Calendar: Learn the basics of mushroom cultivation

PEKIN, Ill. — Edible Mushroom Grow Kit Workshop will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at University of Illinois Extension, 1505 Valle Vista Blvd., Pekin.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of mushroom cultivation, including how mushrooms are cultured, how growing substrates are inoculated, and the conditions fungi need to thrive. Participants will explore the fascinating science behind mushroom production and learn about the steps involved in growing mushrooms at home.

Each participant will receive an all-in-one mushroom grow kit and portobello mushroom culture during the workshop, creating a project they can take home and monitor as it develops. Whether you’re interested in growing your own food, learning more about fungi, or trying a unique hands-on experience, this workshop provides a fun introduction to the world of mushroom cultivation. Leave with new knowledge, practical skills and the tools to grow your own edible mushrooms at home.

Cost is $60. Participants will receive a mushroom grow kit and all necessary cultivation materials.

Diabetes Meal Planning

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Diabetes Meal Planning: Snacking will be 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 20 at Macoupin County Extension, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

There is a high likelihood that you or someone you know has diabetes. This Lessons for Living program will teach you about how to manage this condition with ideas about the best healthy foods to properly fuel your body and keep your blood sugar stable. Learn about snacks that are good for you and delicious, too.

This class is presented in collaboration with the Macoupin County Home and Community Education Association. Registration is not required.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5b6xzhpw.

Decluttering Tips

EL PASO, Ill. — Where to Start: Decluttering Your Home and Finances will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at El Paso District Library, 149 W. 1st St., El Paso.

Feeling overwhelmed by the stuff piling up around you? If your home, workspace or “drop zones” are becoming more stressful than supportive, this program can help.

Explore why clutter builds up, how it affects your mood, energy and daily routines, and common barriers that make it hard to get started. Learn about what’s worth keeping, how to confidently let go of things you no longer need, and simple ways to protect sensitive information as you declutter. You’ll discover the benefits of simplifying and minimizing, and you’ll walk away with practical strategies and a personalized plan to help you clear the clutter and create a more peaceful, functional environment.

Speak for the Trees

MILAN, Ill. — The online program Speak for the Trees: Community Advocacy for Urban Forests will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 20.

Community trees are an essential part of the urban ecosystem and add great value to the places we call home. Discover practical ways to become an advocate for the trees that strengthen communities. Through this program, residents will be provided with an assortment of strategies to get involved. Large and small actions make a difference.

Support Pollinators

MILAN, Ill. — Native Plants Support Pollinators will be 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 20 at University of Illinois Extension, 321 2nd Ave. West, Milan.

Besides our bee friends, many other pollinators like birds, bats, butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps, and some small mammals play an essential role in our ecosystem’s survival. This class will explore the importance of native plants and their impact on these pollinators. This program will include a presentation by Master Gardner Cindy Lenger.

Nut-Bearing Trees

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The program AWWW Nuts! will be noon to 1 p.,m. Oct. 20 at Piatt County Extension, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Are you curious about the nuts falling from local trees each fall? Learn how to identify common nut-bearing trees and the nuts they produce.

Misunderstood Creatures

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — Learn about your backyard neighbors at Misunderstood Creatures, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Lake County Extension, 100 Route 45, Grayslake.

Your “creepy, crawly” neighbors aren’t so creepy — just misunderstood, including bats, coyotes and spiders. There will be live snake ambassadors as well as other examples of native wildlife.

World of Fungi

DANVLLE, Ill. — Join Extension Educator Karla Griesbaum for a closer look at the fascinating world of fungi and the important role they play in our ecosystems, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Danville Public Library, 319 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

Explore the many functions of fungi in different environments, learn about their unique and sometimes surprising lifestyles, and discover why these organisms are essential to the world we live in.

The class will also explore a variety of mushrooms you’re likely to encounter in east-central Illinois. Learn what to look for when identifying mushrooms, discover key characteristics that can help distinguish species, and become more familiar with the fungi growing in your own backyard.

Fall Decorative Broom

MT. VERNON, Ill. — Hort for The Holidays: Fall Decorative Broom will be 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Jefferson County Extension, 4202 Williamson Place, Mt. Vernon.

Join Illinois Extension for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll create a decorative fall broom to enjoy throughout the season.

Local volunteers will guide participants through basic design elements and techniques for working with cut flowers and botanical materials as you create your own unique arrangement.

Take home your finished broom to display on your porch, door, or entryway this fall.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/up8t56f7.

Fall Garlic Planting

WOODSTOCK, Ill. — Edible Alliums and Fall Garlic Planting Workshop will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at McHenry County Farm Bureau, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

Explore the world of edible alliums, including garlic, onions, leeks, and more. Learn why fall is the perfect time to plant garlic, discover tips for selecting varieties, planting, growing and harvesting, and gain practical knowledge you can use in your own garden.

Participants will receive a free garlic bulb to plant at home.

The program is presented in partnership with McHenry County 4-H and the McHenry County Farm Bureau. This free program is open to youth and adults of all ages.

Freezer Meal Basics

FREEPORT, Ill. — Freezer Meal Basics will be 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at Senior Resource Center, 206 E. Stephenson St., Freeport.

After years of preparing meals for a family, cooking for one or two people can feel like more work than it’s worth. It can be tempting to eat out more often or rely on convenience foods, but preparing meals at home remains one of the best ways to save money, reduce food waste and enjoy nutritious foods that support healthy aging.

University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with the Senior Resource Center, invites you to discover how freezer meals can make home cooking easier. Freezer Meal Basics will show participants how preparing meals ahead of time can reduce time in the kitchen while ensuring delicious, ready-to-eat meals are always within reach.

During this educational program, participants will learn which foods freeze well, which foods are best enjoyed fresh, how to choose quality freezer containers, and safe methods for preparing, freezing, thawing and reheating meals. Receive practical tips and recipes designed to make cooking for one or two both simple and enjoyable.

Cost is $5. Register by calling 815-235-4125 or visit https://tinyurl.com/2ve6pnre.

Fried Flower Bouquets

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Dried Flower Bouquets will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

During this program, participants will learn how to create a beautiful dried flower arrangement of their own using native and prairie plants and grasses

Cost is $10. Register by calling 815-858-2273 or visit https://tinyurl.com/2jw9tv8r.

Wood Cookie Wreath

MILAN, Ill. — Botanical Workshop: Tree Identification and Wood Cookie Wreath will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 at University of Illinois Extension, 321 2nd Ave. West, Milan.

This introductory workshop will teach participants how to identify common tree species using key characteristics such as leaf arrangement, bark texture, buds, branching patterns and other distinguishing features. Participants also will learn seasonal identification techniques, including how to recognize trees during the winter months when leaves are absent.

Following the educational session, participants will create their own decorative wood cookie wreath. All materials are provided, and no prior crafting experience is needed.

This engaging make-and-take program combines hands-on learning with creativity, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts, gardeners and lifelong learners alike.

Cost is $15 and includes all supplies. Register at https://tinyurl.com/532fmv83.

Wildlife Issues

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online series Wildlife Issues and Solutions will be noon to 1 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 23.

Topics will include:

• Unwanted Entry into Structures, Oct. 23.

• What’s Making the Holes in My Yard?, Nov. 20.

• Aggressive Wildlife — Truth or Myth?, Dec. 11.

• Preparing for Spring — Crop and Garden Damage, Jan. 22.

Register online at https://tinyurl.com/ms3zbxmp. For questions, contact Brian MacGowan, 513-907-3743 or macgowan@purdue.edu.

Honey Workshop

WATERLOO, Ill. — Honey: More Than Just Sweet will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Vintage Wine Bar, 212 S. Main St., Waterloo.

Learn about how honey is made, discover different varieties, and explore its nutritional and traditional uses. Enjoy a honey tasting along with delicious honey-inspired recipes you can make at home.

Kara Hoke from The Hokestead will be a guest speaker and will have honey and other products available for purchase.

As an added bonus, bring a non-perishable food item to donate to House of Neighborly Services for a chance to win a basket filled with honey treats.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3yyuwh36.

Fall Foliage Hike

OTTAWA, Ill. — Fall Foliage Hike will be 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa.

Experience fall colors with University of Illinois Extension master naturalists. The hike is an opportunity to learn, explore and capture the vibrant beauty of the season.

Heifer Selection

DUBOIS, Ind. — Purdue Extension is hosting the Beef Replacement, Heifer Selection program, 1 to 4 p.m. ET Oct. 24 at the Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center, 11371 E. Purdue Farm Road, Dubois.

The program will discuss using visual evaluation and genomic testing data when selecting replacement heifers. Program topics and speakers include:

• Live Animal Evaluation.

• Why Use Commercial Heifer Genomic Testing and Understanding Selection Indexes, Gordon Jones, retired Western Kentucky genetics professor and partner Red Hill Farms.

• How Commercial Heifer Genomic Data Can Help Seedstock Supplies Assist Commercial Cattlemen to Select Bulls, panel discussion with Chris Muegge, Midwest Beef Cattle Consultants; and Nick Minton, Indiana Beef Evaluation Program director and Purdue Animal Sciences beef systems specialist.

There is no fee to attend, but RSVP to Jason Tower at towerj@purdue.edu or 812-678-4427. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mvmnkemd.

Brain-Healthy Habits

LOWELL, Ind. — Building Brain-Healthy Habits will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. CT Oct. 26 at Lowell Public Library, 1505 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell.

Presented by Linda Curley, Purdue Extension health and human sciences educator, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, this educational program is designed to help participants take proactive steps to support brain health at every stage of life.

Attendees will learn about the 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain; explore the latest brain health research, including recommendations from the U.S. POINTER study; and develop a personalized action plan for building healthier routines. Topics include nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other lifestyle habits that may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and support long-term brain health. The program emphasizes small, practical changes that can make a meaningful difference over time and highlights that it’s never too early or too late to start building brain-healthy habits.

Finance Class

ANGOLA, Ind. — Finance Class will be 5 to 5:45 p.m. ET Oct. 28 at the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St., Angola.

Unlock the mysteries of personal finance and empower yourself with essential money management skills. Classes are $3 per session and will be held monthly on the last Wednesday of the month.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2z9mfhdh.

Plant ID Walk

HUNTINGBURG, Ind. — The October Plant ID Walk will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. ET Oct. 29 at Charles Niehaus Memorial Park, 403 W. 6th St., Huntingburg.

Natural areas in Dubois and Orange counties feature some great native plants, but also destructive invasive plants like garlic mustard, autumn olive, Japanese stiltgrass and burning bush. Brush up on your plant ID skills at this free plant ID nature walk, provided by the Invasive Species Awareness Coalition of Dubois County, and the Orange County Invasives Partnership. The meeting location will be at the beginning of the forested trail.

No RSVPs needed. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/63hxat5v.

Producer Training

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Market Ready Producer Training will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Oct. 30 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Are you a farmer or food business owner looking to expand into wholesale markets? Purdue Extension’s Market Ready program can help you take the next step.

• Learn how to sell to wholesale buyers.

• Strengthen your business and marketing skills.

• Gain insights on product quality, food safety, insurance and risk management.

• Build confidence in pricing, branding and market channel planning.

Cost is $50, and includes program manual and lunch.

Chainsaw Workshop

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. — Chainsaw Workshop for Landowners will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Oct. 31 at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 6220 Forest Road, Martinsville.

Learn how to safely and effectively use a chainsaw in this hands-on workshop designed specifically for woodland owners and land managers. Participants will receive practical instruction on chainsaw safety, maintenance, personal protective equipment, and basic tree-cutting techniques from experienced forestry professionals.

Whether you’re managing your woodland, conducting habitat improvements, or maintaining trails and property, this program will provide valuable skills to help you work safely and confidently in the woods.