Calendar: Washington County Open Sheep Show in Salem

SALEM, Ind. — The Washington County Open Sheep Show will be 12:30 p.m. ET June 7 at the Washington County Fairgrounds Livestock Pavilion, 118 Fair St., Salem.

There will be classes for market lambs, breeding ewes, rams and showmanship. Weigh-in will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

The Washington County Sheep Association will sell lamb concessions along with chips and drinks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cinnamon rolls and drinks will be available for breakfast.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/bddycpu5. For questions, call the Washington County Extension office at 812-883-4601.

Goat Show

SALEM, Ind. — The Washington County Open Goat Show will be 11 a.m. ET June 7 at the Washington County Fairgrounds Goat Barn, 118 Fair St., Salem.

There will be classes for both dairy and meat breeds of goats including breeding does, market does, market wethers, and showmanship. Weigh-in is from 7 to 9 a.m.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4n3e4u6p. For questions, call the Washington County Extension office at 812-883-4601.

Birding Walk

MAKANDA, Ill. — The Birding Walk with Master Naturalist Lily Glaeser will be 8:30 to 10 a.m. May 18 at Giant City State Park Post Oak Trail, 460 Giant City Lodge Road, Makanda.

Binoculars will be available for use. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ypud3zh5.

Meet Your Farmer

WAYNE, Ill. — Barbic Farms, 5N880 Dunham Circle, Wayne, will be the site of the Meet Your Farmer Series, 10 a.m. to noon May 18.

Barbic Farms is a small, family-owned and operated organic market garden that harvests a variety of fresh produce that is free of pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, and other chemicals. Its mission is to provide fresh (harvested same day) produce directly from the farm to neighbors.

This is a great opportunity for fellow farmers, gardeners, or those who just want to learn about their local food and meet the farmer growing it. This event includes a field tour and a hands-on activity to learn more about how to improve or add new growing practices to your farm or garden.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/2vv27xby. For questions, contact Extension Educator Alexis Barnes at arbarnes@illinois.edu or 630-584-6166.

Smart Eating

DECATUR, Ill. — Heart Smart Eating will be 11 a.m. to noon May 19 at the Decatur Family YMCA, 220 W. McKinley Ave., Decatur.

Participants will learn about four categories of nutrients — sodium, fat, added sugar and fiber — and how each impacts heart health. Attendees will develop skills to support shopping and cooking heart-healthy meals.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/5cvcxb84 or call 217-877-6042.

Twilight Series

ANNA, Ill. — The Flock Farm, 460 McDuffee Lane, Anna, will kick off this year’s Summer Twilight Series, 6 to 8 p.m. May 19.

Operated by Brent Glays, The Flock Farm specializes in pasture-raised lamb, pork, and poultry. Glays, a farmer and poultry processor from Anna, started his career as a meat and poultry inspector. What began as a small flock has evolved into an operation known for its sustainable meat production and on-farm retail store. Today, Glays operates a poultry processing plant and is expanding further with USDA certification.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2fwp7de6.

Pumpkin Pests

URBANA, Ill. — Managing Common Squash and Pumpkin Pests will be the topic of the Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. May 20.

Pumpkins and squash are popular garden plants. However, many gardeners struggle with pests attacking their plants. Extension Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson will discuss common pests that affect squash, pumpkin, cucumber, and melon plants, as well as how to manage them.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2epycabc.

Help Desk

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The Master Gardener Help Desk will be open 9 to 11 a.m. May 22 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Bring your questions, photos, and any samples you have. Samples should be enclosed in a plastic bag or container and should be fresh to obtain a good diagnosis.

If questions arise at a time when the help desk is not open, call Christian County Extension at 217-287-7246 and leave a message for the master gardeners. They will return your call as soon as possible.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mv9255fn.

Garden Gathering

FAIRFIELD, Ill. — Summer Garden Gatherings will be 9 to 11 a.m. May 22, June 5, June 26, July 10, July 31, Aug. 14 and Sept. 25 at the Wayne County Extension office, 2B Frontier Drive, Fairfield.

The Summer Garden Gatherings are an informal opportunity to meet Katie Bell, Illinois Extension local food systems and small farms educator, and explore the work at the Illinois Extension Wayne County high tunnel. Participants can tour the high tunnel and pollinator plot or get advice from Bell on gardening, small-scale farm management, and high tunnels/greenhouses. Volunteers are welcome to help Bell with the pollinator plot or ginger trial.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yr5xhcwz.

Bird Walk

KANKAKEE, Ill. — A bird walk will begin at 8 a.m. May 24 at Willowhaven Interpretive Center, 1451 N 4000 E Rd, Kankakee.

Join birding experts from the Kankakee Audubon Society for a walk to see spring and early summer birds.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ycxwr6vh.

Rural Roots

WYOMING, Ill. — Rural Roots Family Fun Day will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 27 at Wyoming Public Library, 109 N. 7th St., Wyoming.

Bring the family to the Wyoming Public Library and join Illinois Extension for a fun day of learning and celebrating our agricultural heritage.

There will be hands-on stations to explore agriculture, gardening, nutrition and 4-H activities; games and prizes; and a petting zoo.

Free resources will include Extension information, a grocery tote and recipe cards.

Lunch for $5 will include hot dog, chips, applesauce, cookie and a drink.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5633dd3p.

Grow Your Salsa

MANSFIELD, Ill. — Grow Your Salsa will be 6 to 7 p.m. May 28 at the Blue Ridge Township Library, 116 Oliver St., Mansfield.

Each family will get two buckets filled with soil. One bucket will be for a tomato plant, the other for an onion bulb and a cilantro plant.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3vp6jxcy.

Info Booth

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The Master Gardener Informational Booth will be open 9 a.m. to noon May 31 at during the Taylorville Farmers Market, 101 S. Main St., Taylorville.

Not sure what vegetables, fruit, or flowers would work best for your needs? Have a plant dying or a problem with a tree or pest? Christian County master gardeners will be available to answer your horticulture and gardening questions. Look for the orange tent.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/38n8p3yr.

Wellness in Nature

HUDSON, Ill. — Wellness in Nature will be 9 to 11 a.m. May 31 at COMLARA Park, 13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson.

This immersive experience invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and engage all five senses — sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Whether you’re looking to de-stress, reconnect with nature, or simply enjoy a mindful morning outdoors, this walk will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. This event is open to all ages with activity stations to engage deeper in nature around you. The walk will be on the White Pines Trail.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/mrxz3ufr.

Neighborhood Gardeners

SIMPSON, Ill. — Neighborhood Gardeners is a new informal group for adults that will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday, starting June 2, at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 IL-145, Simpson.

Participants will harvest and help maintain the youth tunnel area at the ag center while learning more about gardening.

No registration required. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/evzs6pbt.

Homegrown Healthy

ROCHELLE, Ill. — Homegrown Healthy series will be 10 to 11 a.m. June 3 at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, 619 4th Ave., Rochelle.

Participants will learn how to grow a garden, get an introduction to hydroponics, and try foods made with garden produce.

Register for this 10-week series at https://tinyurl.com/29cyxd5r. For questions, contact Extension Program Coordinator Jan Saglier at 815-544-3710 or jsaglier@illinois.edu.

Flower Arrangement

BREESE, Ill. — 4-H Flower Arrangement Workshops will be 2 to 4 p.m. June 3 and June 13 at the Clinton County Extension office, 1163 N. 4th St., Breese.

Participants will create round floral arrangements June 3, and floral centerpieces June 13.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mvh8kkn2.

4-H Barbecue

MONMOUTH, Ill. — The Warren County 4-H Barbecue will be 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 3 at the Warren County Farm Bureau, 1000 N. Main St., Monmouth.

Meal includes pork chop sandwich, baked beans, applesauce, potato chips, dessert and drink. Drive-through will be available.

Cost is $10. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/47jutzam.

Seed Saving

CARTERVILLE, Ill. — Seed Saving will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. June 3 at John A. Logan College Mees Center, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville.

Seed saving is a great way to continue your garden from the plants and flowers you already have. Saving seeds also allows you to select particular characteristics you might like to cultivate by choosing fruits or plants with those traits.

The program will cover methods used to collect seeds, seed storage techniques, and seed stratification process.

Register for this Modern Homesteading Series program at https://tinyurl.com/ynzhh7ua.

Preserve at Home

CLINTON, Ill. — The Preserve at Home workshop will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 3 at the DeWitt County Extension office, 1160 IL-54, Clinton.

Learn skills and resources to safely waterbath and pressure can, and preserve through freezing, drying and fermentation. Preserve garden and farmers market produce to enjoy during the winter months. Food samples will be provided.

Cost is $5. Register by calling 217-935-5764 or visit https://tinyurl.com/cx2mh87n.

Planting, Scouting

DECATUR, Ill. — Homegrown Harvest: Planting, Scouting, Harvesting will be 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. June 4 at Southside Hill Community Garden, East Lawrence Street and South Maffit Street, Decatur.

Homegrown Harvest is a series of free, family-friendly vegetable garden workshops designed to support beginning gardeners through the growing season.

Future topics will be Weeding and Watering Methods July 16; Soils, Composting, and Fall Seed Sowing Aug 13; and Tool Maintenance, Fall Clean Up and Planting Garlic Sept. 17.

Workshop materials will be provided; bring your own gloves and tools.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yr29rzvb.

Native Plants

PRINCETON, Ill. — Easy Care Native Plants will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 5 at Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St., Princeton.

This program takes a look at the native plants that are low maintenance and grow in a wide range of conditions. Native grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs will be covered.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ym2jrcbj.

Raised Beds

GRANVILLE, Ill. — Vegetable Gardening in Raised Beds and Containers will be 1 to 2 p.m. June 6 at Putnam County Public Library, 214 S. McCoy St., Granville.

Learn how to use above-ground growing systems for safe and fruitful production of your favorite backyard vegetables. Methods to increase production by maximizing your space, recommended soil and fertilizer practices and construction material options will be reviewed.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/5febump2.

4-H Barbecue

STRONGHURST, Ill. — The Henderson County 4-H Barbecue will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 6 at the Henderson County Fairgrounds, 122 E. Jones St., Stronghurst.

Meal includes pork chop sandwich, baked beans, applesauce, potato chips, dessert and drink. Cost is $10 and drive-through is available.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3t8hcs6f.

Plant, Pick, Plate

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Plant, Pick and Plate Celebration will be held during Market Day, 2 to 6 p.m. ET June 6 at Johnnie Mae Farm, 2518 Winter St., Fort Wayne.

The Plant, Pick and Plate Program is an initiative aimed at combating childhood obesity and fostering environmental stewardship among fifth- to ninth-graders.

Market Day features fresh, healthy produce every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.johnniemaefarm.com.

Plant Sale

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — The Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Tour will be 9 a.m. to noon June 7 at the Kane County Idea Garden, 3480 IL-38, St. Charles.

See garden ideas, pick up plants for your own garden, and get free advice from trained Kane County master gardener volunteers.

Sale includes plants the master gardeners have grown from bare roots, division, and winter sowing.

For questions, call 630-584-6166 or email uiemg-kane@illinois.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yuevrckp.

Native Plants

BREESE, Ill. — Native plants will be 10 a.m. to noon June 7 at the Clinton County Extension office, 1163 N. 4th St., Breese.

Covered will be the role of native plants in home landscapes; benefits of native plants for both gardeners and pollinators; a variety of native species well-suited for home use; and how and where to find native plants.

Each participant will receive a kit containing native plants. Learn about each plant’s specific growing needs, including where to plant them and how to care for them.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4wdhe45j.

Horse Show

SPARTA, Ill. — The Perry and Randolph County 4-H Horse Show will be 2 to 6 p.m. June 7 at the Randolph County Fairgrounds, 506 W Belmont St., Sparta.

Those participating must be registered 4-H youth enrolled in the appropriate fair project areas. Guidelines and policies can be found in the Perry County 4-H Handbook or Randolph County 4-H Handbook.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4pnetf6j.