Think Spring

Think spring! Learn about growing food, sustainable gardening and landscaping strategies, preserving what you grow and eating healthier at home and at school with “Exploring Local Food,” a seminar series during February hosted by McHenry County College’s Continuing and Professional Education Department.

The following seminars are accepting registration:

Local Food: Preserving Foods Year Round and Much More

Learn how to grow, preserve and shop for locally produced food. Rich Tobiaz, a small scale organic farmer and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, will discuss how to locate seeds, seed starting and available help and resources, greenhouse space, community gardens, drying, preserving, canning and other topics. This seminar takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3 in Room E105.

Edible Landscapes: Vegetable Garden Strategies

Explore how to make the private garden/school garden functional as well as beautiful. Water, climate, and alternative energy and composting are addressed by Mary Napolitano, garden educator, market grower and owner of The Potting Bench, Inc. in McHenry and Caron Wenzel, environmental educator, writer and owner of Blazing Star, Inc. in Woodstock. This seminar takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10 in Room E204.

Local Food Production for Businesses and Schools

Those interested in starting a local food business will hear David Woodruff, president of W & M Land Corp certified organic nursery in Woodstock, explain such topics as hoop-houses, compost availability, grants for businesses or schools and available land to grow food. This seminar takes place form 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17 in Room D158.

Eating Healthier at Home and School

Parents, students and teachers who are interested in healthier diets can find out about locally available food and other health-related topics. Melissa Ritter, founder and principal of Heartland Flavors, Ltd. in Grayslake, a unique consulting firm dedicated to creating healthier, more sustainable communities, will highlight the healthier-eating school programs that are working throughout the country. This seminar takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24 in Room E204.

Each local food seminar costs $19. Continuing Education credits will be provided. To register, call the MCC Registration office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, contact Pat Dieckhoff, at (815) 479-7817.