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Extension to start 'Gardening in the Air' virtual lecture series Jan. 30

Sign up for "Gardening in the Air," a virtual 18-session series, on Saturdays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, co-hosted by University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension.

Experts from both institutions will present on a wide variety of timely gardening topics about winter gardening activities, wildlife, food and nutrition, design, vegetables, fruits and herbs, and houseplants.

Sessions will be hosted on Zoom at with three sessions each at 9, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time.

Participants may register for a single session or the entire series. Sessions are free to attend, but a donation is appreciated. Access links and handouts will be provided upon registration. Sign up at extension.illinois.edu/global/gardening-air.

On Jan. 30, the theme will be "Winter Gardening Activities, Wildlife, Food and Nutrition." The registration deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 27.

The Jan. 30 sessions include:

• "Gardening is Good for You" with Andrea Faber-Taylor, Ph.D., University of Illinois, sharing ideas for using gardening and other nature experiences to support your own health as well as the children in your life.

• "Native Plants with Winter Wildlife Interest" with Ryan Pankau, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension, covering basic wildlife needs and plants to Illinois that best meet those needs.

• "Funkalicious Fermentation" with Kristin Bogdonas, Nutrition & Wellness Educator, University of Illinois Extension, on exploring the endless possibilities of fermented foods, steps for success at home, as well as recipes and resources to get started.

• "Intro to Fruit Tree Pruning" with Grant McCarty, Small Farms Local Foods Educator, University of Illinois Extension, on apple, pear, stone fruit, and other types of fruit trees.

• "Backing Backyard Birds in Yards and Landscapes" with Adam Janke, Ph.D., Iowa State University, discussing the basics of making any landscape - from city lots to rural farmsteads and everything in between - work to make a difference for birds.

• "Flying Knives: Vegetable and Fruit Preparation Tips" with Carol Longley, University of Illinois Extension, on some basic knife skills in a follow-along presentation.

• "Purchasing Seeds & Plants" with Cindy Haynes, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Iowa State University, offering pointers on buying the best plants for gardens or the landscape, regardless if they come from a local garden center or online from another state or country.

• "When Your Nearest Neighbors Aren't Human (aka Living with Wildlife)" with Peggy Doty, Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator, University of Illinois Extension, on learning how to enhance and coexist with wildlife on your property as well as the legalities for removing animals.

• "Preserve the Taste of Summer" with Iowa State Extension Human Science Specialists, on learning the basics of safely canning foods at home.

There will be another series of programs on Feb. 6, focusing on "Design, Vegetables, Fruits and Herbs, and Houseplants." The registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 3.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Martha Smith at smithma@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for the requested accommodation. Some programs will be recorded. If recorded, closed captioning for requested programs will be honored after the event.

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