Calendar: Plant bulbs now for spring blooms

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — Plant Now for Spring Blooms will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake.

Learn what to plant now for a vibrant spring garden. Learn how to select, plant and care for spring-flowering bulbs that provide continuous color from April through June.

Discover how to combine bulbs with different bloom times, heights and colors, choose the right varieties for your landscape, and manage common pest issues. Since spring bulbs are planted in early fall, this timely program will help you create a beautiful display for next spring.

Pumpkins and Petals

SALEM, Ill. — Pumpkins and Petals will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Marion County Extension, 1404 E. Main St., Salem.

Participants ages 8 to 18 will learn how to create a stunning, autumn-inspired centerpiece by combining fresh seasonal blooms, foliage and decorative pumpkins. Guided by an experienced floral designer, they’ll explore floral arranging techniques, color harmony, and creative design tips while crafting a unique arrangement to take home. Perfect for beginners and flower enthusiasts alike, this workshop offers a fun and relaxing opportunity to embrace the colors and textures of fall.

Plants and Pollinators

MILAN, Ill. — Plants and Pollinators will be 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 at University of Illinois Extension, 321 2nd Ave. West, Milan.

This educational program explores the perfect pairing of plants and pollinators. The program will highlight how their interactions help sustain ecosystems, many of which directly benefit people. Following the discussion, participants will design and decorate a custom photo frame using an assortment of pressed and dried flowers. Learn basic tips for working with dried botanical materials while creating a beautiful keepsake to showcase a favorite photograph. Participants will arrange colorful flowers, leaves, and other natural accents to create a one-of-a-kind frame that reflects their personal style. All materials are provided, and no prior crafting experience is necessary.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/44m4429v.

Furry Neighbors

GLENCOE, Ill. — Furry Neighbors: Mammals of Illinois will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 28 at Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.

Explore the defining characteristics of mammals, how they interact with local ecosystems, and the most prevalent species found in northeastern Illinois. Examine real skulls, furs and specimens, using physical evidence to better understand various mammal behaviors, adaptations and everyday activities.

Cost is $57. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mrwvwvtc.

Shopping Online

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Purdue Extension is partnering with Senior Planet from AARP for a program about digital coupons and shopping online, 10 a.m. to noon CT Sept. 29 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

Participants will be introduced to the world of digital couponing and a variety of tools to help them get started. Learn about coupon websites, apps, and databases as well as tips for getting the best deals.

This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com. Participants will learn how to search for products, make comparisons, and add items to an online shopping cart.

To register, call 219-755-3240. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/27p3a3en.

Heirloom Seeds

CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. — Heirloom Seeds will be 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley.

“Heirloom” is an item, plant, or other sentimental object that has special value and is handed down from one generation to the next. Heirloom seeds have drama, history and flavor that your great‑great grandmother would absolutely love.

Eating after 50

DECATUR, Ill. — Eating after 50 will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Decatur Indoor Sports Center, 1295 W. Wood St., Decatur.

Nutrition plays an important role in healthy aging. Learn about nutrition recommendations after age 50 and the foods to focus on. Recipe demonstrations and tastings will be offered.

Showmanship 101

IRVING, Ill. — Youth will learn the basics of animal care and handling at Showmanship 101, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Rooted Rock Ranch, 11466 Waresgrove Ave., Irving.

Young participants will have the opportunity to meet a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, goats, donkeys, horses, llamas, alpacas, emus and more while learning about their daily care, feeding, grooming, and how to safely halter and lead larger animals.

This workshop is perfect for youth who are curious about animals, thinking about joining 4 H, or simply want to gain confidence and experience around farm animals. No prior experience or animal ownership is required.

Fresh Ginger

NORMAL, Ill. — Fresh Ginger will be the topic of Twilight Talk, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Unity Community Center, 632 Orlando Ave., Normal.

Extension staff will share new understandings of fresh ginger production techniques that work in production garden beds and containers. Covered content will include: pre-sprout (germination) method, container ginger culture, fertilizer trials, timed irrigation/fertigation options, crop harvest plan, and more. During the Q & A, participants can sample candied ginger and ginger tea.

Participants will be well on their way to having the knowledge necessary to grow their own ginger on their farm or in their garden next year.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2v4b22ez.

Consumer Resources

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A consumer education event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET Oct. 1 at Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington.

This collaborative event brings together Purdue Extension, Indiana Legal Services, IU Maurer School of Law, and Bloomington Public Library to provide free, trusted consumer protection education, legal resources, and volunteer income tax assistance.

Topics include Stay Scam Safe, Debt Collection — Your Rights, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, taxpayer rights and responsibilities, and legal assistance available through the Indiana Legal Services Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic.

Limited one-on-one legal sessions will also be available for consumer and individual tax issues.

The event is free and open to residents across Indiana. No registration is required. Services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, vist https://tinyurl.com/3yhvwr88 or contact Ashley Piland, HHS Regional Extension educator and VITA lead, at 317-275-9253 or wood246@purdue.edu.

Composting 101

BREESE, Ill. — Composting 101 will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 1 at Clinton County Extension, 1163 N. 4th St., Breese.

Join Illinois Extension Educator Ken Johnson to learn the science behind healthy composting. Learn what table scraps and other items you can use to create fertile compost to use in your home garden.

Workshop is free and there will be a drawing for a door prize. Register at https://tinyurl.com/34upyjz8.

Bat-tastic Illinois

MENDOTA, Ill. — Bat-tastic Illinois will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Graves-Hume Public Library, 1401 W. Main St., Mendota.

Participants will learn about the bat species found in Illinois, explore their unique life histories, and uncover the vital ecosystem services bats provide, such as insect control. Also discussed will be the challenges bats face, including habitat loss and disease, and highlight citizen-science initiatives that support bat conservation efforts across the state.

Creepy Crawlies

INGLESIDE, Ill. — Creepy Crawlies will be 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside.

Join Illinois Extension, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Volo Bog State Natural Area, and Moraine Hills/McHenry Dam State Park for a program on the misunderstood creatures that live around us. Observe and meet live snakes, spiders and insects.

Bird Migration

GENOA, Ill. — Celebration of the Fall Bird Migration Journey will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 at Natural Resource Education Center, 11750 State Route 72, Genoa.

The program will include an outdoor bird‑watching walk, and an educational talk about birds and migration.

Indoor bird-themed fun will include a kids craft, a visit to the Little Spouts Library, and visits with nature center resident animals, including Nolee, a Eurasian Collared Dove.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4vprjs93.

Fall Prairie Walk

ALEXIS, Ill. — Join the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District and Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Mercer County for an early‑fall prairie walk, 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 3 at Brownlee Cemetery Prairie Reserve, 57 220th St., Alexis.

Explore this mesic black prairie, a high‑quality remnant dominated by Indian grass, big bluestem, little bluestem, and seasonal wildflowers. Brownlee Cemetery Prairie Preserve was dedicated to the Illinois Nature Preserve system in the early 1980s and later transferred to the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District. Bring your favorite coffee mug for hot coffee.

Oaktober Open House

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — Oaktober Open House will be 9 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 3 at Lake County Extension, 100 Route 45, Grayslake.

Give your trees some love this ‘Oaktober’ with Openlands and Lake County Extension. There will be free mulch, planting demonstrations and insights from master naturalists, master gardeners and Extension educators.

BYOB (bring your own buckets) for free compost provided by Solid Waste Agency of Lake County while supplies last: 25-gallon maximum. Shovels will be available for filling buckets.

This event is free and open to the public. No registration required. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3xzhdv89.

Farm Stroll

POPLAR GROVE, Ill. — The Boone County Farm Stroll will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at various Boone County farms.

There is no beginning or end; you choose which farms to see. Satisfy your local food cravings and curiosities on farms that grow your food. The stroll is free, but bring cash for food and activities at the farms. The Boone County Manchester Maverick’s 4-H Club will have refreshments for purchase at Winding Path Farms.

Dress for the weather and wear 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. You don’t need to visit every farm to enter the raffle.

This year, the signs that are put up will include the farm host’s address and a QR code linking to Google Maps directions.

Stops on the tour are:

• 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

• Meyers Family Farm, 7749 N. Boone Road, Capron

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

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

• Farmers Rising, 1936 Rockton Road, Caledonia

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

• Winding Path Farms and Branching Out Inc., 6538 IL 173, Poplar Grove

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4aps339x.

Achievement Night

WASHINGTON, Ind. — Daviess County 4-H Achievement Night will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET Oct. 6 at Daviess County Extension, 300 E. Hefron St., Suite 119, Washington.

Achievement Night is a time set aside to celebrate and recognize members who play a crucial role in 4-H while encouraging youth participation, celebrating achievements, and fostering personal growth. Members are motivated to set and achieve goals, contribute positively to their communities and their own personal development.

The Achievement Award is based upon a number of things, including the number of Grand Champion, Champion and State Fair projects, the number of years in a specific project, and what 4-H members have learned in their projects.

This year, Achievement Night will focus not only on the Achievement Awards but recognizing each Grand Champion Award winner from the 2026 show.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/43ser577.

Annual Meeting

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Lake County Annual Meeting & Extension Open House will be 5 to 7 p.m. CT Oct. 7 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

Activities will include refreshments, program highlights, door prizes, and networking with community members and Extension staff.

Card Making

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A card-making workshop will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET Oct. 13 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

In a digital world, receiving a custom-made card in the mail is highly valued. It tells the recipient that you took the time, effort, and care to create something just for them.

Participants will make three decorative cards with their own personal touch — a birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas card.

Cost is $10. To register, call the Extension office at 260-481-6826 or email allences@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2u7rk2dr.