HAVANA, Ill. — Rabbits will be the subject of the Clovers Around the Counties program from 10 a.m. to noon March 18 at the Mason County Extension office, 127 S. High St., Havana. Live rabbits will be present for demonstration purposes in this hands-on class. Youth will learn about rabbit care and exhibiting a rabbit for the 4-H show.

A poultry workshop will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Extension office.

Cost is $5. Register at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/clovers-around-the-counties.

Leather Workshop

ALBION, Ill. — Callie Meserole, Effie Faye & Co. owner and former Edwards County 4-H member, will be instructing on the art of tooling leather from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 18 at the Edwards County Extension office, 350 N. 7th St., Albion.

A second session will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Each attendee age 8 and up will make a personalized keychain to take home.

Project Pool

AMBOY, Ill. — The Lee County Project Pool will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon March 18 at the Lee County 4-H Center, 1196 Franklin Road, Amboy.

This workshop is designed to showcase some unique project options available in the 4-H program. Open to all youth ages 5-18.

Topics will include Party Planning, Rabbits/Cavys, Chickens, Horsin’ Around, Goats, Starting Seeds, Working with Yeast, Weather/Cloud Playdoh, and Rice Krispies.

Cost is $15, Register at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/lee-county-project-pool-2023.

For more information, contact Katie McBride at kmcbr2@illinois.edu.

Macramé for Beginners

JERSEYVILLE. Ill. — The program Macramé for Beginners will be from 11 a.m. to noon March 18 at the Jersey County Extension office, 201 W. Exchange St., Jerseyville.

Youth ages 10 to 18 will learn the creative skill of macramé and make two pieces to take home.

Cost is $10. Register at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/macrame-for-beginners-jersey-county.

Penny Carnival

OREGON, Ill. — The Ogle County 4-H Penny Carnival will be from 5 to 8 p.m. March 18 at the Blackhawk Center, 1101 W. Jefferson St., Oregon. This annual event is open to the public and features 4-H club-created games that can be played for 25 cents each or 50 games for $10. Prizes are awarded win or lose. A free door prize drawing will be conducted, and a snack stand will be available.

The 2023 game theme is 4-H Family Game Night. Two 4-H clubs will be awarded special cash prizes for games that are Most Entertaining and Most Creative. This year’s event is sponsored by Heels and Hardhats.

For more information, call Ogle County Extension at 815-732-2191 or visit https://extension.illinois.edu/bdo/4-h-ogle-county.

All About Birds

OLNEY, Ill. — The Cloverbud program All About Birds will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 19 at the Richland County Extension office, 306 S. Fair St., Olney.

Youth will learn about Illinois birds and the things we can create for them with things in our house.

Public Speaking

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The Christian County 4-H Public Speaking Contest will be 6 to 8 p.m. March 20 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

There will be be two age divisions: Junior, ages 8-13; and Senior, ages 14-18.

Enrollment in the public presentations project is required to participate.

Regulated Hunting

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The program The Role of Regulated Hunting and Climate Change on Disease Management and Conservation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. March 20 at the Champaign County Extension auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

Properly applied, regulated hunting plays a role in habitat, disease, and wildlife management. Disease dynamics at the interface of conservation and human and animal health are shifting. Climate change is also impacting habitats, ecosystems, and life cycles. If everything is connected, what can we do? Join the East Central Illinois master naturalists and Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, a wildlife veterinary epidemiologist, to learn all about wildlife management and the role that climate change and diseases are playing in it.

There also will be an online option for those who are unable to attend in person. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3zhpvy7v.

Warm Vegetables

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Warm Season Vegetables will be from 6 to 7 p.m. March 20.

Warm season crops grow during the hottest part of the year. This session will cover how to help vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, squash, and more flourish while keeping pests at bay.

Presenters will be Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson, Illinois Extension horticulture educators.

Cost is $10. Register for this Growing Great Vegetables program at https://tinyurl.com/ypucfcr5.

UAV Training

CHRISNEY, Ind. — Interested in becoming a commercial unmanned aerial vehicle remote pilot or are you already flying a drone but want to learn more and gain more experience flying?

Purdue Extension is offering a UAV Signature Program from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT March 21 and March 22 at the Spencer County Youth and Community Center, 1101 E CR 800 N, Chrisney.

Participants will learn UAV technology legal requirements, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test preparation, and useful UAV applications . Every participant will get hands-on experience flying manual and planned UAV flights.

Cost is $200. Register at https://tinyurl.com/rc9my2z2.

Food Service

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The program Let’s Talk Food Service will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

University of Illinois Extension and Christian County Health Department will review policies and procedures the state and local health departments put in place and how to avoid health code violations. This workshop is open to all food establishments or establishments seeking information about opening a restaurant and those wanting to learn more about selling food from your home.

Dr. Chad Anderson, director of the Christian County Health Department, will review the most seen violations by the health department and how to avoid them.

Lisa Peterson, Extension nutrition and wellness educator, will discuss the new Cottage Food Law.

Home Canning

DANVILLE, Ind. — The Basics of Safe Home Canning will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET March 21 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville.

Learn how to safely can tomatoes from Abbi Smith, Purdue Extension health and human sciences educator. Boiling water bath and pressure canning methods will be covered. Bring your own sack lunch.

Idea Garden

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Learn about the Idea Garden Annual Trials from noon to 1 p.m. March 21 at the Piatt County Extension office, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

The Champaign County Master Gardener Idea Garden Annual Trials in Urbana is a test site for Proven Winners, providing visitors with a glimpse of new or improved cultivars for our area. These are plants that are not available for purchase yet. The trials help the company decide whether to market the plants, based on their performance in various areas of the country. Learn about the Annual Trials gardens, see new annuals, and get inspiration for your home garden, presented by Champaign Master Gardener Ann Tice.

The program also will be offered online. Register at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/idea-garden-annual-trials-piatt-county.

Bargain Gardens

OTTAWA, Ill. — The free program Bargain Gardens will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 21 at the Reddick Library, 1010 Canal St., Ottawa.

Don’t let a limited budget keep you out of the garden. Find out how gardens can be simple, fun, and inexpensive. You’ll learn gardening tips and ideas that will save you time and money.

Join master gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension for this free workshop.

Fight Cancer

MILAN, Ill. — The program The Fuel to Fight Cancer will be from 2 to 3 p.m. March 21 at the Rock Island County Extension office, 321 2nd Ave. W, Milan.

Food is one tool to support cancer prevention, treatment, and care. This lesson will discuss research on how foods may reduce your risk of cancer and ways to incorporate nutrition to help manage side effects of treatment.

Vet Camp

CORYDON, Ind. — Harrison County 4-H will present Vet Camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET March 22 at the Harrison County Fairgrounds, 341 S. Capitol Ave., Corydon.

Third- through fifth-graders will explore the vast world of veterinary care, and meet a veterinarian.

Cost is $25. Register by calling 812-738-4236.

All About Wildlife

URBANA, Ill. — The online Wilderness Wednesday program All About Wildlife will be at 6 p.m. March 22.

Questions about wildlife might include: Who do I call to help the baby bird I found on the ground? What do I do if a bat gets into my house? When can I hunt ducks in Illinois? Where can I find the latest in wildlife research? Why should I wash my bird feeder? The Living with Wildlife Illinois suite of websites has answers to these questions and much more.

This presentation, featuring Laura Kammin, a wildlife and natural resources outreach specialist with the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, showcases content from the five websites with time at the end to explore how we can work together to answer even more wildlife questions.

Starting Seeds

ELIZABETH, Ill. — The program Starting Vegetable Seeds Successfully will be from 6 to 7 p.m. March 22 at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Starting vegetable seeds indoors can give you a head start on your vegetable garden. It also lets you choose the types of varieties you want instead of waiting to purchase transplants. This program will get into the basics of vegetable seed starting. Topics covered will include equipment needed, plants you should and should not start indoors, and issues you might encounter. By the end of this program, you should be fully prepared to start your seeds in the upcoming weeks.

Cost is $5. Register at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/starting-vegetable-seeds-successfully.

Container Gardening

The program Container Gardening will be from 6 to 7 p.m. March 22 at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere.

Learn how to select, plant, and maintain container gardens so that they can become attractive season long additions to the home landscape.

This is part of the winter free programs offered through Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Boone County. Register by calling the library at 815-544-3838.

For questions regarding this program, contact Judy Hodge, Extension program coordinator at 815-544-3410.

Broadband Session

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — Do you face challenges getting internet connectivity in your home? Could you use support with devices and digital skills?

The Southeastern Region Broadband Session will be from 6 to 7 p.m. March 22 at the Effingham Extension office, 1209 N. Wenthe Drive, Effingham.

For questions about this event, call the Extension office at 217-347-7773 or email Carl Baker at cdbaker@illinois.edu. If you are unable to join in-person, or if you represent an internet service provider or a private business, visit https://broadband.uillinois.edu.

Farming Together

KOUTS, Ind. — The Farming Together workshop will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT March 23 at the Hopewell Mennonite Church, 805 N. Main St., Kouts.

Where do you begin if you’re looking to transfer your farm to the next generation? Before starting with a legal entity, it’s important to come together and establish common goals and a direction for where you picture your operation moving in the future.

The Farming Together workshop will help you begin discussions to lead you to a successful transition. You’ll learn about how and when to start those crucial conversations related to succession, you’ll hear from a lawyer about the legal aspects of farm transfer, then finish up with learning about strategies to fund the transition of the farm to the next generation.

Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3rs8fsjt.

Farm Bill and Climate

URBANA, Ill. — The next Illinois-Purdue climate webinar will feature Jonathan Coppess, clinical assistant professor of law and policy, and Extension specialist at the University of Illinois.

Discussions are starting for the 2023 farm bill and climate is likely to play a large role in the debate. Coppess will explore key sections of climate impacts, how the bill’s prioritized agriculture areas are affected by climate decisions, and where these discussions may go. The farm bill affects farmers nationwide through regulations, future decision-making, and adaptation of agriculture practices.

The webinar will be from 1 to 2 p.m. March 23. Registration is available for this and other free monthly webinars at go.illinois.edu/climatewebinar. If you wish to register for multiple webinars, you must register for each one separately.

One Certified Crop Advisor CEU in crop management is available for this webinar.

Patio Plants

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The program Tropical Plants for the Home Patio will be from 2 to 3 p.m. March 23 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Create your backyard paradise with tropical plants. Extension’s Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger will guide you through selecting tropical plants for our region, proper care, and overwintering techniques.

The program also will be available online. Register at https://tinyurl.com/22r3my6r.

Slow Cooker

EL PASO, Ill. — The program Using a Slow Cooker will be from 6 to 7 p.m. March 23 at the El Paso Public Library, 149 W. 1st St., El Paso.

Join Illinois Extension Educator Jenna Smith to learn how to save time by using your slow cooker to produce a variety of delicious meals.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required by calling the library at 309-527-4360.

Pond Clinic

MORGANTOWN, Ind. — Purdue Extension and Morgan County Soil & Water Conservation District will host a Pond Clinic from 6 to 8 p.m. ET March 23 at 4725 S. SR 135, Morgantown.

Learn about pond weeds, water quality, fish species, stocking rates, pond/lake maintenance and other tips from Dave Osborne, Purdue Extension educator. If you have pond weeds you would like identified, bring samples. This is a free outdoor event with light refreshments. Bring a lawn chair.

RSVP by contacting the Morgan County Extension office at 765-342-1010 or morganCES@purdue.edu. For a map and more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/224k2wxt.

Tree Pruning

DECATUR, Ill. — Macon County master gardeners are hosting a fruit tree pruning class from 10 a.m. to noon March 24 at the Crossing Healthcare Garden, 320 Central Ave., Decatur.

Learn why, when, and how to prune. Pruning techniques will be demonstrated.

Horse Bowl

WEST LAFAYETTE, ind. — The Hippology and Horse Bowl State Competition will begin with check-in at 7:30 a.m. ET March 25 at Purdue University Lilly Hall of Life Sciences, 915 W. State St., West Lafayette.

Divisions include Junior, grades three through five; Intermediate, grades six through eight; and Senior, grades nine through 12.

Cost is $15 per participant. A pizza lunch is included in the cost for youth participants. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y4erdnxp and https://tinyurl.com/3w5d73dz.

Flower & Garden Show

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Flower & Garden Show will be noon to 8 p.m. March 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 25, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26 at QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave., Rock Island.

Enjoy the displays of gardens and landscapes, room and patio settings and floral bouquets, plus an array of lawn and garden products from the marketplace at the annual Flower & Garden Show. Be sure to check out the Master Gardener’s display focusing on sustainability, and visit their information booth to pick up gardening resources and get your questions answered.

Horticulture presentations will include:

March 24:

• 2 p.m., How to Plant and Care for Trees, Emily Swihart, Extension horticulture educator.

• 4 p.m., Explore Riverside Rain Garden, Dick Potter, master gardener.

• 6 p.m., Energy Savings for the Homeowner, Jim Knorr, master gardener.

March 25

• Noon, Bats, Oliver Lincoln, U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

• 2 p.m., Native Plant Seed Collection, Processing and Germination Techniques, Paul Crosser, master gardener.

• 4 p.m., Light Pollution, Jody Zimmer, West High School.

• 6 p.m., All about Monarchs, Paige Burke, Monarch Rescue Team.

March 26

• Noon, Energy Savings for the Homeowner, Knorr.

• 2 p.m., The Future for Modern Sustainable Gardening, Dave Arensdorf, master gardener.

A preview party will be 4 to 8 p.m. March 23. For more information, visit https://www.qccaexpocenter.com/flowerandgardenshow.

Gardener’s Day

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Gardener’s Day will be 9 a.m. to noon March 25 at the Morgan County Extension office, 104 N. Westgate Ave., Jacksonville.

Learn about tree care, managing tomato problems, and houseplant propagation:

• How to Kill Your Tree: A Guide of What Not To Do — Sometimes a tree’s biggest pest is the homeowner. This presentation discusses common mistakes homeowners make when planting and maintaining their most valuable landscape investment, their trees.

• Managing Tomato Problems — Tomatoes are one of the most popular and commonly grown plants in home vegetable gardens. Learn about common problems that plague tomatoes as well as ways to address them.

• Houseplant Propagation — Houseplants add life and beauty to a home. In this program, houseplant enthusiasts will get hands-on experience learning how to propagate common indoor plants. Learn different propagation techniques, including leaf or stem cuttings, division, and air layering.

Safe Sitter

SPENCER, Ind. — Students can become certified babysitters in the Safe Sitter class, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET March 25 at the Owen County Family YMCA, 1111 IN-46, Spencer.

Safe Sitter is designed to prepare students in grades six through eight to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises.

Students will learn:

• How to prevent unsafe situations and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies.

• Tips to manage behavior that will help them stay in control of themselves and the children in their care. Students also learn the ages and stages of child development, as well as practice diapering.

• Emergency skills such as choking rescue and CPR. Students also learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses.

• The ability to screen jobs, discuss fees, and greet employers will set students up for success now and in the future. Students practice these skills through various role plays.

Cost is $15. For more information and to register, visit https://extension.purdue.edu/county/owen/safe-sitter.html.

Intro to Bees

YORKVILLE, Ill. — Do bees hibernate in the winter? Why is a swarm a good thing for the colony? How important is pollination for our food supply? Get answers to these and many other buzz-worthy questions from 10 to 11 a.m. March 25 at the Kendall County Extension office, 7775B IL Route 47, Yorkville.

Beekeeper and University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Donna Plonczynski will explore several basics of bees and beekeeping such as the various roles of bees in a hive, how bees communicate, why bees “dance,” how much honey they make, how long they live, why they may sting, and why beekeeping is worth the work. Plus, registrants will enjoy a fun taste-testing session.

The free program is sponsored by the Association of Home and Community Education. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr27cwcy.

Pressed Flowers

MT. CARROLL, Ill. — Join Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro at the temporary Mt. Carroll Library, 306 N. Main St., Mt. Carroll, for a lesson on pressed flowers. Learn the basics about what flowers work best and fun projects with pressed flowers. Participants will decorate a hand-blown egg and bookmark.

The program will be 10:30 a.m. to noon March 25. To register, call the library at 815-244-1751.

Cookie Decorating

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — The Cookie Decorating Workshop will be 9 to 11 a.m. March 25 at the Kane County Extension office, 535 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.

Youth ages 8 to 18 will learn various techniques for decorating cookies using royal icing with experts from The Tiny Kitchen in St. Charles.

Cost is $30, and includes six cookies to take home. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2s47u3z8.

For more information, contact 4-H Program Coordinator Andrea Farrier at farrier2@illinois.edu or 630-584-6166.

Calendar: Hands-on Rabbit Workshop