2026 Fruit Exploration- The Great Melon Race

2026 Fruit Exploration- The Great Melon Race

This is a group exploration over the summer to grow any variety of melon and to come together to share knowledge. Anyone can participate, you only need to grow an melon starting on May 1 and then send pictures and updates to Membership@midfex.org. We want 

Outreach Event- Gardening with our Community at Rolling Meadows Library

Outreach Event- Gardening with our Community at Rolling Meadows Library

Description: MidFEx volunteers will be attending the Gardening with our Community event at Rolling Meadows Library to talk about growing fruit. Date: May 2nd Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Ln, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 Contact: Membership@midfex.org for more information

Outreach Event Calendar- Farmers Markets- 2026

Outreach Event Calendar- Farmers Markets- 2026

Description: MidFEx volunteers will be attending these farmers markets to promote backyard fruit cultivation and fruit exploration. Members signed up at markets will receive a free fruit plant while supplies last. Stop by to ask questions or join the club! Date: Various date throughout the 

Illinois Beginning Orchard Academy – Spring 2026

Illinois Beginning Orchard Academy – Spring 2026

The University of Illinois Extension is offering a six-week online training series designed for aspiring and current commercial fruit growers. This course covers everything from site selection and orchard design to pruning, pest management, and marketing your harvest. Learn the essentials for growing apples, peaches, 

Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals Virtual Workshop – December 17, 2025

Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals Virtual Workshop – December 17, 2025

The University of Illinois Extension is offering this comprehensive apple tree pruning workshop where you can discover the essential skills that separate thriving orchards from struggling trees. This class will teach you the science and artistry behind proper pruning, empowering you to maximize your harvest 

CBG Harvest Festival Volunteers

CBG Harvest Festival Volunteers

This is the largest event for generating revenue and attracting new members. We need a good number of volunteers to make this happen. What does volunteering entail? Setup Day Michael Zost volunteers to drive to several farms in Indiana to get all of the apples 

2025 Harvest Festival – October 18-19

2025 Harvest Festival – October 18-19

Event Description: The Fall Harvest Festival at the Chicago Botanic Gardens is our largest public event, fund raiser, and membership drive all rolled into one.  It’s a fun exciting experience and a great opportunity to socialize and network with MidFExers while learning the virtues of 

Free Community Orchard Maintenance & Care Workshop, May 15

Free Community Orchard Maintenance & Care Workshop, May 15

The Northwest Indiana Tree Planting Consortium is hosting a free training workshop titled: Community Orchard Maintenance and Care. Hosted by Davey Resource Group, this training will cover topics such as planning and planting your orchard, ongoing maintenance, as well as pest and disease management. Register 

Grafting Workshop Highlights

Grafting Workshop Highlights

The 2025 grafting workshop on March 23 at Chicago Botanic Garden was well attended and received by the public and club members alike. Public attendance was good and the club had a good turnout of members to help with the event and many came to 

2025 Kurle Memorial Lecture – Sunday February 23

2025 Kurle Memorial Lecture – Sunday February 23

Adam D’Angelo, Savanna Institute MidFEx is pleased to welcome Adam D’Angelo as our 2025 Bob and Linda Kurle Lecturer. Adam comes to us from the Savanna Institute, a non-profit dedicated to the development and adoption of resilient, scalable agroforestry across the Midwest. As the Breeding