Calendar: Conservation@Home Native Seed and Plant Share

PEKIN, Ill. — The Conservation@Home Native Seed and Plant Share will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Tazewell County Extension, 1505 Valle Vista Blvd., Pekin.

In addition to increasing their collection of native plants, guests will also network with current Conservation@Home members and Extension staff, learn more about the C@H program, and have the opportunity to begin the certification process for their own property.

Guests are invited to bring:

• Native seeds, labeled.

• Plant starts, labeled with roots properly washed to avoid the spread of any undesirables.

• A dish to share for a potluck meal.

There will be a mushroom costume contest to help showcase upcoming programs. Wear a mushroom print T-shirt or full costume.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4hpvhs4f.

Gardening in the Air

URBANA, Ill. — Gardening in the Air!, a free virtual gardening symposium featuring horticulture experts from University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension, will be 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 18.

This interactive event offers a variety of current gardening topics to choose from — all delivered via Zoom.

Topics will include:

• Everlasting Flowers – Drying and Pressing Techniques

• Good Bugs We Love to Hate

• Value of Turf and Sports Turf Maintenance

• Grasses and Sedges in the Home Landscape

• Bulbs and Plant Storage Structures

• Gardening in a Changing World

• Growing Under Lights

• Pet-Friendly Landscaping

• Midwest Apple History and Orchard Management

Creatures of the Night

FAIRBURY, Ill. — Creatures of the Night will be 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Fugate Woods Nature Preserve, 23150 E 1000 N Rd, Fairbury.

Explore the fascinating world of nocturnal animals — owls, crickets, moths, raccoons, opossums, and skunks. Also, learn how to calculate the temperature by counting cricket chirps and try your hand at “mothing,” a unique way to observe moths up close as they’re drawn to light in the dark forest.

After the adventure, gather around the fire to roast hot dogs and make s’mores. Share stories, ask questions, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the woods at night.

Porter County 4-H Open House

VALPARAISO, Ind. — Porter County 4-H Open House will be 2 to 5 p.m. CT Oct. 19 in the 4-H Building at the Porter County Fairgrounds, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso. Enjoy cotton candy, horse-drawn hay wagon rides, and other family-friendly fun.

Contact Jennifer Myers at 219-465-3555, myersjn@purdue.edu; or visit https://tinyurl.com/ncfe9jak.

Stephenson County 4-H Info Night

FREEPORT, Ill. — Stephenson County 4-H Info Night will be 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Stephenson County Extension, 2998 W Pearl City Road, Freeport.

This informal meeting is designed for:

• Families interested in learning what 4-H is all about.

• Families planning to join and wanting to know more before getting started.

• Current 4-H families who still have questions.

Clinton County 4-H Open House

BREESE, Ill. — Clinton County 4-H Open House will be 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Clinton County Extension, 1163 N. 4th St., Breese.

This is a great opportunity to see what 4-H has to offer, and participate in activities.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mryrknt4.

Kickoff Party

BREESE, Ill. — Clinton County Federation New Year Kickoff Party will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Clinton County Extension, 1163 N. 4th St., Breese.

Federation members are starting the new 4-H year with a pumpkin-themed party. Carve or paint pumpkins, enjoy snacks and drinks, and spend time with friends. New members are welcome.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3jdk8kzp.

Brown County Annual Meeting

NASHVILLE, Ind. — Brown County Extension Annual Meeting and Dinner will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET Oct. 22 in the Exhibit Building at the Brown County 4-H Fairgrounds, 802 Memorial Drive, Nashville.

The joint event with Brown County Farm Bureau will include a review of annual reports and dinner.

RSVP by calling 812-988-5495. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mvnszruz.

Adams County 4-H Pizza Party

QUINCY, Ill. — Adams County New 4-H Member Pizza Party will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Adams County Extension, 330 S. 36th St., Quincy.

This is a good opportunity for new 4-H families to:

• Discover what to expect in your 4-H journey.

• Hear firsthand stories from current members and leaders.

• Connect with other families and get your questions answered.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/35eydnwt.

Native Seed Share

MACOMB, Ill. — Native Seed Share will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at Owsley Prairie, 3022 W. Jackson St., Macomb.

Native Seed Share is all about helping you incorporate native plants into your home environment while supporting vital wildlife habitats.

Native plants not only beautify your space, they create essential habitats for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Whether you have seeds to share or are just starting, everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n8fv869.

Spencer County 4-H Open House

CHRISNEY, Ind. — Spencer County 4-H Open House will be 3 to 5 p.m. CT Oct. 26 at the Spencer County Youth and Community Center, 1101 E CR 800 N, Chrisney.

Enjoy ice cream sundaes and learn about the Spencer County 4-H program. Meet the Extension staff and 4-H Association volunteers.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/4wjtz3p3.

Fermented Sauerkraut

EUREKA, Ill. — The Old-World Way: Fermented Sauerkraut will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Menu 309, 116 N. Main St., Eureka.

In this hands-on class, participants will prepare their own jar of crunchy, tangy kraut to take home and ferment. Along the way, they’ll learn tips and tricks to ferment different types of produce, keeping them bubbly, flavorful, and safe to enjoy. Cabbage used in the workshop will be locally sourced from Pico de Gallo Farm in El Paso.

Fermented Loaf: Sourdough Bread will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6. Uncover the secrets behind turning simple ingredients — flour, water, and salt — into flavorful, crusty loaves, with the help of wild yeasts and bacteria in this hands-on workshop. Participants will gain a better understanding of the entire sourdough breadmaking process, and take home their own jar of sourdough starter to feed, nurture, and bake with for years to come.

The cost is $15 for one session, or $20 total if you register for both. Register at https://tinyurl.com/25secwm2.

Horticulture Programs

GALVA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Emily Swihart will present two horticulture programs Oct. 30 at the Galva Senior Citizens Center, 106 Front St., Galva.

Trees and Natural Disasters will be at 10 a.m., and Container Gardening Made Easy will be 1 p.m.

Wabash County Open House

MT. CARMEL, Ill. — Wabash County Extension Open House will be 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Extension office, 738 N. Market St., Mt. Carmel.

Network with local staff, explore Illinois Extension programs, and enjoy light refreshments. During the open oouse, information about the following programs will be available:

• Local Food Systems and Small Farms Program

• Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists

• Hunters Feeding Illinois

• 4-H School Programs

• Wabash County 4-H

• Real Colors Training

Following the open house, the office will participate in Mt. Carmel’s trick-or-treating hours from 5-8 p.m. Local youth are encouraged to stop by to trick or treat, participate in an activity, and learn more about 4-H and Cloverbuds. 4-H leaders will be available with information about joining their clubs.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5annt9mj.

Pesticide Applicator Workshops

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Commercial Pesticide Applicator Workshop will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET Nov. 19 at the Purdue Fort Wayne Walb Student Union, Union Circle Drive, Fort Wayne.

Topics will include Emergency Prep, Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab, Office of the Indiana State Chemist Updates, and Weather for Decision-Making.

This is a great opportunity to gain continuing education credits for multiple commercial pesticide applicator categories.

Cost is $80 and includes lunch. Visit https://tinyurl.com/kwy3tkur.

Workshops also will be held:

• Nov. 20 at Clark County REMC, 7810 IN-60. Sellersburg; https://tinyurl.com/2wfunzvc.

• Nov. 21 at Farm Bureau Indiana Headquarters, 225 S. East St., Indianapolis; https://tinyurl.com/cvw5k66u.

• Dec. 4 at Purdue NW Westville Great Hall, 1401 U.S. 421, Westville; https://tinyurl.com/4ah4c8ac.

• Dec. 12 at Howard County Fairgrounds, 790 N. Meridian St., Greentown; https://tinyurl.com/w4crs3mt.

• Jan. 12 at Daviess County Produce Auction, 5667 900 E, Montgomery; https://tinyurl.com/4kehdeb3.

• Jan. 27 at Fountain County Fairgrounds, 476 US Hwy 136, Veedersburg; https://tinyurl.com/3yud8xn5.

• Jan. 29 at Elkhart County Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen; https://tinyurl.com/y9afyxyh.