Calendar: Strategies to deal with nuisance wildlife

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — The Nuisance Wildlife Management Workshop will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET June 26 at the Department of Natural Resources Northeast Regional Office, 1353 S. Governors Drive, Columbia City.

Jeff Burbrink, Extension educator in LaGrange County, will discuss how to deal with nuisance wildlife such as deer, groundhogs, geese, and wild turkeys. Jessica Merkling, Indiana Department of Natural Resources urban wildlife biologist, will discuss legal questions, such as whether you need a permit from DNR to employ a certain management method. Lethal and nonlethal management strategies will be discussed.

Register for this free program by calling the Whitley County Extension office at 260-244-7615, or visit https://tinyurl.com/y3ac654c.

NEPAC Workshop

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — The NEPAC Crop Diagnostic Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET June 24 at the Northeast Purdue Agricultural Center, 4821 E. 400 S, Columbia City.

Crop advisors, pesticide applicators and growers will learn about the latest research in crop management from specialists and educators from Purdue Extension.

Topics and speakers are:

• Anhydrous Ammonia Safety — Ann Kline, Purdue Extension educator, Noble County.

• Corn Early-Season Development, N Inhibitor Research and Diagnostics — Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension corn specialist.

• Early Season Crop Diseases/Disease Management Updates — Darcy Telenko, Purdue Extension plant pathologist.

• Updates from Indiana State Chemist — John Woodmansee, Purdue Extension educator.

• Sprayer Clean Out and Maintenance — Fred Whitford, Purdue Pesticide Programs.

• Spray Drones: Capabilities and Challenges Discussion/Demo to Compare Spray Patterns — Mark Carter and James Wolff, Purdue Extension educators; and Erich Eller, Forefront Ag Solutions.

• Research Demo at NEPAC: Biological Activity on Crop Residue Breakdown — Mark Carter and Ed Farris, Purdue Extension educators; and Chris Lake, NEPAC farm superintendent

Cost is $80 and lunch will be provided. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2j999n9n.

Southwest Field Day

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center Field Day will be 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET June 26 at the ag center, 4669 Purdue Road, Vincennes.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. followed by a 10-stop tour of horticulture and agronomic crops. Topics and speakers will include:

• Field Crop Disease Update on Research and Things to Remember This Season — Morgan Goodnight, botany and plant pathology.

• High Tunnel Tomato and Cut Flower Research — Wenjing Guan, horticulture and landscape architecture.

• Fungicide Efficacy Trial Research on Vegetable Crops — César Escalante, botany and plant pathology.

• Purdue Resilient Ag Initiative — Laura Ingwell, entomology.

• Pollinator Health and Pollenizer Use in Seedless Watermelon Production — Amy Lynn Bagby, entomology.

• Produce Food Safety Update — Scott Monroe, Purdue Extension; and Katheryn Parraga, food science.

• Overview of Spray Drones in Indiana ‚ Alex Helms and Jackson Shake, Purdue Agricultural Center.

• Winter Canola Production — Brian Caldbeck, Caldbeck Consulating.

• Sorghum as Alterative Crop for Niche Environments across Indiana — Tesfaye Teferra Tesso, agronomy.

• Identifying Genes Behind Protein in Cowpea Seeds — Jean Paul Iyakaremye, botany and plant pathology.

Presentations during lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. will include: Diverse Corn Belt — Project Overview; and Horsepower on the Farm — From Hay-Powered Horses to Gas-Powered Tractors.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrycuddz; contact Valerie Clingerman, 812-882-3509, clingerman@purdue.edu.

Smart Canning

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Smart and Healthy Canning will be 6 to 8 p.m. June 26 at the Macoupin County Extension office, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

Unlock the secrets of safe and delicious home canning in this hands-on workshop. Learn the fundamentals of water bath canning, discover which recipe tweaks are safe (and which aren’t), and take home research-backed canning recipes. Participants will get practical experience making a no-sugar-needed strawberry jam and a low-sodium dill pickle recipe. Perfect for preserving your garden’s bounty year-round. Each person will go home with a jar of no-sugar-needed strawberry jam or low-sodium dill pickles.

There is a $10 fee to cover the cost of supplies. Register at https://tinyurl.com/552k54hk.

Youth Gardening

SIMPSON, Ill. — The Youth Gardening Class will be 9 to 11 a.m. June 26 at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 IL-145, Simpson.

The class is a great way for children to learn about gardening and the outdoors. During each class, participants can help with garden tasks, including harvesting and weighing produce, watering plants, and planting seeds. All harvested produce is then donated back to the community.

Register for the free class at https://tinyurl.com/afu4wpea.

Protein and Aging

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Protein, Physical Activity, and Aging: What You Need to Know will be 1 to 3 p.m. June 26 at the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau, 1925 S. Meridian St., Rockford.

Staying healthy and fit can be challenging at any age. However, did you realize it becomes even more critical as we age? There are steps you can take to preserve your strength. Proper nutrition, particularly adequate protein intake, and regular physical activity can slow the rate of muscle loss and support bone health, metabolism, and blood sugar control.

University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Diane Reinhold will discuss how aging impacts muscle health, key nutrition tips, and lifestyle strategies to help you stay strong and independent.

Cost is $5. Register by calling 815-986-4357 or visit https://tinyurl.com/45f82ttw.

Move More

FREEPORT, Ill. — Move More for Better Health will be 1 to 3 p.m. June 27 at the Senior Resource Center, 206 E. Stephenson St., Freeport.

The warm weather and longer summer days are perfect for getting outdoors, moving more, and boosting your health. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer the evening breeze, staying active can improve mental and physical well-being at any age.

Physical activity is a cornerstone for wellness and significantly improves overall health. Yet, only one in four adults meet the physical activity recommendations for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, which increases their risk of developing chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

During this session, participants will learn the difference between physical activity and exercise, the recommended amount and types of physical activity, and the importance of staying active as you age. You will also learn about how aging impacts your ability to engage in physical activity, the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, the importance of setting goals, and resources you can access at home to help you stay active.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/msy62rfb.

Conservation at Home

WILLIAMSFIELD, Ill. — The Conservation@Home Kickoff Event will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. June 28 at the Pleasant Prairie Nursery, 24219 W. Laura Road, Williamsfield.

Conservation@Home is a local program aimed at residents, schools, farms, and businesses in Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties. It recognizes and certifies properties that demonstrate environmentally sound landscape practices. Through the program, property owners have the opportunity to shape their private and community landscape in a conservation-minded way with guidance and criteria provided for them.

The Kickoff Event is a chance to learn more about the program, meet volunteers and Extension staff who provide education and certify properities, enjoy time at Pleasant Prairie Nursery, and connect with other nature-loving people.

The first 15 people who complete a Conservation@Home application at the Kickoff Event will be gifted with a free native plant from Pleasant Prairie Nursery.

The event will include prairie tours, hiking trail and shopping. Light refreshments will be served.

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

Volunteer Appreciation

WiLLOW SPRINGS, Ill. — Cook County Volunteer Appreciation Day for master gardeners, master naturalists, 4-H, and Extension council members will be noon to 3 p.m. June 29 at Camp Bullfrog Lake, 9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs.

The theme for the day is backyard fun, and will include crafts, activities, games, volunteer memorabilia, and food.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/wxa6hpub.

Golden Garden Days

HENRY, Ill. — Grow your gardening knowledge and skills June 29 at the Golden Garden Days: Northwest Celebration. The event celebrates 50 years of master gardener impact through hands-on workshops, tours, and expert advice.

Master Gardeners will be present at each site to answer questions and provide insight into the work they do in our communities. This event is free and open to the public. Participants are welcome to stop by any garden location that fits their schedule or spend the full day with master gardeners.

Tour schedule:

• 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. — Learn Grow Share Garden, Henry United Methodist Church, 225 Lincoln St., Henry.

• 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Toluca Coal Mine Wildflower Meadow and School Garden, East Bennington St., Toluca.

• 2 to 4 p.m. — Ottawa Toll House Garden, 1221 Columbus St., Ottawa, and other sites: Reddick Mansion, Palate Garden, Butterfly Garden, Plant a Row, Extension Native Garden and downtown flower beds.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3uyz8maj.

Book to Barn

SPENCER, Ind. — Book to Barn, a special event for children ages 3 to 7, will be 5 p.m. ET July 7 and July 10 at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer.

Thanks to the sponsorship of the Owen County Farm Bureau, families can enjoy a free evening of interactive activity stations including a craft, snack, story time, game, and sensory play — all with a farm-themed twist.

Each child will also receive a free book to take home. For more information, contact the Owen County Extension office at 812-829-5020 or visit https://tinyurl.com/4rrmcz23.

UAV Program

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Become a certified UAV pilot by attending the UAV Technology Program, 6 to 9 p.m. ET July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Course topics include: Flight instructions, reading sectional charts, flight plans and recordkeeping, understanding METAR and TAF, camera settings, image quality and troubleshooting, data management, emergency preparation and practice flights (weather permitting).

Cost is $200. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yf222jws.

Turf Field Day

WEST LAYFAYETTE, Ind. — The 2025 Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET July 8 at the William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center, 1340 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette.

This annual event offers turf and landscape professionals an opportunity to engage with the latest research, technologies, and best practices in the industry.

The Field Day features research tours, presentations on current topics, and a trade show with over 40 exhibitors showcasing equipment and products related to turf and landscape management.

The morning sessions include landscape, lawn care, golf, and sports turf tracks. The afternoon workshops include a landscape diagnostic tour, weed identification tour, sports turf, and golf options. Breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee.

Following the workshops, the Women of the Green Industry will hold a free tour of the Meigs Horticultural Research facility, followed by a networking event.

This event is organized by Purdue University’s Turfgrass Science Program and Green Industry Team in collaboration with the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation. It serves as a platform for professionals to stay informed about advancements in turf and landscape management.

For more information, call 765-494-8039 or visit https://tinyurl.com/2aczjnje.

Upcoming County Fairs

Illinois Fairs:

June 17-22 — Henry County Fair, 311 E. North St., Cambridge, Ill.; www.henrycountyfairillinois.com; 309-937-3391.

June 18-22 — Montgomery County Fair, 300 Water St., Butler, Ill.; https://www.facebook.com/fair.montgomerycoil; fair.montgomerycoil@yahoo.com; 217-324-5829; 217-532-2440.

June 18-22 — Western Illinois Fair, 516 S. Oak St., Griggsville, Ill.; www.westernillinoisfair.com; info@westernillinoisfair.com; 217-833-2116.

June 20-21 — Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair, 4-H Center, 1400 N CR 1500 E, Sullivan, Ill.; moultriesullivanfair.com; 217-549-0831.

June 22-28 – Ford County Fair, 329 E. Third St., Melvin, Ill.; www.fordcountyfair.org; fordcofair@hotmail.com; 217-388-2815.

June 22-28 — Jasper County Fair, 1300 Fairground Ave., Newton, Ill.; www.jaspercofairnewtonillinois.org; 618-783-3901.

June 24-28 — Cass County Fair, 649 S. Job St., Virginia, Ill.; casscountyfairil.com; www.casscountyfairil@yahoo.com, 217-452-3211; 217-452-3150.

June 25-29 — Vermilion County Fair & Expo, 17528 N. 1180 East Road, Oakwood, Ill.; vermilioncountyfair.org; 217-474-3706.

June 27-29 — Randolph County Fair, 506 W. Belmont, Sparta, Ill., evansmichelle75@yahoo.com; 618-443-2916.

June 29-July 5 — Schuyler County Fair, 200 E. Scripps St., Rushville, Ill.; www.schuylercountyfair.org; schuylercountyfair@gmail.com; 217-322-6182.

July 2-6 — Grundy County Fair, 8890 IL-47, Morris, Ill.; grundycountyfair.org; 815-942-5958.

July 5-12 — Lawrence County Jr. Fair, 1117 4H Road, Sumner, Ill.; facebook.com/groups/159119417471804; inyart@illinois.edu; 618-843-7138.

July 5-12 — Georgetown Ag. Fair, 413 N. Seminary St., Georgetown, Ill.; www.georgetownfair.org; 217-662-6415.

July 5-12 — White County Fair, 201 Fairground Road, Carmi, Ill.; www.whitecountyfair.com; rbarbre15@gmail.com; 618-384-6274 or 618-926-3560.

Indiana Fairs:

June 17-22 — Allen County Fair, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, Ind.; www.allencountyfairgroundsin.com; allencountyfairgroundsin@comcast.net; 260-449-4444.

June 17-25 — Hancock County 4-H Fair, 620 N. Apple St., Greenfield, Ind.; www.yourhancockfairgrounds.com; 317-462-1469.

June 20-26 — Steuben County Fair, 101 Lane 101 Crooked Lake, Angola, Ind.; https://tinyurl.com/42tdy8j8; 260-668-1000.

June 20-28 — Bartholomew County Fair, 750 W 200 S,Columbus, Ind.; www.bartholomewcountyfair.com; office@bartholomewcountyfair.com; 812-372-6133.

June 20-28 — Ohio County 4-H Fair, 1414 Fairground Road, Rising Sun, Ind.; https://tinyurl.com/bdje4e5h; 812-438-3656.

June 21-27 — Orange County 4-H Fair, 293 W. Daniel Lane, Paoli, Ind.; https://tinyurl.com/5tz9f6uw; 812-723-7107.

June 21-27 — Starke County 4-H Fair, 400 Division St., Hamlet, Ind.; https://www.facebook.com/StarkeCountyFairgrounds; starkeces@purdue.edu; 574-772-9141.

June 21-28 — Clark County 4-H Fair, 9608 IN-62, Charlestown, Ind.; www.clarkcountyfairgrounds.com; kcarunch@purdue.edu; 812-256-4591.

June 21-27 — Orange County 4-H Fair, 293 W. Daniel Lane, Paoli, Ind.; https://tinyurl.com/5tz9f6uw; 812-723-7107.

June 21-27 — Starke County 4-H Fair, 400 Division St., Hamlet, Ind.; https://www.facebook.com/StarkeCountyFairgrounds; starkeces@purdue.edu; 574-772-9141.

June 21-28 — Wayne County 4-H Fair, 861 N. Salisbury Road, Richmond, Ind.; www.wayneco4hfair.com; sandyhouse1@yahoo.com; 765-489-5559.

June 22-28 — Harrison County 4-H Fair, 341 S. Capitol Ave., Corydon, Ind.; www.harrisoncountyfair.com; harrisoncofair@gmail.com; 812-267-7471.

June 22-28 — Miami County 4-H Fair, 1029 W 200 N, Peru, Ind.; www.miamicounty4hfair.com; info@miamicounty4hfair.com; 765-473-9656.

June 22-28 — Scott County Fair, South U.S. Hwy 31, Scottsburg, Ind.; www.scottcountyfairgrounds.com; info@scottcountyfairgrounds.com; 812-595-2451.

June 24-27 — Crawford County 4-H Fair, 1095 IN-66, Marengo, Ind.; https://tinyurl.com/dp39sane; info@crawfordcountyindiana.com; 812-338-3224.

June 27-July 6— Marion County Fair, 7300 E. Troy Ave., Indianapolis; www.marioncountyfair.org; marioncountyfair@comcast.net; 317-353-2444.

June 27-July 2 — Pulaski County 4-H Fair, Winamac Town Park, 262 E Old State Road 14, Winamac, Ind.; www.pulaskicountyfair.com; 574-946-3412.

June 27-30 — Spencer County 4-H Fair, 1101 E County Road 800 N, Chrisney, Ind.; www.facebook.com/spencercounty4H; spencerces@purdue.edu; 812-362-8066.

June 27-July 5 — St. Joseph County 4-H Fair, 5117 Ironwood Road, South Bend, Ind.; www.4hfair.com; manager@4hfair.com; 574-291-4870.

June 28-July 5 — Jay County Fair, 806 E. Votaw St., Portland, Ind.; www.jaycountyfair.com; jaycountyfair@gmail.com; 260-726-9616.

June 28-July 5 — Rush County Fair, 1299 N Sexton Road, Rushville, Ind.; www.rushcountyfairin.com; rushcountyfairin@yahoo.com; 765-932-3211.

June 28-July 5 — Switzerland County 4-H Fair, 507 Vineyard St., Vevay, Ind.; 812-427-3152.

June 30-July 6 — Monroe County Fair, 5700 W. Airport Road, Bloomington, Ind.; www.monroecountyfairgrounds.in; mocofairgrounds@gmail.com; 812-825-7439.

July 5-11 — Cass County 4-H Fair, 2281 E County Rd 125 N, Logansport, Ind.; casscounty4hfairground.com; 574-753-7750; www.4hcasscounty.orgcassces@purdue.edu.

July 5-12 — LaGrange County Fair, 1030 E 075 N, LaGrange, Ind.; 260-463-3826 www.lagrangecounty4hfair.org; info@lc4hfair.org.

July 5-12 — LaPorte County Fair, 2581 W. State Rd. 2, LaPorte, Ind.; www.lpfair.com; laportefair@gmail.com; 219-362-2647.

July 5-12 — Lawrence County Fair, 11265 US-50, Bedford, Ind.; www.facebook.com/lawrencecountyfairgrounds; 812-275-4623.

July 5-12 — Morgan County Fair, 1749 Hospital Drive, Martinsville, Ind.; www.morgancountyindianafair.org; 765-342-9905.

July 5-12 — Vigo County Fair, 3901 S. U.S. Hwy 41, Terre Haute, Ind.; www.vigofair.com; info@vigocountyfair.com; 812-201-3058.