November 21, 2024

Calendar: Edible Indoor Gardens workshop

WALNUT, Ill. — The Indoor Edible Gardens workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Walnut Public Library, 101 Heaton St., Walnut.

Gardening is not limited to outside in the summer. The Edible Indoor Gardens workshop will show participants how to grow their own fresh herbs, salad greens, and more anytime of the year.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4u4aeej4.

The program will be repeated 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Ohio Public Library, 112 N. Main St., Ohio. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ytkkcswr.

Growing Ginger

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Growing Ginger in Illinois will be at noon Nov. 15.

Did you know you can grow your own fresh baby ginger in Illinois? Ginger is a popular flavor in Asian cuisine, has been proven to reduce nausea, and is used as an anti-inflammatory treatment. Ginger may not be the first crop that comes to mind when making your garden plans, but with a few steps, you could include ginger in your 2025 garden.

Covered will be:

• The history of ginger.

• Site selection and preparation.

• Getting started: Sourcing ginger, how and when to resprout.

• Planting and harvesting.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3td6puky.

Food Drive

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Carbondale Clovers Food Drive Party will be 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Carbondale Township Office, 217 E. Main St., Carbondale.

Families with children ages 5-18 will experience a day filled with fun and learning about the opportunities that 4-H offers.

This event is free but please bring one or more canned goods.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrxnzyv3.

Livestock Skillathon

URBANA, Ill. — The 4-H Livestock Skillathon will be 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the University of Illinois Stock Pavilion, 1402 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Urbana.

The event will help prepare 4-H members for the Superior Young Producers Skillathon at the Illinois State Fair.

Cost is $5 and includes lunch.

This event is hosted The State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team and the U of I Department of Animal Sciences. Register at https://tinyurl.com/6xjm4n33.

Forging the Frontier

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — Forging the Frontier with Dustin Rhodes will be 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Effingham County Extension office, 1209 N. Wenthe Drive, Effingham.

Rhodes is a bladesmith, blacksmith, and business owner with over 30 years of experience in forging knives and various items. His work has been showcased on national and international television. He has created instructional videos, authored published works, and has been featured in national publications.

His passion for the craft began in frontier reenactments, and he specializes in creating early American frontier weapons and primitive Native tools. He has taught knifemaking and blacksmithing at the college level and at the Turtle Island Preserve, as seen on “Mountain Men” on the History Channel.

Rhodes, his daughter, Elizabeth, and Cheyenne Brown operate Axe on Main/Forge a Memory, a family-owned business with a full forge and axe-throwing experience located at 409 N. Main St., St. Elmo.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3s2e4cza.

Embroidery Workshop

MARION, Ill. — The Sashiko-Japanese Embroidery Workshop will be 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Williamson County Extension office, 1301 Enterprise Way, Suite 60, Marion.

Children ages 10 to 18 will learn about the traditional Japanese stitching technique that uses a running stitch to create decorative patterns and reinforce cloth. Mary Slider and Marie Samuel will be teaching the traditional sashiko that was used to reinforce points of wear or to repair worn places or tears with patches. Today, this running stitch technique is often used for purely decorative purposes in quilting and embroidery.

Cost is $6.50. Register at https://tinyurl.com/24ksnjj5.

Charcuterie Creations

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Charcuterie Creations will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Children ages 8 to 18 will design and take home their very own personalized charcuterie board.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y6hhckvs.

Flower Arranging

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Flower Arranging with Graceful Acres Flower Farm will be 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Piatt County Extension office, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Children ages 8 to 13 will create a flower arrangement that meets the criteria for the 4-H show. The take-home fall arrangement could be used as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mux8fhfe.

Water Streams and Waste Streams

URBANA, Ill. — The Water Streams and Waste Streams webinar will be 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11.

Aaron Wilson, associate professor of environmental studies at Illinois Wesleyan University, will focus on research conducted on the Illinois River and its tributaries, along with examples from other Midwest rivers. This webinar will highlight the movement of contaminants through the environment and explore solutions for slowing their progression.

Wilson will discuss:

• How human activities transport pollutants into streams.

• The effects of these pollutants on stream ecosystems.

• Emerging pollutants of concern.

• Practical ways to reduce the movement of pollutants into streams.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/zw3vkufa.

Homemakers Sew Day

AUBURN, Ind. — DeKalb County Extension Homemakers Sew Day will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Nov. 12 at the DeKalb County Office Building basement, 215 E. 9th St., Auburn.

Bring a covered dish, and enjoy the day with great food and company. No sewing experience needed.

Future Sew Days will be Jan. 14, March 11 and May 13.

For more information, contact Sarah LeCount at 260-499-0848, arnettsm789@gmail.com, or visit https://tinyurl.com/2kz4nbbw.

Pesticide Applicator Program

CHARLESTOWN, Ind. — The Area 2 Pesticide Applicator Program will be held on Nov. 12 at three locations.

• Clark County Community Building, 9608 Highway 62, Charlestown, 9 to 11 a.m. ET. RSVP to hlpotter@purdue.edu or 812-256-4591.

• Washington County Fairgrounds 4-H Building, 118 N. Fair St., Salem, 1 to 3 p.m. RSVP to dhowellw@purdue.edu or 812-883-4601.

• Harrison County Extension office, 247 Atwood St., Corydon, 6 to 8 p.m. RSVP to camm@purdue.edu or 812-738-4236.

Topics at all three locations will be:

• Cover Crops and Soil Nutrition in Corn and Soybeans with Introduction to Transitioning to Organic, Ashley Adair, Purdue organic ag specialist.

• Update on Weed Control in Corn and Soybeans, Bill Johnson, Purdue weed science specialist.

• Worker Protection Standards/Regulatory Topics, Purdue Extension staff.

The program and Private Applicator (PARP) credits are free thanks to sponsorship from the Indiana Corn Marking Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance. Commercial applicator credits (1, 11, 14 & RT) are available. Participants receive credit for attending one program.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2xy2nxrk.

Winter Terrariums

URBANA, Ill. — The Create a Winter Terrarium webinar with University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

Terrariums are wonderful year-round accents for a home. Live plants in a terrarium add color and serve as a reminder that spring is not far away. Participants will explore terrarium basics and plant choices in more detail. Learn the steps to make gumball-machine terrariums for your home or to give to others as a handmade gift.

Register for this Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series program at https://tinyurl.com/bp9w4tr7.

Holiday Canning

BRIGHTON, Ill. — Holiday Canning: Spicy Cranberry Salsa Making will be 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Brighton Memorial Library, 110 N. Main St., Brighton.

Learn the basics of water bath canning, how to safely water bath can spicy cranberry salsa, and the dos and don’ts of preparing food for gifts during the holidays. Each participant will make and leave with a canned jar of spicy cranberry salsa to gift or enjoy during the holidays.

Register by calling the library at 618-372-8450.

Cooking with Herbs

SAVANNA, Ill. — Special-Occasion Cooking with Herbs will be 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Savanna Public Library, 326 3rd St., Savanna.

Learn how to use herbs to enhance aroma and flavor in your favorite recipes in the hands-on series taking place once a month.

During the first session on Nov. 12, Illinois Extension Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro will introduce participants to the range of herbs available to make pesto, herbal butters, herbal salts, chutneys and salsas.

Contact the library to register: 815-273-3714.

Recognition of Excellence

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Recognition of Excellence program, an evening dedicated to celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of 4-H members, leaders and volunteers, will be 5:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington.

Recognized will be Leader of the Year, County Record Award winners, Illinois State Experience Award winners, Mosbacher Scholarship recipients, Holder Scholarship recipients, and the Hall of Fame Award recipients.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3m3nrt8p. For more information, email Myla Munro at mgmunro@illinois.edu or call 309-663-8306.

Hay Quality Seminar

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online Hay Quality Seminar, hosted by Purdue University Extension and the Indiana Forage Council, will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. ET Nov. 12.

The seminar will be presented online and at virtual viewing locations throughout Indiana.

For more information and locations, visit https://tinyurl.com/4t4hd6zz.

Grade-Sawing Hardwood Logs

AKRON, Ind. — The Hardwood University program Grade-Sawing Hardwood Logs will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13 at Pike Lumber Company, 12179 E. State Road 114, Akron.

Topics will include:

• Theory and practice of sawing hardwood logs into lumber.

• External characteristics affecting lumber quality and measurement of selected logs.

• Decisions made at head saw, resaw, edger, and trimmer that affect the lumber grade.

• Cutting logs on a portable sawmill to observe the process in practice and evaluate the impact of right/wrong decisions.

Sponsors include Indiana Hardwood Lumber Association and Purdue Extension — Forestry and Natural Resources.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3u2fxnb3. For more information, contact Rado Gazo, 765-494-3634, gazo@purdue.edu.

Holiday Cooking

RANTOUL, Ill. — Holiday Cooking: Making the Holidays Healthier will be 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Rantoul Public Library, 106 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul.

Extension Program Coordinator Vanessa Jones will discuss how to transform your favorite festive dishes into nutritious, flavorful creations. From lightened-up classics to innovative new recipes, participants will learn how to make the holidays healthier without sacrificing taste.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdf8wyp2.

Holiday Bites

OGLESBY, Ill. — Holiday Bites: Balancing Extra Calories through the Holidays will be 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Oglesby Public Library, 111 S. Woodland Ave., Oglesby.

Learn to prepare new holiday recipes that you can enjoy and stay on track balancing calories.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yemuktum.

CARET Conference

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue CARET State Conference will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Nov. 14 at the Beck Agricultural Center, 4550 US-52, West Lafayette.

The Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Training conference will focus College of Agriculture updates and advocacy best practices.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/mr25vv7w.

Invention Convention

VEVAY, Ind. — The Indiana 4-H Invention Convention Workshop will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET Nov. 14 at Switzerland County Technology and Education Center, 708 W. Seminary St., Vevay.

This professional development workshop will equip educators and volunteers to facilitate the Indiana 4-H Invention Convention program in their 4-H clubs, schools, and other youth-serving organizations.

Participants will:

• Work through the Invention Convention Worldwide curriculum and resources.

• Develop plans to implement invention education in their classrooms, clubs, or organizations.

• Learn about student competition opportunities.

The registration fee covers lunch and teaching materials. Contact hours gained during a workshop are eligible for teachers to apply toward their Professional Growth Points.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdd2jrd9.

Estate Planning

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Estate Planning 101: Know the Basics will be 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 14.

Participants will learn some basic concepts and terms related to estate planning, and gather resources to aid them in getting their affairs in order.

Register for this Lessons for Living Series program at https://tinyurl.com/yn7ts9ps.

Meal Planning

CLINTON, Ill. — Meal Planning will be 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 14 at the Warner Hospital Wellness Center, 418 W. South St., Clinton.

Participants will learn some fun strategies for meal planning using the five food groups of the My Plate food model. The program will offer some ideas and options to help make planning and balancing a budget-friendly meal less of a daily challenge.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/45fszb46.

Pruning Basics

STREATOR, Ill. — Pruning Basics will be 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Streator Public Library, 130 S. Park St., Streator.

Learn about tools, timing, and techniques for pruning trees and shrubs in your yard.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2f432zum.

Holiday Porch Pot

GREENVILLE, Ill. — Learn how to create a holiday-themed porch pot from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Kaskaskia College Greenville Education Center, 209 N. 3rd St., Greenville.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/48eunkdr.

Seed Saving

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The Native Plant Seed Saving Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, 619 4th Ave., Rochelle.

This free, interactive session will have participants exploring the best time for harvesting seeds. They will get tips and techniques for preserving and germinating the seeds for the upcoming growing season. There also will be a discussion on the benefits of incorporating native plants into landscapes, including the advantages and disadvantages of growing natives.

Registration is required by calling the library at 815-562-3431.

Turf and Lawn Care

INDIANAPOLIS — The Turf & Lawn Care Professionals Clinic will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Building, 225 S. East St., Indianapolis.

Speakers and topics will include:

• Justin Curley, Organic and Alternate Turf Practices.

• John Hazlett, Invasive Species Treatment and Management.

• Geoff Schortgen, Sprayer Calibration in the Landscape.

• Mike Templeton, Transporting Pesticides and Equipment Regulation Safety.

• Nikky Witkowski, Spraying Pesticide with Drones.

• Lee Miller, Turf Diagnostics in the Landscape.

• Jeff Pell, Worker Protection Standards.

Cost is $50 and includes lunch. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3wfunevw.

Pie-Making Workshop

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — The Pie-Making Workshop will be 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Jackson County Extension office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Rosie Wece, an experienced baker, will demonstrate how to make apple pie and help troubleshoot baking issues.

Each participant will be making their own pie to take home.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yckha2mv.

Cookie and Candy Walk

AUBURN, Ind. — DeKalb County Extension Homemakers Holiday Cookie & Candy Walk will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET Nov. 16 at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds 4-H Exhibit Hall, 708 S. Jackson St., Auburn.

Homemade cookies and candies will be on sale for $10 per pound.

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

AgriNews Staff

AgriNews Staff

The Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews staff is in the field each week, covering topics that affect local farm families and their businesses. We give readers information they can’t get elsewhere to help them make better farming decisions.