Extension webinar opportunities offered April 6 to April 20
University of Illinois Extension helps individuals, families, farmers, businesses, and communities solve local problems to improve the lives of Illinois residents. Check out this expanded list of online webinars and trainings. These are offered by Illinois Extension professionals unless otherwise noted. Click on the title to access more information and registration links. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact the presenter listed. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.

April 7 | 2 PM: Get Lost: How to Get Lost in the Back Country
Have you considered navigating off-trail or wondered how to get back on track after getting lost, but didn’t know where to start? Orient yourself with this session on basic map-and-compass navigation and the mapping app for smart devices, Avenza Maps™. Outdoor enthusiasts will gain skills allowing them to adventure safely and how to navigate a safe return. Contact: Chris Evans

April 14 | 2 PM: Identification and Management of Herbaceous Invasive Plants
Herbaceous invasive plants are a threat to forest health, productivity, and diversity. Learn how to identify common Illinois invasives, tools for controlling these invaders, and new species to keep an eye out for. Contact: Chris Evans

April 6 | 6 PM: Law Enforcement Safety for Individuals with ASD
Individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as their caregivers, are invited to learn skills and techniques for safely interacting with law enforcement officers. The one-hour session provides participants an opportunity to apply learned skills to hypothetical situations. 

April 7 | Noon: Stand Up Against Sitting Down: The Benefits of Sitting Less | Springtime Science Health Series 
Have you been thinking about how much you've been sitting during this pandemic? Hear the latest research on sedentary behavior and the impact of excessive sedentary time, as we discuss strategies to replace sitting with physical activity. Contact: Chelsey Byers

April 8 | 10 AM: Physical Activity | Keys for Embracing Aging 
Regular exercise is associated with decreased death and disability from diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Make exercise a habit. Contact: Chelsey Byers

April 13 | 6 PM: Neurodiversity at Your University
Explore what neurodiversity, particularly autism, looks like in the people around you. The workshop discusses characteristics of autism. Help cultivate an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed, celebrated, and respected. A panel of peers on the autism spectrum will answer questions about life experiences, encounters, and achievements. 

April 14 | Noon: Myths and Misconceptions of Metabolism | Springtime Science Health Series
Can specific foods truly boost your metabolism? Does aging inevitably slow it down? In this presentation, learn the most common misconceptions and important factors that affect your metabolism. Contact: Chelsey Byers

April 14 | Noon: Get Savvy: Student Loan Repayment
It seems every year we see a record high for student loan debt. In 2020, that record hit $1.56 trillion. As of 2018, average student loan for bachelor degree recipients in Illinois was $29,855. Understanding repayment is a key to driving down individual student loan debt post graduation. Join us on April 14 at noon CST to learn the terms, tools, and strategies to empower your student loan pay-off plan. Contact: Kathy Sweedler

April 15 | 10 AM: Brain Activity | Keys for Embracing Aging
A healthy brain is crucial to survival, growth, and everyday successes. Similar to the rest of the body, the brain needs exercise and maintenance to optimize and protect its current and future health. In particular, the brain needs socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, nutrition, and sleep. Contact: Chelsey Byers

April 15 | 2 PM: How to Save on Travel: Lessons for Living
Traveling across the state or around the world offers many opportunities for fun and spending money! Join us in discussing ways to be a savvy traveler, including how to manage your finances efficiently and safely while traveling. Contact: Karla Belzer

April 20 | 6 PM: Communicating Healthy Relationship Education with Youth on the Spectrum
Relationship education often excludes youth on the spectrum. As an adult supporting an adolescent on the spectrum, learn about emotions and barriers that can prevent open communication, and discover tangible resources and evidence-informed tips families and communities can use to address and help close the gap. Youth are also welcome to attend!

April 20 | Noon: Redistricting Illinois
Post-census redistricting results from reported changes in population and affects both the state of Illinois and its local communities. After a decennial census, states create new electoral maps, redrawing district lines for state legislators. States with more than one U.S. Representative likewise revise their congressional district maps, using a variety of legislative procedures. In a parallel process, Illinois counties redraw their district boundaries as well. Contact: Nancy Ouedraogo

April 8 | 1 PM: Illinois Owls | Everyday Environment Webinars
Owls are not only at the top of their food chain; they are at the top of their game. Owls have one of the most unique set of tools in their predator toolkit, from eyes that can penetrate the darkness, to rotating toes to pick up the smallest of rodents. Owls are also masters of illusion and silence. Peer into the world of Illinois owls in this free online webinar. Contact: Erin Garrett

April 6 | 2 PM: Career Exploration Ag Ed/Outreach 
Explore numerous professional pathways related to agriculture. Seeing your professional pathway as a career ladder can help align short term and long term goals. Contact: Shelby Carlson

Extension staff are encouraged to forward this list to local residents. Staff wishing to customize this report before distributing should send a request for access.