By Andi Anderson
Winter often limits outdoor gardening activities, but nature learning does not need to stop during colder months. In 2026, the University of Illinois Extension is bringing back its popular Four Seasons Gardening winter webinar series to help residents stay connected to nature from indoors.
The series begins on February 10 and offers free, live online sessions focused on gardening, environmental care, and backyard food production.
The Four Seasons Gardening series is designed for home gardeners and nature enthusiasts who want to continue learning throughout the year.
Each webinar is presented by Extension horticulture experts who share practical tips, step-by-step guidance, and answers to common questions. Sessions are held on select Tuesdays and begin at 1:30 p.m. Registration is required, but participation is free for everyone.
The first winter session, scheduled for February 10, focuses on creativity with nature. Participants will learn how to create a living heart craft using freshly cut willow branches.
This session highlights simple ways to use natural materials to make attractive and meaningful decorations while staying warm indoors.
The second winter session takes place on March 3 and focuses on pruning young shade trees. Many young trees struggle to survive due to poor structure and early damage.
This session explains why proper pruning at a young age is important and how it can prevent future canopy problems. Attendees will learn how early care supports stronger, healthier trees over time.
The winter webinars will be led by Extension educators Chris Lueking and Ryan Pankau, who bring experience and research-based knowledge to each session.
For those unable to attend live, every program is recorded and posted on the Illinois Extension Horticulture YouTube channel about two weeks later.
Additional information and registration details are available online. Reasonable accommodations are also offered for participants who need assistance, and early requests are encouraged.
Through these winter webinars, Illinois Extension continues to make nature education accessible, engaging, and practical for all seasons.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Illinois, Education