University of Illinois
online education webinars offered September 23rd through October 6

 

[September 23, 2020] 

Click on the title to access more information about the webinar.

Community and Economic Development

September 29
11 AM
Improving Export Options for Small Businesses: Local Government Education Webinar

Selling abroad can be intimidating, but may be just the boost small businesses facing lasting financial challenges need. Learn the fundamentals and benefits of exporting. Local, state, and federal programs are available for businesses in Southern Illinois to initiate or expand export efforts. Coordinator: Nancy Ouedraogo

Family, Food, and Finances

September 23
Noon
Get Savvy: Financial Tools for Uncertain Times

Extraordinary times leads to uncertainty, especially with our finances. Join in our discussion to learn strategies for building positive financial habits during ordinary and uncertain times. Start the academic year strong and put these practical financial tips into action. Presented by Kathy Sweedler, University of Illinois Extension, Kelsey Gerber, Loyola University Chicago, and Andrea Pellegrini, University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.

September 23
Noon
Decoding That Diet You Saw on the Internet: Vegetarian, Vegan, and Paleo Diets

Are vegans always healthier? Are we supposed to eat like our ancestors during the hunting and gathering era? Join registered dietitian Ru Liu to learn about the vegan, vegetarian, and paleo diets, and gain the tools to decide whether those diets are for you. Coordinator: Chelsey Byers

September 24
10 AM
Discover Healthy Aging Series: Someday is Today, Live Your Bucket List

The Healthy Aging series wraps up with a tactile way to encourage living life to the fullest by addressing the “one of these days,” “when things slow down,” and dreams on the back burner while “life happens.” A bucket list is simply a list of things you’d like to do in your lifetime. Simple in theory, but the point is often missed. Presenters: Chelsey Byers and Karla Belzer

September 30
Noon
Taste the Rainbow: Overview of Carotenoids in Your Diet, Body, and Life

Nature and the foods we eat encompass a wide spectrum of colors. What is responsible for the colors we eat? In this seminar, we will discuss carotenoids: what they are, where we see them in our daily life, their benefits for our health, and how to incorporate them into our diet. Join neuroscience PhD student Corinne Cannavale to learn more about these amazing nutrients. Coordinator: Chelsey Byers

Energy and Environment

September 25
Noon
Fall Lawn Care

Fall is the perfect time to repair any lawn damage. As lawns go dormant, a few simple techniques may make the difference for beautiful spring lawns. A free online webinar will provide tips for fall lawn care, including raking the lawn, mowing , watering, maintenance, aeration, dethatching, fertilizing, re-seeding, and over-seeding the lawn, as well as pest and disease issues. Presenter: James Theuri

September 28
10 AM
Which Grass is Which: Basics of Grass and Woodland Grass Identification

Want to impress your company with extensive grass knowledge on your next Illinois nature encounter? This is the first in a three-part series. Presenter: Erin Garrett

September 30
10 AM
Which Grass is Which: Prairie Grass Identification

The second webinar in the series features prairie grasses. Presenter: Erin Garrett

September 30
6 PM
Growing Garlic on Small Acres

With the cooler fall temperatures, gardeners are starting to develop cool-season gardens. Garden varieties can include short-term crops, such as cabbage, lettuce, radishes, and spinach. There’s one crop that is planted in the fall and will be harvested the following summer, depending on the growing season. That crop is garlic. From home gardeners to growers with small acreage, this presentation will be of benefit. Presenters: James Theuri, Laurie George

October 2
10 AM
Which Grass is Which: Nuisance Grass Identification

There's a reason it's called nuisance grass. Learn to identify it easily. This is the third webinar in the series. Presenter: Erin Garrett

October 3
9 AM
Latest Insect Invaders: Gardening in the Air Invasives Webinar

New insect pests seem to pop up all the time, and learning how to best manage invasive new pests takes time and effort. This presentation will discuss our most recent invasive insects: the emerald ash borer, spotted wing drosophila, and the brown marmorated stink bug.

There will be time to answer questions about whatever other insects the audience chooses to discuss. Bring your insect-related questions! Presenter: Donald Lewis, Professor and Extension Entomologist, Iowa State University.

October 3
10 AM
Emerging Diseases in the Midwest: Gardening in the Air Invasives Webinar

Discover how to look for plant disease problems, how diseases spread and move around in the environment, some example invasive diseases to watch for, and technology and tools that can help expand your knowledge and report suspect infections. Presenters: Lina Rodriquez-Salamanca, Diagnostician and Extension Plant Pathologist, Iowa State University; Diane Plewa
 

October 3
11 AM
Not Just Another Weed: Gardening in the Air Invasives Webinar

Invasive plants are not simply plants out of place. This presentation will discuss the complex ecological processes and interactions that happen with plant invasions, the type of impacts we see as a result of invasive plants, and the priority invasive plant species in Illinois. The presentation includes what landowners, gardeners, professionals, and volunteers can do about invasives. Presenter: Chris Evans

October 3
9 AM
Growing Vegetables in Containers: Gardening in the Air Webinar

There are not many things better than enjoying fresh vegetables from your own garden, whether greens, herbs, vine-ripened tomatoes, or a bumper crop of zucchini. Container vegetables allow gardeners to enjoy fresh veggies even when they don’t have the ideal spot for a vegetable garden. Learn about the special considerations needed for growing produce in containers. Presenter: Cindy Haynes, Associate Professor and Horticulture Specialist, Iowa State University.

October 3
10 AM
The Cook’s Garden: Gardening in the Air Webinar

As your summer vegetable garden ends, now is a great time to consider unusual or new varieties for your 2021 garden. Broccoli rabe, ‘Pink Banana’ squash, Cheddar’ cauliflower, Okinawan sweet potato, and spelt are some of the trending vegetables and grains. This class will look at what you can (and can’t) grow in your summer garden, with a focus on produce that will be eaten fresh, made into sauces, and have center stage in your cooking. Grains, unique vegetable varieties, microgreens, and flavor-focused produce will be covered. Presenter: Grant McCarty

October 3
11 AM
Culinary Herbs and Pollinating Insects: Gardening in the Air Webinar

Gardening with culinary herbs is a great way to add interest and fragrance to the landscape. Tips will be shared on using herbs to attract pollinating insects. Presenter: Jennifer Fishburn

October 3
9 AM
How Not to Kill Your Houseplants: Gardening in the Air Webinar

Houseplants are as popular as ever, but it can be difficult to know what lighting, care, and watering requirements are needed in order to keep them alive long term. Learn about the most popular and easiest to grow houseplants and some tips for houseplant success. Presenter: Candice Hart

October 3
10 AM
Indoor Propagation: Gardening in the Air Webinar

Propagation is one of the greatest plant skills to know. What could be better than making a new plant? During this session, we will discuss basics of propagation and why it works, as well as talk kitchen scrap gardening. Presenter: Bruce J. Black

October 3
11 AM
Orchids 101: Gardening in the Air Webinar

With bold beautiful flowers, many gardeners are interested in growing orchids. While many species are relatively easy to grow indoors, their care is different than other houseplants. Learn how to care for these unique tropical plants, which species are best for gardeners to try, how to address common issues that arise, and the things you need to do to get them to bloom every year. Presenter: Aaron Steil, Assistant Director of Reiman Gardens and Lecturer, Iowa State University.

Youth Development

October 6
5 PM
Teacher Tuesdays: Virtual Resource Fair
 
Join us for virtual networking events designed to connect teachers and their classrooms with local STEAM resources. Chat with other teachers and professionals in STEAM fields to learn about resources and activities for your classroom. The Virtual Resource Fair will highlight multiple organizations and their activities, specifically focused on virtual offerings. The panel discussions will allow a more in-depth look at resources and a chance to ask questions of professionals in specific fields. Organizers: Judy Schmidt, Emily Schoenfelder

[University of Illinois Extension]