barnhart’s Stone Corner, 2169 E. Honey Creek Road, Oregon

• Jen’s Sunshine Farm, 1774 S. Columbian Road, Oregon

• Hinrichs Farm, 1675 S. Columbian Road, Oregon

• Happily Homegrown Farm, 4938 S. Scout Road, Oregon

• Triple Creek Bison, 1236 N. Blind Road, Chana

• Ponto Ranch, 1188 N. Blind Road, Chana

• Orion Organics, 885 W. Stone Barn Road. Franklin Grove

For more information and a map, visit https://tinyurl.com/353tnpbx.

Harvesting Your Voice

ROCHESTER, Ind. — Purdue Extension’s Women in Agriculture presents Harvesting Your Voice, 6 to 8 p.m. ET Oct. 6 at White Oaks Bison Farm, 8343 E. 400 N, Rochester,

Find your voice on the family farm during a unique evening of storytelling, learning, and connection.

Discover how women are shaping the future of agriculture by sharing their journeys, evolving roles, and contributions to family farm success. The event includes a guided bison farm tour and a hands-on charcuterie lesson.

Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2s3c5sy4.

Head Strong

SPARTA, Ill. — Head Strong: Exercise Strategies to Enhance Memory and Thinking will be 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Sparta Senior Center, 500 W. 2nd St., Sparta.

Challenging the brain, especially as you grow older, can be beneficial. Many of us enjoy working on puzzles and games that require us to think and stretch our minds. Researchers agree that intellectual challenge is beneficial throughout life. Join Illinois Extension Educator Robin Ridgley to learn about lifestyle factors that contribute to brain health, and strategies to enhance thinking.

To register, call 618-443-4020. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/467fnuxt.

Journey to Health

CHICAGO, Ill. — The online program Journey to Health: Understanding Your Nervous System through Polyvagal Theory will be noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 7.

Polyvagal Theory has been proven effective in training the nervous system to move from reacting to responding to daily life with greater security and ease. In this session, participants will learn skills to increase nervous system awareness and assist in coping with challenges both great and small. This includes techniques to regulate emotions, nourish relationships, and increase resilience, calm, and connection.

Journey to Health is a free, engaging webinar series designed to provide health information for individuals and strengthen communities through knowledge, conversation, and action.

This session is facilitated by Extension Community Health Educator Michele Crawford.

Other Journey to Health topics will include: Maternal Well-being: A Healthy You for a Healthy Family, Oct. 14; Mindful Eating: Your Roadmap to Better Health, Oct. 21; Reignite Your Spark: Overcoming Burnout and Restoring Balance, Oct. 28; and Opioid Overdose Prevention: Statistics, Symptoms, and Using Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips, Nov. 4.

Native Seed Collection

BUTLER, Ill. — The Native Seed Collection Workshop will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary, 194 Bremer Lane, Butler.

Learn about local native wildflower seed identification and seed collection with Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger. This workshop is great for landowners who wish to collect prairie seed for planting on their own property, and for youth to learn more about seed collecting.

The first part of the session involves a presentation and then moves to the prairie for hands-on experience.

There also will be a youth section for ages 8-18 taking place from 5 to 6 p.m. with 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator Taylor Sinclair. Children will learn how to gather and save seeds, why seed collection is important, and will even get to take home a few of the seeds they collect. Each participant will receive a booklet to take home that highlights the plants and species they’ll be collecting, making it easier to identify and learn about them later.

Participants should bring a small pair of pruners/gardening scissors and a permanent marker if they have one. Bags will be supplied.

This is a free event sponsored by H & B Bremer Sanctuary and Illinois Extension.

Swallowtail Butterflies

FRANKLIN GROVE, Ill. — The Big & Small Gardening series program Swallowtail Butterflies will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Winifred Knox Memorial Library, 112 S. Elm St., Franklin Grove.

Discover the beauty and biology of Illinois’ swallowtail butterflies in this engaging educational workshop. Participants will explore the fascinating world of these colorful pollinators and learn how to support their life cycle in local gardens and natural spaces.

The free Big & Small Gardening series with Lee County master gardeners is offered the first Tuesday of the month through April 2026, with some months offering a youth program at 4 p.m. and, some months an adult program at 6 p.m.

Nourish Series

CROWN POINT, Ind. — As we age, we may not be as active as we used to be. Maybe we have put on a few extra pounds, or we’ve developed health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

The Nourish Series focuses on the brain, bones and joints, muscles, digestive system, skin, heart, immune system, and eyes.

Participants will learn how to eat more nutritiously and be more physically active to promote health and well-being.

Session 1 will be 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. CT Oct. 9 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Topics will include Know Your Medications, and Nourish Your Skin.

Session 2 will be 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. CT Oct. 20. Topics will include Nourish Your Brain and Nourish Your Heart.

Session 3 will be 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. CT Oct. 29. Topics will include Nourish Your Bones, and Nourish Your Joints.

Session 4 will be 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. CT Nov. 10. Topics will include Nourish Your Digestive System, and Nourish Your Immune System.

Session 5 will be 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. CT Nov. 18. Topics will include Diabetic Retinopathy — Prevention, Treatment, and Diet; and Nourish Your Eyes — Eating for Your Eye Health.

4-H Kickoff

YORKVILLE, Ill. — The Kendall County 4-H Kickoff will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, 10826 IL Route 71, Yorkville.

Learn about 4-H programs for ages 5-18 in DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties. Participants will do hands-on activities, meet 4-H club leaders and staff, and see projects and curriculum.

4-H Youth Development programs provide ways for young people to belong to a group, give back to their community, learn things they’re interested in, and develop independence. 4-H members can explore scores of projects in Environmental Science, Civic Engagement, Career and Leadership Development, Creative and Cultural Arts, STEM, Animal Science, and Healthy Living and Nutrition.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ymt8e9xr, or contact Tina Anderson at athenaa@illinois.edu, 630-553-5823.

DuPage County 4-H Kickoff

The DuPage County 4-H Kickoff will be 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton.

Learn about 4-H programs in DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mvzpbmh7 or contact Nancy Reppe at nslep2@illinois.edu, 630-955-1123.

Herb Magic

CERRO GORDO, Ill. — Windowsill Wonders: Herb Magic will be 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Hope Welty Library, 100 Madison St., Cerro Gordo.

Learn how to cut, dry, and cook with fresh herbs from your own windowsill. Participants will plant rosemary, basil, and dill to take home.

Where the Flavor’s At

WELDON, Ill. — The program Where the Flavor’s At will be 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 10 at Weldon Public Library, 505 Maple St., Weldon.

Learn how to use herbs and spices to enhance your home-cooked dishes, and cut down on added fat, sugar and salt without compromising any of the flavor of your meals.

John Deere Fall Fest

DIXON, Ill. — Fall Fest at the John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Dixon, will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11-12.

The free event will include blacksmith demonstrations, wagon rides, face painting, and many kid-friendly activities.

Live music with Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones will be 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 12.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/57t3p25s.

Pumpkin Extravaganza

JONESBORO, Ill. — Pumpkin Extravaganza will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds, 521 N. Main St., Jonesboro.

This free event is open to the public and will engage participants in fun crafts, games, treats and a variety of activities for all ages.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/juhe4hxc.

Pressed Wildflowers

BUNKER HILL, Ill. — Children ages 10 and older will learn about pressing wildflowers into beeswax bowls from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Wood Acres Farm & Flowers, 2398 Huette Road, Bunker Hill.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/35wekdf8.

Support a Farmer

MORRIS, Ill. — The Support a Farmer event will be 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau, 4000 N. Division St., Morris.

4-H members will pack goody bags and deliver them to farmers to say “thank you” for all they do for our community and nation.

To register to help pack or deliver bags, visit https://tinyurl.com/5445jxb8.

Mental Health First Aid

CARLYLE, Ill. — The Adult Mental Health First Aid for the Agricultural Community program will be held online from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13, and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 5-6; and in-person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at The Maschhoffs, 7475 IL-127, Carlyle.

This specialized training is designed for those in the agricultural community, providing participants with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges, whether in friends, family, coworkers, or themselves.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3tcsadj8.

Herb Make ‘n Take Series

LEWISTOWN, Ill. — Learn how to grow, harvest, and use herbs in simple, creative ways — and take home your own custom creations — in the Herb Make ‘n Take Series.

Herb Oils and Butters will be 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Fulton County Extension, 15411 IL-100, Lewistown. Herb Garden Tea Party will be 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 10.

NRCS Field Day

CHICAGO — Extension educators and farmer Natasha Nicholes will discuss conservation practices at the We Sow We Grow field day for urban farmers, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at 11958 S. Union Ave., Chicago.

Joseph Bridges and Alicia Lozano, the USDA NRCS soil conservationists for Cook County, will be on-site to meet farmers and answer questions about applying for reimbursement programs. Reimbursable conservation practices that are available to small-scale urban growers will also be discussed.

Woolly Worms

VIENNA, Ill. — The Wild World of Woolly Worms will be 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Vienna Public Library, 401 Poplar St., Vienna.

Children are invited to listen to a story, participate in learning activities, and make a fun woolly worm craft.

Learn to Can

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Learn how to preserve the flavors of fall at Fall Learn to Can, 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 14 at the Illinois Nutrition Education Kitchen, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign.

Participants will make apple pie filling and cranberry-orange chutney.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/75c5ybxk.

Floral Workshop

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ill. — The Harvest Floral Arrangement Workshop will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at The Armory, 1522 Porter Ave., Lawrenceville.

This workshop combines flowers, fun, and fall to introduce participants to the art of floral design. Children ages 8 to 18 will learn how to use floral arranging tools and supplies while creating a harvest-inspired floral arrangement.

Honey and Health

RANTOUL, Ill. — Honey and Health: Nature’s Sweet Treat will be 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Rantoul Public Library, 106 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul.

Get the scoop on honey and how to use it in your recipes. To register, call the library at 217-893-3955 or email rantoullib@gmail.com. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yaaurce2.

How Did Your Garden Grow?

DECATUR, Ill. — The How Did Your Garden Grow? will be 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 14 at the Crossing Healthcare Garden, 320 Central Ave., Decatur.

Participants in the final session in Crossing Garden Education Series will hear and share success stories and disappointments, and learn how others are already planning for next year’s garden.

Grocer Summit

CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The Independent Grocer Summit will be 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at John A. Logan College, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville.

Independent grocers from around southern Illinois will network with leaders in the industry while exploring key topics such as funding resources, energy efficiency, and digital marketing.

Whip-poor-will Secrets

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Uncovering the Winter Secrets of Whip-poor-wills will be 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 16.

Often heard and rarely seen, the eastern whip-poor-will and its namesake nighttime call is an iconic Midwestern woodland bird. But like many other insect-eating birds, its numbers are declining.

University of Illinois avian researchers are working to uncover the secrets of where this elusive bird goes and what it does when it leaves Illinois to overwinter in Florida, Central America, and South America to better understand its full annual cycle.

Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike will get a better understanding of what’s happening to whip-poor-wills in our backyard and across the country.

Native Seeds

CHICAGO — The online program Cultivating and Collecting Native Seeds will be noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 16.

Ready to start collecting native seeds from your garden, but aren’t sure where to begin? Join experts from the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Illinois Extension for an engaging webinar on collecting, cleaning, and growing native plants from seed. Pick up some valuable skills and start cultivating your own native garden.

This Conservation@Home program is presented by University of Illinois Extension in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

Tree ID Walk

WELDON, Ill. — The Tree ID Walk will be 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 17 at Weldon Springs State Park, 4734 Weldon Springs Road, Clinton.

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 will be suitable for all ages and skill levels. The walk will include light hiking on uneven terrain. Water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent recommended.

Fall Tree Crawl

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The Fall Tree Crawl will be 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 18 at Monticello Forest Preserve Park, 1411 N. Market St., Monticello.

Master naturalists will lead a leisurely stroll through Monticello Forest Preserve Park to explore the many species of native trees that call this area home.

Showcased will be the Tree Identification Project, a collaborative effort by master gardeners and master naturalists over the past two years.

Herbicides for Habitat

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online Herbicides for Habitat Workshop will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET Oct. 23.

From modes-of-action to species-specific recommendations, this webinar will cover herbicide basics and provide participants with targeted applications to help control problematic plants and improve wildlife habitat. Featured speakers will be Matt Kraushar, Indiana Department of Transportation; and Jarred Brooke, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension.

This webinar is a partnership with Purdue FNR Extension, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, and USDA - NRCS.