ELIZABETH, Ill. — The program Gardening Gracefully as We Age will be 1 to 2 p.m. June 28 at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Master Gardener Madelynn Wilharm will share information, tips and techniques which may allow individuals to continue to do the hobby they love, despite physical changes and challenges.

Extension of Community

INDIANAPOLIS — The Extension of Community Youth Fundraiser will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET June 24 at 418 E. 23rd St, Indianapolis.

At this family event, you can experience and learn yoga, arts and crafts, composting and planting, hydroponic farming, container gardening and nutrition.

There also will be vendors offering ice cream floats, popcorn, produce and cookies.

This event is presented by Unique7x in conjunction with Purdue Extension Marion County. For more information, contact Carey Grable at 317-275-9290.

Poultry Clinic

CLINTON, Ill. — The 4-H Poultry Show Clinic will be 10 a.m. to noon June 24 at the DeWitt County 4-H Fairgrounds, 7563 Business Route 51, Clinton.

Learn basic poultry care, discuss showmanship and learn about egg groups.

Pullorum testing available for a fee.

For more information, contact Rebecca Boyer at 217-648-8758 or email rebeccaboyer31@gmail.com.

Bicycle Rodeo

PECATONICA, Ill. — The Winnebago County 4-H Bicycle Rodeo will be 10 a.m. to noon June 24 at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Building 4, 500 W. 1st St., Pecatonica.

Participants will rotate through bicycle stations, including a bicycle check-in, mechanical station and helmet inspection, rules of the road overview, intersection safety, and bicycle riding safety track. All the participants will then ride as a group around the fairgrounds and conclude with a hot dog, chips and drink lunch, courtesy of the Pecatonica Lions Club.

This event is open to youths age 5-18. Two participants will go home with new bikes from The Bicycle Hub in downtown Pecatonica,

Swine Workshop

MT. CARMEL, Ill. — The Wabash County Swine Workshop will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 24 at the Wabash County Fairgrounds, 15039 4-H Center Lane, Mt. Carmel.

This hands-on learning experience for youths will include advanced strategies for show-pig preparation and showmanship.

4-H Dog Show

DIXON, Ill. — The 4-H Dog Show for Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties will be 9 a.m. to noon June 24 at the Granny Rose Center, 613 River Lane, Dixon.

Partnering for Pollinators

SYCAMORE, Ill. — The four-part series Partnering for Pollinators begins 10 to 11 a.m. June 24 with the program Native Plants, Creatures and Us at the Mayfield Monarch Waystation, 28405 Church Road, Sycamore.

Future programs will include Creating a Pollinator Paradise July 29, Garden Photography Aug. 12, and Crafting with Nature Aug. 19.

Livestock Shows

NEW BERLIN, Ill. — Sangamon County 4-H Livestock Shows will be June 24 and June 25 at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 318 W. Birch St., New Berlin.

Sheep Show will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the Swine Show will begin at 6:30 p.m. on June 24.

The June 25 schedule includes the Beef Show at 8:30 a.m., the Poultry Show at 9:30 a.m., the Rabbit Show at 10:15 a.m., the Goat Show at 11 a.m. and Round Robin Showmanship at 1:30 pm.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3hxxdefr.

H-2A Visa Program

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Exploring the H-2A Visa Program: Legal Training for Illinois Small Farms will be 7 to 8 p.m. June 26.

The H-2A visa program helps farmers to bring in citizens of other countries for seasonal and temporary agricultural work in the United States. With a tight labor market, the visa program is experiencing growth. The program will assist farmers in assessing whether H-2A might address their operation’s labor shortage issues. Explore extensive regulatory obligations that come with application and participation in this program. The session will address critical ways producers can guard against worker vulnerability to ensure respect, responsibility, and safety for all.

This is the first in a quarterly webinar series for Illinois small farmers presented by University of Illinois Extension’s Local Food Systems and Small Farms team and Farm Commons.

Jams and Jellies

ELIZABETH, Ill. — The program Yes, You Can: Preserving Jams and Jellies will be 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 27 at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Making jelly and jam from fresh produce is an easy food preservation method requiring only fruit, sugar, pectin, and a few essential kitchen tools. However, you must also be familiar with the basic principles of making jams and jellies.

This hands-on workshop will begin in the classroom and then head to the kitchen, where participants can make their own jar of jam. During the first half of the class, participants will learn about the various types of sweet spreads, the importance of having the correct ratio of pectin, fruit, acid, and sugar, and the basics of jam and jelly making. The second half will be spent in the kitchen making jam. Participants will take a jar of jam home.

Cost is $25. Register by calling the Extension office at 815-858-2273 or visit go.illinios.edu/jsw.

Make Jam

MARSHALL, Ill. — The Let’s Make Jam Home Food Preservation Workshop will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 27 at the Clark County Extension office, 15493 N. State Hwy. 1, Marshall.

Each participant will leave with a jar of homemade jam. Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4e8xyvhc.

Debt Repayment

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Let’s Talk Money: Debt Repayment will be noon to 1 p.m. June 27.

Repaying debt is challenging in the best of situations, and today’s economic conditions make it more difficult. Learn tried-and-true strategies for prioritizing debt repayment and paying it down effectively. Explore options for student loan repayment, too.

Presenters will be Emily Harmon and Jamie Mahlandt, University of Illinois Extension financial educators.

Food Safety Trivia

STANDARD, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension Educator Susan Glassman will present a game of food safety trivia with prizes and a snack from 10 to 10:45 a.m. June 27 at the Putnam County Community Center, 1st Street, Standard.

The program will be repeated 2:30 to 3 p.m. June 27 at the Bureau County Senior Center, 16 N. Marion St., Princeton.

Certified Arborist

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — The certified arborist prep course will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET June 28 at the Forest Park Inn, 701 Cicero Road, Noblesville.

This seminar is for those who are looking towards becoming an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist. The course will be led by Lindsey Purcell, executive director of the Indiana Arborist Association.

Outdoor activities are planned; be prepared for the weather. Lunch will be provided.

The certified arborist exam is scheduled to take place June 29.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ynmvt4b6, or contact Lindsey Purcell at 219-295-0048 or info@indiana-arborist.org.

Mental Health First Aid

VINCENNES, Ind. — Purdue Extension Knox County is presenting Adult Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET June 28 and June 29 at the VU Ag Center, 4259 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes.

Adult Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course that teaches participants:

• How to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Signs and symptoms for a variety of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and deliberate self-injury.

• Awareness and understanding of the impact mental health and substance use stigma can have.

• How to assist those in need to get help from a health professional.

Cost is $130, which includes manual, workbook and lunch for both days.

To register and more information, visit http://cvent.me/YwGZeA.

Summer Science

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The program Summer Science on the Beach for youth ages 8 to 18 will be 9 to 11 a.m. June 28 and 1 to 3 p.m. June 28 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Participants will explore the science behind sun, sand, and water; make a solar oven and a water clock; look at sand under a microscope; and take home a packet of information and some science experiments to complete at home.

Participants can choose from either the morning or afternoon session; both sessions will have the same content.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/muz7z2p4.

Plant Propagation

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Learn all the basics of plant propagation from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 28 at the Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine St., Taylorville.

This workshop will be hands-on with instruction on different propagation techniques. Participants will take home two plants they propagate during the workshop.

Seasonal Harvest

NORMAL, Ill. — Enjoy the first harvest of the season from 5:30 to 7 p.m. June 28 at The Refuge Food Forest, 701 E. Lincoln St., Normal.

Red and white currants are one of the first ripe berry crops in central Illinois, maturing in mid-June. A blend of sweet and tart flavors, this selection of currants is perfect as a fresh topping to ice cream or showcased in jelly or jam.

Enjoy berries fresh from the plant while listening to their history of cultivation.

Crop Diagnostic Workshop

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — The Crop Diagnostic Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET June 29 at the Northeast Purdue Agricultural Center, 4821 E 400 S, Columbia City.

Crop advisers, pesticide applicators, and growers will learn more about nutrient applications, crop pest identification, and crop management. Specialists and educators from Purdue Extension will share the latest research and practical advice.

Topics and speakers are:

• Considerations for Efficient Nutrient Management, Jim Camberato, Purdue Agronomy Department.

• Corn and Soybean Pest Updates, John Obermeyer, Purdue Entomology Department.

• Corn Early-Season Growth, Development, and Diagnostics, Dan Quinn, Purdue Agronomy Department.

• Jumpstarting Soybeans: The Latest Research, Shaun Casteel, Purdue Agronomy Department.

• 2023 Pesticide Regulatory Update, James Wolff and John Woodmansee, Purdue Extension educators.

• Manure and Fertilizer Regulations for Indiana, Ed Farris, Purdue Extension educator.

Cost is $80 and includes lunch. Register at https://cvent.me/lLQ3oZ.

Invasive Species Conference

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — The Indiana Invasive Species Conference will begin at 9 a.m. ET June 29 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.

The event is an excellent opportunity to connect with others working on invasive species in Indiana. Continuing education credits will be offered.

Registration fee is $25, which includes the conference and lunch. Morning sessions will be indoors, and field events will take place outdoors in the afternoon. Bring your water bottle, coffee mug, and comfortable shoes for the field session, as well as your favorite bug spray and a hat.

For details and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4stdmhv4.

Field Day

PANA, Ill. — A field day will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 29 at University of Illinois Dudley Smith Farm Research Center, 2200 E. 600 North Road, Pana.

Topics will include: Factors influencing beef cow nutrient requirements and subsequent cost; direct marketing of meat products to consumers; and what does regenerative ag really mean?

Dudley Smith Farm research updates will include the role of cover crops in drainage management, and related University of Illinois crops research.

Summer Salsa

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Join University of Illinois Extension and Jerseyville Public Library to learn how to make the most out of your summer produce by making fresh salsa from 6 to 7 p.m. June 29 at the Jerseyville Public Library, 105 N. Liberty St., Jerseyville.

This class is open to all ages and will involve hands-on practice making a variety of different salsas.

Call the library at 618-498-9514 to register.

Introduction to Hydroponics

INDIANAPOLIS — Introduction to Hydroponics will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET June 29 at The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis.

The program will be led by Dr. Krishna Nemali of Purdue University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and Purdue Extension Marion County urban agriculture educators. Learn how to build your own hydroponics system, including setting up a grow kit, selecting lights and measuring the cost of electricity, sowing seeds and germination, and preparing fertilizer solutions.

Plant Propagation

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online Lunch and Learn Plant Propagation program will be noon to 1 p.m. ET June 30.

From cuttings to seedlings, learn about plant reproduction and how to properly propagate your favorite plants.

County Fairs

• June 23-24 — Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair: 4-H Center, 1400 N CR 1500 E, Sullivan, Ill.; moultriesullivanfair.com; 217-549-0831.

• June 23-30 — Hancock County 4-H Fair: 620 N. Apple St., Greenfield, Ind.; www.yourhancockfairgrounds.com; 317-462-1469.

• June 23-July 1 — Bartholomew County Fair: 750 W 200 S,Columbus, Ind.; www.bartholomewcountyfair.com; office@bartholomewcountyfair.com; 812-372-6133.

• June 23-July 1 — Ohio County 4-H Fair, 412 Main St., Rising Sun, Ind.; 812-438-3656.

• June 24-29 — Pulaski County 4-H Fair: Winamac Town Park, 262 E Old State Road 14, Winamac, Ind.; www.pulaskicountyfair.com; 574-946-3412.

• June 24-30 — Starke County 4-H Fair, 400 Division St., Hamlet, Ind.; starkeces@purdue.edu; 574-772-9141.

• June 24-July 1 — Rush County Fair: 1299 N Sexton Road, Rushville, Ind.; www.rushcountyfairin.com; rushcountyfairin@yahoo.com; 765-932-3211..

• June 25-July 1 – Ford County Fair: 329 E. Third St., Melvin, Ill.; www.fordcountyfair.org; fordcofair@hotmail.com; 217-388-2815.

• June 25-July 1 – Martinsville Agricultural Fair: 620 S. York St., Martinsville, Ill.; www.martinsvilleagfair.com; info@martinsvilleagfair.com; 217-382-5512.

• June 29-July 4 — Schuyler County Fair: 200 E. Scripps St., Rushville, Ill.; www.schuylercountyfair.org; schuylercountyfair@gmail.com; 217-322-6182.

• June 30-July 8 — St. Joseph County 4-H Fair: 5117 Ironwood Road, South Bend, Ind.; www.4hfair.com; manager@4hfair.com; 574-291-4870.

• June 30-July 9— Marion County Fair: 7300 E. Troy Ave., Indianapolis; www.marioncountyfair.org; marioncountyfair@comcast.net; 317-353-2444.

Calendar: Gardening gracefully as we age

Extension of Community

Poultry Clinic

Bicycle Rodeo

Swine Workshop

4-H Dog Show

Partnering for Pollinators

Livestock Shows

H-2A Visa Program

Jams and Jellies

Make Jam

Debt Repayment

Food Safety Trivia

Certified Arborist

Mental Health First Aid

Summer Science

Plant Propagation

Seasonal Harvest

Crop Diagnostic Workshop

Invasive Species Conference

Field Day

Summer Salsa

Introduction to Hydroponics

Plant Propagation

County Fairs