The impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in our community. In accordance with University of Illinois policy, Illinois Extension has deployed public health strategies designed to protect everyone’s health and safety. Effective Friday, March 13, all university-sponsored events with more than 50 anticipated attendees are suspended indefinitely.
On Saturday, March 14, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program will host a half-day All Gardener’s Day at the Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Center. This event, which is open to the public, will focus on a variety of horticultural topics.
Cost is $15 which includes 3 sessions.
Seminar Schedule:
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Check in opens
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM Vendor Shopping
8:50 AM to 9:35 AM - Session I
Just A Little About Honeybees
Arvin Pierce, acbees, Beekeeper
There are many challenges bees face in the environment. Take an illustrated tour in the lives of honeybees, both inside and outside the hive. Gain a little more understanding about the amazing lives of honeybees.
Planting to Market: We're not Textbook
Mel Repscher, Big M Berry Patch, Owner
Learn how we grow and market 20 acres of produce at "Big M Berry Patch" and "Big M Pumpkin Patch" located in Taylorville, Illinois.
9:45 AM to 10:40 AM - Session II
Trees for the Home Landscape
Debbie Fluegel, Trees Forever, Program Manager/Field Coordinator
Trees provide numerous ecological benefits including energy savings, stormwater uptake, carbon sequestration, local foods, wildlife and pollinator habitat, medications, increased crop production, stress reduction, improved air and water quality, screens and visual barriers, economic development, and many, many others. Attend this session to learn about native species of trees and why it is important to plant them in the landscape.
Raised Bed Gardening
Andrew Holsinger, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Horticulture
Do you want to take your vegetable gardening to the next level? University of Illinois Extension Educator Andrew Holsinger will introduce you to the techniques used in raised bed gardening with will help you produce the most from the gardening space you have. Topics include techniques to plant densely, vertical gardening, interplanting, succession planting, day length strategies, cultivar choices, and more. Think inside the square and the tasks needed to prepare a square foot garden.
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM - Keynote
Bats of Illinois: Environmentally Friendly Pest Management Controllers of Night Flying Insects
Tod Austin, "The Bat Doctor"
Bat Conservation International (BCI) member / volunteer since 1990. Dr. Todd Austin will share his passion of bats. He'll cover in detail four of our state's most important bat species and which residential and / or crop pests they tend to consume, as well as in what quantity. Also explaining that our insect eating bats are amazing, beautiful and highly beneficial creatures. Lastly, give information and demonstrate how bat houses can be used as a man-made artificial habitat for bats and cover the many variables employed to increase one's chances of attracting bats to bat houses
For questions or more information, please contact: Andrew Holsinger, Horticulture Educator 217-532-3941 or email at aholsing@illinois.edu