Northern Illinois Strawberry Symposium will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street Park Forest, IL 60466, from 8 am – 5 pm.

Topics to be covered include: diseases, insects and weeds affecting strawberries; managing fertility; growing strawberries vertically and in high tunnels, and strawberry food safety. Experienced growers will share information, and a few other berries may be discussed. Potential areas of research will be discussed. Presentations will cover both conventional and organic production methods. Research specialists Jeff Kindhart and Sheldon Henning of St. Charles and Dixon Springs Research Centers, respectively, and Elizabeth Wahle (Horticulture Educator) will be among the featured speakers.

Registration cost is $30 per person and includes lunch. Pre-register by Monday, March 3, 2014, at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cook/ or call 708-449-4320. . For more information, contact Ellen Phillips, University of Illinois Cook County Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator, at 708-449-4320 or ephillps@illinois.edu.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Cook County Extension at 708-449-4320 at least two weeks prior to the event.