Free Urbana program shows homeowners how to turn stormwater into a landscape asset

A free University of Illinois Extension program will show Urbana-area residents how rain gardens can help manage stormwater while adding beauty and ecological value to their landscapes.

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Photo: Gera Cejas/PEXELS

Rainwater can be more than a drainage problem. A free University of Illinois Extension program in Urbana will teach residents how to design, install and maintain rain gardens that manage stormwater while adding beauty to the landscape.

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URBANA - A rainy day does not have to mean water pooling in the yard or rushing toward storm drains. University of Illinois Extension is offering a free, hands-on program in September to show local residents how rain gardens can turn stormwater challenges into attractive, resilient landscapes.

The Rainscaping Education Program will be held Sept. 1, 3, 15 and 17 from 2 to approximately 5 p.m. at the University of Illinois Arboretum Classroom, 2308 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana.

The program will introduce participants to the fundamentals of rain gardens, including how they can help manage stormwater, protect local waterways and support healthier landscapes. Participants also will receive practical instruction on designing, installing and maintaining rain gardens.

The training is open to homeowners, landscape professionals and anyone interested in adding sustainable stormwater management practices to their property.

The classroom sessions will lead to a hands-on opportunity Sept. 23, when participants will help install a rain garden near the University of Illinois Arboretum parking lot. The installation will give participants a chance to put what they have learned into practice.

“Rain gardens are a practical way to manage stormwater while adding beauty and ecological value to a landscape,” Extension Educator Ryan Pankau said. “This program gives participants the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to take those concepts home and put them into practice.”

Classes will vary in length from approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The program is free, but registration is required.

To register, visit go.illinois.edu/RainscapingCU.

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TAGGED: free rain garden program in Urbana Illinois, University of Illinois Extension rainscaping education, hands-on rain garden installation training, stormwater management classes in Champaign County, sustainable landscaping program Urbana Illinois

Learn to identify, harvest and cook wild edible foods at Allerton Park

From edible greens to seasonal wild foods, University of Illinois Extension is helping residents discover what's growing beyond the grocery store.

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MONTICELLO — A walk through the woods can become a trip to the dinner table with the right knowledge.

University of Illinois Extension is inviting area residents to discover the world of wild edible foods through a seasonal foraging course that teaches participants how to safely identify, harvest and prepare edible plants found in nature. Designed with beginners in mind, the hands-on series combines classroom learning, guided field experiences and cooking demonstrations that follow the changing seasons.

Hosted by Illinois Extension's Health and Community Wellness and Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy teams, each four-hour session is divided into three interactive experiences.

The program begins with a one-hour classroom presentation covering the fundamentals of foraging, including food safety, laws and regulations, proper storage and preservation techniques, and identification of common edible species.

Participants will then head outdoors for a 90-minute guided field experience led by Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Chandler Womack and Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Karla Griesbaum. During the hike, attendees will learn ethical harvesting practices while gaining confidence identifying seasonal edible plants in their natural habitat.

The course concludes with a 90-minute cooking class and communal meal led by Family and Consumer Sciences Educator Rachel Mannen. Participants will prepare nutritious recipes featuring commonly foraged ingredients before enjoying the meal together.

Because the course follows the seasons, each session highlights different edible plants and wild foods that are naturally available throughout the year.

Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 4-H Memorial Camp at Allerton Park on Aug. 25, 2026, Oct. 21, 2026, and Jan. 29, 2027. Registration is $30 per session.

Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather since portions of the program take place outdoors and some cooking activities may also be held outside. Attendees should also be comfortable hiking at a moderate pace for approximately 1½ hours.

Whether the goal is learning new culinary techniques, spending more time outdoors or gaining a better understanding of local edible plants, the seasonal foraging course offers an opportunity to explore the foods growing naturally across central Illinois.

For more information or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/EdibleWildPath.

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TAGS: University of Illinois Extension seasonal foraging course, beginner wild edible plants class Illinois, Allerton Park foraging workshop Monticello, learn to identify and cook wild edible foods, Illinois Extension edible plant identification course

Learn to build the perfect Charcuterie Board at Illinois Extension workshop

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Area residents can learn how to build beautiful, nutritious charcuterie boards during a hands-on University of Illinois Extension workshop on July 15 in Champaign. Participants will create their own mini board while learning practical tips for entertaining and everyday meals.

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CHAMPAIGN - A well-crafted charcuterie board can be more than just an appetizer. With the right mix of colors, textures and flavors, it can become the centerpiece of a gathering or even an easy, well-balanced meal.

The University of Illinois Extension is giving area residents a chance to learn those skills during a hands-on charcuterie board workshop on Saturday, August 1, from 11 a. m. to 1 p.m. at the Illinois Extension office, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Suite 3, in Champaign.

Designed for anyone looking to entertain with confidence or simply add some creativity to everyday meals, the workshop will focus on building boards that are both visually appealing and nutritious.

Participants will learn how to choose wholesome ingredients that complement one another while creating an attractive presentation. Organizers say the class will cover practical techniques for balancing flavors, textures and nutrition, making it easy to assemble a spread for family gatherings, parties or casual meals at home.

The workshop also includes a hands-on component. Each participant will create a personal mini charcuterie board to enjoy during the class, giving attendees an opportunity to put the techniques into practice before heading home.

Registration is $20 per person, and enrollment is limited. Advance registration is encouraged.

For more information or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/CharcuterieBoard.

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TAGS: charcuterie board workshop, charcuterie board class in Champaign Illinois, hands-on cooking workshop Champaign IL, healthy charcuterie board ideas University of Illinois Extension, July 15 Champaign community cooking class

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Editor's note:

This story way updated on 7/24/26 with a new date and time provided by the organizers.

Food safety certification course planned in Danville, Gilman and Champaign

Food service workers and aspiring culinary professionals can earn food safety certification through upcoming University of Illinois Extension training sessions in Danville, Gilman and Champaign. The one-day course prepares participants for the nationally accredited certification exam.

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by Sentinel News Service
Sentinel News Service

CHAMPAIGN — Food service workers, managers and aspiring culinary professionals can sharpen their kitchen safety knowledge this year through a certified food safety training course offered by the University of Illinois Extension.

The one-day Certified Food Protection Manager Course will be offered at three locations across east-central Illinois, including Danville, Gilman and Champaign. The course is open to adults and youth ages 15 and older and is designed to meet Illinois Department of Public Health requirements while preparing participants for the accredited American National Standards Institute exam.

Participants will receive instruction on key food safety practices based on the FDA Food Code. Topics covered include food contamination prevention, employee health and hygiene, safe food handling procedures, cleaning and sanitizing methods and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, or HACCP, principles.

Each training session runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and attendees must complete the full day of instruction to qualify for the certification exam.

Training dates and locations include:

• June 1 at the Vermilion County Extension Office, 3164 N. Vermilion St., Danville
• July 27 at the Ford-Iroquois Counties Extension Office, 1380 S. Crescent St., Gilman
• Dec. 1 at the Champaign County Farm Bureau Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign

The registration fee is $100 for adults and $60 for youth participants. The cost includes educational materials, the certification exam and lunch.

Because seating is limited, advance registration is required.

Additional information and registration details are available at go.illinois.edu/CFPM-CFIV.

Those needing reasonable accommodations to participate may contact Rachel Mannen at rmannen@illinois.edu.

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TAGS: Illinois food safety certification course, University of Illinois Extension training, Certified Food Protection Manager class, food service safety training Illinois, HACCP certification course east central Illinois

UI Extension to host food protection manager course in Champaign County

Food service workers can strengthen their food safety credentials through a certified workshop hosted by University of Illinois Extension. Participants must attend both sessions to qualify for the exam. Fees include materials, testing, and lunch.

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CHAMPAIGN - Whether you run a kitchen, prep the line, or manage food service staff, staying current on food safety rules is no longer optional — and a February workshop in Champaign aims to make it manageable.

Food service workers looking to strengthen their kitchen safety credentials will have an opportunity this February as University of Illinois Extension offers a Certified Food Protection Manager Course in Champaign.

Photo: Peter Muniz/Unsplash

Students will learn safe food handling practices, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and cover food safety in order to pass a certification course.

The two-part training will be held at the Champaign County Farm Bureau auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, and is open to adults and youth ages 15 and older. The course is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and meets the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Food Service Sanitation Code requirements.

Participants will receive instruction aligned with the FDA Food Code, covering food safety and contamination, employee health and hygiene, safe food handling practices, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, commonly known as HACCP.

The workshop is structured over two days, and participants must attend both sessions to be eligible to take the certification exam. Classes are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided during the Saturday session.

The registration fee is $100 for adults and $60 for youth, which covers educational materials, the certification exam, and lunch. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

To register or learn more, visit go.illinois.edu/CFPM-CC.

Those needing reasonable accommodations to participate may contact Rachel Mannen at rmannen@illinois.edu or Mynda Tracy at mynda@illinois.edu.

TAGS: Certified Food Protection Manager Champaign, food safety training Illinois Extension, Champaign County food sanitation course, HACCP training Champaign Illinois, Illinois food service certification workshop

Free weekly Tai Chi course targeting arthritis and mobility for seniors starts in January

A free Tai Chi for Arthritis series begins Jan. 14 in Savoy, offering residents a proven way to improve balance, reduce pain and boost mobility.

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SAVOY - There’s a moment in life when many of us realize our bodies aren’t bouncing back the way they used to. Maybe it’s a stumble on the front step, a stiff knee that wasn’t there last year or the kind of stress that lingers long after the day is done. For a growing number of adults, the answer to those creeping reminders of age isn’t found in a gym or a pill bottle - it’s in the slow, deliberate movements of tai chi.

You may want to carve out time this winter for a special tai chi series built specifically for arthritis relief and fall prevention.

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Vlada Karpovich/PEXELS

One of the most profound benefit to practicing Tai Chi is perhaps the simplest: preventing falls. There are a number of other positive benefits like enhanced strength and mobility, a boost in cardiovascular health, and reduction in stress and anxiety that make learning simple Tai Chi movements more than worthwhile.

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The University of Illinois Extension office is inviting members of the community to “experience a gentle, yet powerful way to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance while reducing pain and fall risk.” The upcoming program is based on Tai Chi for Arthritis, developed by Dr. Paul Lam and recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an evidence-based and effective approach.

Family Life Educator Emily Harmon and Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen will lead the weekly sessions, which are tailored to help participants “boost mobility, ease discomfort, and support lifelong wellness.” No matter one’s experience level, it’s never to late to start practicing Tai Chi.

Classes will meet Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Windsor Court room at the Windsor of Savoy, 401 Burwash Ave., beginning Jan. 14 and running through April 29, 2026. Dates include Jan. 14, 21 and 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25; March 4, 11, 18 and 25; and April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Space is limited, and because each session builds on the previous one, organizers encourage participants to attend consistently to get the full benefits of the series. Although the program is free, registration is required. Community members can sign up at go.illinois.edu/taichisavoy or call 217-333-9260.

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University of Illinois Extension hosts double feature on healthy aging and family harmony

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The University of Illinois Extension will host a Double Feature in Savoy focused on health and harmony. Vanessa Jones leads a session on smart eating habits for aging well, while Emily Harmon offers advice for handling family heirlooms without hard feelings. The event is free and open to all.

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Photo: Suzy Hazelwood/PEXELS

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SAVOY - Let’s face it, the golden years aren’t so golden if you’re too tired to enjoy them. Between morning walks, grandkid playdates, and the occasional round of golf or competitive bingo, keeping your energy up takes more than a steady diet of coffee and willpower. Good nutrition can make the difference between napping through the afternoon and seizing the day with enthusiasm, whether that means tackling yard work, volunteering, or finally taking that ballroom dance class you’ve been talking about.

To help make healthy living easier and more enjoyable, the University of Illinois Extension will host a “Double Feature” wellness program Thursday, Nov. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Savoy Room at The Windsor of Savoy, 401 Burwash Ave.

The event begins at 1 p.m. with Eating Well as You Age, led by Vanessa Jones, Extension Program Coordinator. Jones will share simple, practical strategies for staying fit and nourished through smart food choices that promote energy and long-term health.

After a short break, Emily Harmon, Family Life Educator, will present Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate? at 2 p.m. The second session helps families navigate decisions about meaningful heirlooms and keepsakes with fairness, understanding, and open communication to keep relationships strong.

Participants can attend one or both sessions of this free event. Registration is encouraged for anyone ready to make the most of their golden years with a healthy plate and a happy heart.

For details or to register, visit the University of Illinois Extension website.

For those who may need reasonable accommodations to participate, you can contact Emily Harmon at ebaine@illinois.edu.

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TAGS: healthy aging tips for seniors, nutrition for older adults, staying energized in retirement, family heirloom planning, managing family conflict, University of Illinois Extension events, free senior wellness programs, eating well as you age, healthy lifestyle for retirees, Savoy Illinois community events

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