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The Illinois Extension Service is offering online and hybrid classes on a variety of topics like gardening, invasive insects and night skies. Many fun offerings here to make the winter go faster! HOME, COMMUNITY, COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE
Jan. 23, 1:30 PM: Native Seed Starting for Spring Planting | Four Seasons Gardening Online Native plants are adapted to grow and survive in all types of Illinois weather, knowing how they grow will help growers learn how to start native seeds for their garden. Winter sowing is a technique used to help people save money and easily grow plants. Learn techniques to grow even some of the trickiest plants with limited space and no specialized equipment. Contact: Gemini Bhalsod Feb. 13, 1:30 PM: Insects to Know: Spotted Lanternfly and Periodical Cicadas | Four Seasons Gardening Online In 2023, the first spotted lanternfly in Illinois was identified in Cook County. In spring 2024, a large brood of periodical cicadas is set to emerge in Northern Illinois, making it a big year for insects. Learn about the biology of these insects and what their arrival means for gardeners and farmers. Contact: Gemini Bhalsod Feb. 27 - March 28: Growing Great Vegetables Online Dig in with confidence this spring with Growing Great Vegetables, a five-week webinar series that will cover how to grow a vegetable garden from seed to harvest. Contact: Ken Johnson
Online Discover the power of rain gardens, which act as nature’s filter by slowing stormwater runoff, reducing soil erosion, and relieving strain on stormwater systems. Gain insights into the principles of rain garden construction and design, ensuring gardens not only enhance the beauty of a space but also contribute to the health of the environment. Contact: Gemini Bhalsod ENVIRONMENT Jan. 11, 1 PM: New Invaders: Spotted Lanternfly | Everyday Environment Webinar Series Online Help keep invasives out of Illinois. Spotted lanternfly is the newest “unwanted” invasive pest in Illinois. Learn how to identify and report this invasive insect as well as how to manage it and prevent further spread. Tricia Bethke from The Morton Arboretum will explore why monitoring for spotted lanternflies in winter is important and how you can help report invasives with early detection and rapid response. Contact: Erin Garrett Jan. 25, 9 AM: 2024 Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Partnership Conference In-Person at Illinois Department of Agriculture Building, Springfield, or Online The 2024 Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, NLRS, Partnership Conference presents the latest updates to the NLRS and is open to Policy Working Group members, stakeholders, and the general public who are interested in the topic of reducing nutrient loss in Illinois. This includes those involved in the agriculture, point-source, and urban stormwater sectors. Available in person or online for attendees. Contacts: Rachel Curry, Joan Cox, or C. Eliana Brown Feb. 8, 1 PM: Empower Illinois: Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Pollution and Protect Waterways | Everyday Environment Online Everyone has a role in preventing nutrient loss. The lakes, streams, and rivers of Illinois are vital for drinking water, wildlife, recreation, fishing, and industry, and everyone has a role in safeguarding water here and downstream. Explore what nutrient pollution is by learning about the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, NLRS, and how it works to reduce nutrient pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus. Contacts: Rachel Curry, Joan Cox, or C. Eliana Brown March 14, 1 PM: Protect Our Dark Skies: How to Limit Light Pollution | Everyday Environment Online Starry nights are only possible when we turn out the lights. The sky is a natural wonder that unites everyone in Illinois, our nation, and the world. The Milky Way, the orange glow of Jupiter, the constellations Orion, and the Big Dipper all capture our attention and fill us with awe. However, for many of us, the sky is not dark enough to see more than just a few stars. Explore how to take a closer look around your home and community to assess night light conditions and simple ways you can help keep our night skies dark. Contact: Amy Lefringhouse FORESTRY AND TREES Jan. 22 - Feb. 26, 8:30 AM: Tree Care Workshops | Community Tree Care Series Multiple Dates, Locations Routine maintenance and proper care techniques contribute to a longer, healthier tree life. Each workshop location session includes hands-on training during the time of year when tree care is applicable to apply tree care skills, discuss local issues, identify needs in individual communities, and provide opportunities to learn more. Exact locations will be available closer to event dates and subject to change due to winter weather instances. Sessions are the same and repeated in multiple locations. Contact: Sarah Vogel Jan. 22: Mattoon Feb. 5: Decatur Feb. 26: Milan Jan. 27, 9 AM: Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales Tortenson's Education Center, Pecatonica Embrace winter's beauty through outdoor exploration and indoor inspiration with University of Illinois Extension. Tour about and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Contact: Tammy Bene March 6, 8 AM: Gateway Green Conference 2024 Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville Natural resource industry professionals face the vital task of responsibly caring for our communities' valuable environmental resources. Evolving research and environmental changes make it more important than ever to explore responsible stewardship practices. The conference provides a platform for sharing new ideas and research-based information as experts delve into three vital tracks: building sustainable landscapes, conservation stewardship, and tree care. Contact: Sarah Ruth Comments are closed.
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