There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
August
Essential Oils Workshop
Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn what essential oils are, how to use them and what benefits they offer. Reg. online. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Cameras at the Confluence
Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m. The series features a photography topic each month with special guest speakers and experts. Participants discuss and try new techniques during the programs; open to all skill levels. This month: “Light, Camera, Action!” Tips on sports photography and action shooting. Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, Ill., (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com.
September
AJG: Forest Journaling
Sept. 2, 9 a.m.-noon. Deepen your connection with nature on a slow, guided walk with activities that open your senses to the world around you. Reg. online. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Yoga at the Dells
Sept. 2 and first Tues. monthly, 6-7 p.m. Join a certified yoga instructor as she leads you through a Hatha yoga class open to all levels. Bring a yoga mat and water. Reg. online.
Nonprofit Sector Forum
Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Keynote speaker Dennis Barsema, Chair of the NIU Board of Trustees, speaks on leadership, innovation and mobilizing for change; how to transform personal values into action, obstacles into innovation and risks into rewards. Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 753-8793, niu.edu/nicne.
Lifescape Senior Expo
Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Dan Hampton is the guest speaker at this event that showcases information, services and products for older adults, caregivers and families. Rock Valley College Physical Education Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 963-1609, lifescapeservices.org.
Who Lived in these Woods?
Sept. 7, 10 a.m. Kids ages 7-11 learn about the animals and people who have made the confluence area at Turtle Creek and the Rock River home over the past 200 years. Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com.
Mary Oliver Poetry Walk
Sept. 7, 6-8 p.m. The life of one of the most beloved nature poets is celebrated with a walk in nature while reading her poetry. Then, gather by the stone hearth to share your favorites. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Walk with Swedes
Sept. 7 & Oct. 5, 9-10 a.m. Take a 30-45 minute stroll on a paved path designed to reap the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature. Meet at the fountain garden. Klehm Arboretum, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Beekeeping Workshop
Sept. 8, 2 p.m. This month’s topic is getting bees ready for over-wintering. Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
AJG: Ikebana Class
Sept. 19, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Taught by masters in the art of Ikebana, students learn the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. Bring a 3-inch kenzan (a “spiky frog,” available in garden gift shop), a long baking dish and scissors. Reg. online. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Walking the Way of Coyote
Sept. 19, 7-8 p.m. Join Gavin Van Horn as he reveals the diversity of species that can flourish in urban landscapes and how people can contribute to the well-being of wild places. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Stonebridge Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk
Sept. 28, 8 a.m. Pick the event that’s right for you on this fast and flat course. Proceeds benefit the LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA, to assist those who are living with cancer. Leland Park, 5727 Broad St., Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-5858, runsignup.com.
Adirondack Pack Basket Class
Sept. 30, 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Make your own pack basket, perfect for a day hike or canoe trip; for beginners to experienced weavers. Reg. online. Welty Environmental Center, 8606 County Road H, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, weltycenter.org.
October
Mayor’s Hunger Luncheon
Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Focusing on some of the hunger-related challenges facing our community; a simple lunch of soup, salad and bread is served. Proceeds benefit the 10 members of the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition. Cliffbreakers Riverside Conference Center, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 397-5579.
Wine, Women & Purses
Oct. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m. An evening of wine tasting, boutique shopping with local merchants, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and music by Jordan and Jef. Proceeds support YWCA Northwestern Illinois. Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 316-6126, ywcanwil.org.
The Life of Indigenous Peoples
Oct. 13, 1 p.m. Kim Sigafus, an Ojibwa author and speaker, presents Native culture and encampment life through oral traditions, language and history. Nature at the Confluence, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com.
AJG: Shinrin Yoku Forest Bathing
Oct. 13, 4-6:30 p.m. Connect with forest life as you immerse all of your senses to reduce stress hormones and increase immune functions. Reg. online. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Rock-Con Game Convention
Oct. 25-27, Fri. 2-11 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. to 3 p.m. Featuring historical and fantasy miniature gaming, collectible miniatures, role-playing, board gaming and other events. Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, (815) 494-1365, rock-con.com.