Calendar: Prepare for Christmas Bird Count

BENTON, Ill. — Christmas Bird Count preparation program will be 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 1 at the Rend Lake Project Visitor Center, 11981 Rend City Road, Benton.

This workshop will set you on the path to success for a Christmas Bird Count. As a CBC participant, you will coordinate with your local compiler prior to the count date. Covered will be National Audubon Society policies and local count circles.

The CBC program also will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 6 at Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Road, Makanda. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3z62fvf6.

Camp Whitetail

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The Camp Whitetail 4-H Hunter Safety Course will be 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and Oct. 26 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Road, Monticello.

Camp Whitetail Hunter Safety Camp is a weekend packed with outdoor fun that provides a full hunter safety course with both classroom and hands-on learning.

This hunter safety course will offer in-the-field tree stand safety, live fire in air rifle and shotgun, as well as white-tail deer hunting program and wild turkey hunting program.

Restoring Balance

WESTCHESTER, Ill. — The online program Reignite Your Spark: Overcoming Burnout and Restoring Balance will be noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 28.

This workshop helps participants spot burnout and learn practical ways to restore balance, leaving them refreshed, recharged, and ready to reignite their spark.

The workshop is part of the Journey to Health webinar series designed to provide health information for individuals and strengthen communities through knowledge, conversation, and action.

This session is facilitated by University of Illinois Extension Community Health Educator Constance Willis.

4-H STEAM Night

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — 4-H STEAM Night will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Carlinville Public Library, 510 N. Broad St., Carlinville.

4-H Federation members will be on hand to engage youth ages 5 to 18 in an evening of hands-on science and art activities.

Participants will rotate through fun learning stations, enhancing their creativity and feeding their curiosity.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/56b9cdc3.

Shrub Pruning

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Do’s and Don’ts of Shrub Pruning will be 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Extension Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

Discover the secrets to successful shrub pruning with Extension Horticulture Educator Ryan Pankau. From shaping and sizing to boosting plant health and beauty, Pankau will share practical techniques to help you prune with confidence. Whether you’re tackling overgrown shrubs or fine-tuning your landscape, this session will give you the skills to achieve your pruning goals.

Guilt-Free Gatherings

STAUNTON, Ill. — Guilt-Free Gatherings: Healthy Holiday Sides and Starters will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Staunton School District Administrative Office conference room, 604 N. Franklin St., Staunton.

Get ready to bring more color, flavor, and health to your holiday table. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn simple ways to add more fruits and vegetables to holiday meals, adapt recipes for special health needs (like diabetes, allergies, or high blood pressure), and keep food safe during the busy season. You’ll also gain confidence in the kitchen while preparing festive side dishes and appetizers and take home delicious recipes to share with family and friends.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2afcfyau.

Sweet Science

BRIGHTON, Ill. — The Sweet Science of Chocolate will be 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Brighton Memorial Library, 110 N. Main St., Brighton.

Learn the origins of chocolate, its health benefits, and how to savor it like an expert. Tasty recipes will be provided.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/6d9pkz3k.

Photography Course

PANA, Ill. — The program Learn to Master Your Photos will be 10 a.m to noon Nov. 1 at Lake Land College — Western Region Computer Lab, 600 E. First St., Pana.

In this class, you’ll learn how to store and organize your images, edit them with professional techniques, and explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of photography.

Natural Dye

PEKIN, Ill. — The 4-H and Master Gardener Natural Dye Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 at University of Illinois Extension, 1505 Valle Vista Blvd., Pekin.

Participants ages 8 to 18 are invited to join local master gardeners for a hands-on workshop all about natural dye and using them in art projects.

Participants will be dyeing a tote bag. Light snacks will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring a sack lunch.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/553frxa8.

Tree Planting

MACOMB, Ill. — Fall Community Tree Planting Workshop will be 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 1 at Macomb Fire Station 2, 1135 E. Pierce St., Macomb.

The workshop will allow participants to learn more about the trees in their local area, including how to properly plant a tree, identify local trees, and what makes up the urban forest.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Register for this free workshop at https://tinyurl.com/56mjnaf5.

Overdose Prevention

WESTCHESTER, Ill. — The Journey to Health webinar Opioid Overdose Prevention: Statistics, Symptoms, and Using Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips will be noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 4.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office stated that there were 1,822 opioid-related deaths in 2023. The webinar provides statistics surrounding opioid use, emerging trends, how to respond to an opioid overdose, and how to use life-saving nasal naloxone as well as how to use fentanyl test strips.

This session is facilitated by Extension Community Health Educator Sophia Ottomanelli.

Vermicomposting Class

BYRON, Ill. — Bruce Black, horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension, will lead a hands-on session on vermicomposting — the eco-friendly process of using worms to create nutrient-rich compost — from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Byron Public Library, 100 S. Washington St., Byron.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just curious about sustainable living, this workshop will teach you how to reduce waste and boost your soil health.

To register, call the library at 815-234-5107. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ebxsevnb.

Diabetes 101

ELKHART, Ind. — The Diabetes 101 educational program will be 3 to 4 p.m. ET Nov. 5 at the Elkhart County Family Resource Center, 500 N. Nappanee St., Suite 4A, Elkhart.

Learn essential knowledge and practical skills for managing diabetes effectively. This program is tailored for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, as well as their caregivers and loved ones. Participants will gain knowledge on fundamental information about diabetes, its management, and strategies for optimizing health and wellbeing.

To register, call 574-533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4rcknu6e.

Climate Vision

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Help create visions of the future Midwestern agricultural landscape by participating in online Integrated Midwest Partnerships for Actionable Climate Tools & Training, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5.

IMPACT2 is for small-scale and specialty crop farmers in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa to discuss possible futures for Midwestern agriculture and what is needed to adapt to current and future climate challenges.

A $100 Amazon e-gift card is being offered to participants that will be emailed after the visioning session is complete.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4yyfcuv3.

Understanding Inflammation

FREEPORT, Ill. — Understanding Inflammation: How Diet and Lifestyle Impact the Inflammation Process, will be 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Stephenson County Senior Resource Center, 206 E. Stephenson St., Freeport.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress, both physical and psychological. While it plays an important role in healing, chronic inflammation can contribute to a wide range of health conditions. In fact, chronic inflammation plays a role in many serious health conditions, including autoimmune disorders, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Emerging research shows a strong link between social isolation and loneliness and increased inflammation, while those with strong social connections tend to have lower levels of inflammation. The relationship between social connectedness and inflammation is complex and involves several biological pathways.

Understanding what causes inflammation and how to manage it better is the first step to improving your overall health.

Participants will receive practical tips and strategies to help reduce risk and better manage inflammation, while connecting with others facing similar health concerns.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2hnascux.

Mental Health First Aid

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Adult Mental Health First Aid for the Agricultural Community will be 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 5 and Nov. 6.

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.

Learners will complete a two-hour, self-paced online course before attending the instructor-led training.

Other dates will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at The Maschhoffs, 7475 IL-127, Carlyle; and online from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/my9z3b6j.

Wholesale Markets

CHICAGO — The Chicago Food Policy Action Council Metro Good Food Purchasing Initiative invites small-scale farmers and food business owners to a free Supplier Development Summit. This event aims to equip farmers and food businesses with practical tools and strategies for scaling their businesses and entering wholesale markets.

The summit will be online from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 6; and in-person from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave., Chicago.

The in-person event will include a resource fair and networking, live consultations, buyer-supplier connections, and resource providers.

Fruit Tree Pruning

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Learn the art of fruit tree pruning from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Belvidere North High School, 9393 Beloit Road, Belvidere.

Fruit trees are pruned to control size, promote healthier growth, increase fruit size and quality, improve air circulation and light penetration, and make harvesting easier.

University of Illinois Extension Local Foods Systems and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty will be co-teaching the workshop with the agriculture students of Belvidere North.

Even though pruning fruit trees needs to occur during dormancy, mid-December to March 1, this educational event will teach participants the essential principles and techniques of fruit tree pruning to promote healthy growth, maximize fruit production, and improve tree structure.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2anr47fa.

Woody Invasives

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Managing Woody Invasive Plants will be 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Forest Preserves of Winnebago County headquarters, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford.

University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon will discuss why it is important to manage these pesky plants, and how to do it effectively.

Forest Field Day

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. — Forest Management with Mechanized Harvester System Field Day will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 6220 Forest Road, Martinsville.

This workshop is aimed at woodland owners considering a timber sale or harvest, consulting and procurement foresters, industrial loggers and other with general interest. The operational and management considerations and benefits of mechanized harvesting systems, including a Tigercat feller buncher and processing deck, will be discussed and then observed in action.

Cost is $79. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/ymscpr76.

Charcuterie 101

ELKHART, Ind. — Charcuterie 101 will be 5 p.m. ET Nov. 20 at the Elkhart Public Library, 58485 County Road 13, Elkhart.

Discover the secrets of crafting exquisite charcuterie boards that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The hands-on class will elevate your entertaining game to new heights.

To register, call 574-533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu. For more information about this free program, visit https://tinyurl.com/vxhcs7yt.

Holiday Craft Bazaar

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Vigo County Holiday Craft Bazaar will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Nov. 22 at the Vigo County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 3901 S. US Hwy. 41, Terre Haute.

The 26th annual event will feature homemade crafts, jewelry, embroidery, clothing, kitchenware, fall and Christmas decor, woodworking, artwork, and more.

Admission is $1; children free. Proceeds go toward the Vigo County 4-H Council Scholarship Fund.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3r56tvs5.