Learn About Mother Nature At MCC

Join one or more non-credit Sustainability classes offered by  McHenry County College’s Continuing Education Department. Learn about tree identification, beekeeping, essential oils and hydroponics. 

The following courses are accepting registration:

Winter Tree Identification: Learn how to identify tree and shrub species by looking at the bark, buds, and twigs. Class will begin indoors, then move outside to test your skills on the wide variety of tree and bush species growing in the park. Class takes place from 9-11:50 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Hennen Conservation District in Woodstock. Cost is $7. Use course code: NPG S32 002 to register.

Beekeeping 101: The demand for bees for pollination is up, so this is a good time to learn about bees and beekeeping. Local bee expert Larry Krengel will cover bee biology, modern beekeeping techniques, construction of hives, and how to acquire bees. Keep bees for the fun of it, as a sideline job or to help your garden and orchard. Class takes place from 7-9:20 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1-22 in Room A102 at MCC. Cost is $59. Use course code: NPG S38 005 to register.

Introduction to Essential Oils: Learn the history of essential oils and how they were used throughout the years. The basics of how, when and why to use essential oils to enhance your everyday life will also be explained. Participants will bring home a sachet of salts scented with the oil of their choice, along with handouts on how to use the oils at home. Class takes place from 6-6:50 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 in Room A117 at MCC. Cost is $15. Use course code: NHE S45 004 to register.

Seven Ways to Raise a Queen: The number of small-scale beekeepers is increasing, and the demand for locally raised queen bees is growing. Gain information and seven simple methods of raising healthy honeybee queens. With a few insights and a small amount of equipment, the backyard beekeeper can raise locally adapted queens from bee stock with a great record of winter survival, good temperament, and excellent honey production. Class takes place from 7-9:20 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29 in Room A103 at MCC. Cost is $22. Use course code: NPG S83 006 to register.

Introduction to Hydroponics: Grow whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want with Hydroponics. This class will teach the basics needed to successfully grow your own food. From seed to harvest, gardening without soil is the way to go. See what this growing trend is about and how easy it really is. Class takes place from 6:30-8:20 p.m. Monday, March 7 in Room C104 at MCC. Cost is $20. Use course code NPG S25 002 to register.

In March, look for more Sustainability classes, including Eating the Rainbow: Nutrient Density, Introduction to Permaculture, Green Cleaning with Essential Oils and Burn Training for Landowners and Volunteers.

To register, call (814) 455-8588. For more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/community or call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782 or cterrones@mchenry.edu