Calendar: An inside look at dairy goat production

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Raising Goats: From Farm to Value-Added Products will be 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Jackson County Extension, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Join Melanie Aldridge, owner of Meadows Bluff Farm, for an inside look at dairy goat production and value-added agriculture. Aldridge will share her experiences raising goats for milk, managing a dairy operation, and growing her business by producing a variety of goat milk products.

Electricity Workshop

SALEM, Ill. — Watt’s Up? Electricity Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 12 at Marion County Extension, 1404 E. Main St., Salem.

This intermediate-level workshop introduces participants to basic residential wiring concepts using a hands-on training board equipped with a switch, outlet, lamp and extension cord. Students learn how electrical components work together, practice making safe wiring connections, and gain an understanding of common household electrical systems. This workshop provides a practical introduction to electrical trades and real-world applications of electricity.

Cooking for One or Two

FORSYTH, Ill. — Cooking for One or Two will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at Forsyth Public Library, 268 S. Elwood St., Forsyth.

Cooking for a smaller household? Learn budget-friendly tips for preparing nutritious meals that limit food waste at this free class.

Grapevine Wreaths

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Grapevine Wreaths will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 Vine St., Elizabeth.

Participants will learn how to fashion grapevines into a wreath and adorn it with festive fall pieces and natural dried elements. Participants will take a wreath home to display.

Cost is $15. Register by calling 815-858-2273 or visit https://tinyurl.com/mryw9e3z.

Take Charge of Your Health

MACOMB, Ill. — The online series Take Charge of Your Health will be 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 14-Nov. 18.

Discover strategies for managing pain, communicating effectively with healthcare providers and loved ones, and using tools to support long-term disease management.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Appropriate exercise to maintain and improve strength and endurance

• Fall prevention

• Healthy eating

• Better breathing techniques

• Proper use of medication

• Working more effectively with healthcare providers

Gardening for Bats

MAKANDA, Ill. — Gardening for Bats will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Giant City State Park Visitor Center, 1-245 Giant City Road, Makanda.

Discover how to create a bat-friendly garden by planting native species, preserving trees and snags, and removing invasive plants. This program also includes a bat box review and explores how citizen science can help monitor and protect local bat populations.

Native Tree Diversity

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Northern Illinois Native Tree Diversity will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Forest Preserves of Winnebago County Headquarters Administration Building, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford.

Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension forestry specialist, will talk about the variety of species historically common to the area, identification tips, and benefits and challenges for many of these trees. He will also share tips on selecting the right native tree-site combination for new trees, along with care for existing trees.

Cooking with Air Fryer

WARRENSBURG, Ill. — Hot and Fast: Cooking with an Air Fryer will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Barclay Public Library, 220 S. Main St., Warrensburg.

Unlock the secrets of air frying and learn how to create meals quickly and efficiently.

4-H Achievement Program

CANTON, Ill. — Fulton 4-H Achievement Program and Volunteer Recognition will be 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 at Donaldson Community Center in Wallace Park, 250 South Ave. D, Canton.

4-H families, volunteers, and donors are invited to an afternoon event to celebrate “Green and Growing: 125th 4-H Anniversary.”

The program will honor 4-H member achievement, 4-H leader anniversaries, volunteers, and the donors. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5bwvm8dc.

Urban Farming

CROWN POINT, Ind. — The eight-session Urban Farming Signature Program will be 5:30 tp 8:30 p.m. CT Mondays, Oct. 19-Dec. 7 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N Main St., Crown Point.

Learn how to cultivate food safely from planting to harvest in an urban setting. Purdue Extension specialists and educators will lead the course, teaching participants how to:

• Identify urban farming challenges and opportunities

• Form goals specific to your operation

• Understand and manage urban soil health

• Create a comprehensive site design

• Develop a crop plan

• Manage pests

• Grow food safely from planting to harvest

• Incorporate advanced planting techniques like permaculture and indoor agriculture

• Use circular economy principles.

The program also will be offered online. Participants will receive a certificate at the end. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4zr9x7zf.

Annual Meeting

SALEM, Ind. — The 2026 Purdue Extension — Washington County Annual Meeting and 4-H Recognition Banquet will be 6 to 8 p.m. ET Oct. 19 at Cornerstone Chapel and Celebration Center, 1500 E. R C Morris Drive, Salem.

Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, special recognition of outstanding 4-H youth and volunteers, and updates on Purdue Extension. RSVP by calling 812-883-4601. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4zr43wk8.

ServSafe Training

AUBURN, Ind. — ServSafe Food Protection Manager training will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Oct. 20 at DeKalb County Office Building, 215 E. 9th St., Auburn.

ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program accredited by the National Restaurant Association and the Conference for Food Protection. The program was developed to educate food service workers about food safety.

ServSafe Food Protection Manager is the highest certification awarded by ServSafe. The manager training focuses on five aspects of food service that can affect the safety of food: Foodborne Microorganisms and Allergens; Personal Hygiene; Purchasing, Receiving and Storage; Preparation, Cooking and Serving; and Facilities, Cleaning/Sanitation and Pest Management.

The certificate is earned by passing the ServSafe Manager exam with a 70% and the certification is valid for five years.

Hardwood University

EDINBURGH, Ind. — The Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association presents the Hardwood University class on Marketing Hardwood Veneer, Stave and Sawlogs, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET Oct. 21 at Danzer Veneer Americas, 206 S. Holland St., Edinburgh.

Presenters will discuss tree quality and log merchandising. The highest-value use of hardwood resource is for fine face veneers. Excellent markets have always existed for “perfect” trees and logs. Marketing of “somewhat less than perfect” trees and logs can present a challenge. The practicing forester may be unsure what a particular veneer buyer can accept and why the log or tree value varies widely and changes weekly. Furthermore, the markets for the veneer itself change. A tour of the Danzer facility and showroom will be included.

For class information, contact Rado Gazo at gazo@purdue.edu or 765-494-3634. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/fzyatmmy.

Fall into Nature

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Forestry and Natural Resources presents Fall into Nature, 4 to 7 p.m. ET Oct. 22 at Stewart Woods at Horticulture Park, 1600 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette.

This engaging evening will feature guided nature hikes, guided meditation sessions and a variety of fun, nature-inspired activities.

RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/avprem77.