URBANA – The University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening series will return in 2022 with three monthly webinars starting in January.
Horticultural educators will lead sessions on winter pruning of fruit trees, the therapeutic value of nature and adaptive gardening to adapt to age and mobility.
Size of fruit trees: 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 19. Pruning fruit trees at the end of winter is a necessary task to get the most out of the trees and their yield. Horticultural educator Andrew Holsinger will demonstrate a variety of pruning techniques for apples and other fruit trees.
Therapeutic value of nature: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday February 16. Are you stressed out about having to practice social distancing? Can’t go anywhere? Do anything? Spending time in nature can help soothe and heal. Horticultural educator Mary M. Fischer will present research-based studies to support the healing powers of nature.
Adaptive gardening: 1:30 p.m., Wednesday March 9. The therapeutic benefits of gardening have been documented since ancient times, but there has recently been a resurgence of interest in therapeutic gardening and horticulture. But how can people of different abilities adapt their garden space to their needs?
Horticultural educator Chris Enroth discusses best practices for adapting gardens for age, mobility, or other means. Enroth will also share how to help yourself and others enjoy the art of gardening at home or in institutions such as schools, assisted living facilities and more.
OVER THE COLES: Make a difference on small farms with winter workshops
Webinars are free, but prior registration is required. Register online at go.illinois.edu/fourseasons. After registering, participants will receive an email with access information.
University of Illinois Extension offers equal opportunity in programs and employment. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the educator leading the session. Their contact details are available on go.illinois.edu/fourseasons. Early requests are strongly encouraged in order to allow sufficient time for the requested accommodation.
10 photos of Charleston from the JG-TC archives
Sesquicetennial hot air balloon festival
1985: Charlie Platt of Decatur, prepares to go to Charleston during the 150th anniversary celebration.
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One hundred and fiftieth
1985: Kevin Moore of Boonville, Missouri watches balloons fly over Charleston during the 150th anniversary celebration.
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Railway
1986: Former rail travelers office, left, and freight warehouse at the northern edge of Charleston.
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Moore House State Memorial Site
1980: Bill Kreuger makes Pizzelli cookies at the foyer of the Moore Home State Memorial site.
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Lincoln Heritage Trail Foundation Festival
1969: Abe Lincoln glances suspiciously at his horse before riding to Decatur. Stephen A. Douglas chooses the easiest way to travel, in Jimmie Soules’ 1912 Ford Depot hack from Decatur. The two were on their way to Lincoln to promote the Lincoln Trail Festival. Jim Seed of Charleston portrayed Lincoln and Don Drake of Charleston portrayed Douglas.
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Lincoln Heritage Trail Foundation Festival
1969: Abe Lincoln crosses Decatur. Lincoln was played by Jim Seed, executive secretary of the Charleston Tourism Development Corp. He was on his way to Lincoln to promote the Lincoln Trail Festival in Charleston.
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Lafferty Nature Study Center wooden bridge
1971: The Lafferty Nature Study Center has winding dirt roads, rustling leaves, and wooden walkways towering over the small ribbon of a stream below.
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Lafferty Nature Study Center
1971: The Center is named after the late Russell Lafferty, Charleston City Clerk from 1949 to 1968. It is only about three acres but large enough to fulfill its function. It’s a place for birds and squirrels, curious children and tired adults who want to escape the world of concrete.
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Kickapoo Creek
1986: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency holds a hearing in Mattoon to discuss possible pollution issues in Kickapoo Creek.
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Fall festival
1982: Jerry Myerscough, left, and Ken Ott, report Diamond Lill’s victory in the turtle races at the fall festival in the square.
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