Calendar: Alfalfa weevil control topic of field day

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. — The Northern Indiana Organic Forage Field Day will be 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET Aug. 5 at the organic dairy farm of Andy and Laura Mast, 10572 County Road 18, Middlebury.

This event, hosted by the Indiana Organic Network, will focus on some of the most pressing issues organic farmers face today, including fly control, alfalfa weevil control, weed management, and improving forage quality. Along with informative talks, there will be a lively discussion session and a field walk, where participants can observe real-world examples and ask questions in the field.

Speakers for the event will include Margaret Smith, an agronomist with Albert Lea Seeds, who will speak on organic weed control. Luciana de Costa of Ohio State University will give tips on fly control on organic farms.

It’s a great opportunity to connect with others in the organic community, learn new techniques, and gather ideas to take back to your own operation. Whether you’re a seasoned organic producer or just exploring the idea, everyone is welcome to attend.

Camp Anniversary

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp 75th Anniversary Celebration will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Road, Monticello.

The open house will include hands-on stations at classic camp program areas, guided camp tours and historical exhibits, and photo ops and memory sharing. Lunch will be available for purchase.

The Evening Celebration begins at 6 p.m. with dinner featuring camp stories from generations of campers and camp staff. Dinner will be followed by a campfire with s’mores and songs.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4vztazs2.

Petals and Poses

PONTIAC, Ill. — Petals and Poses will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 19 at the Catherine Yost House Museum, 298 W. Water St., Pontiac.

An outdoor yoga session will begin at 11 a.m. on the serene back lawn of the Yost House. Surrounded by the gentle flow of the Vermilion River and the peaceful rhythm of nature, participants will move through grounding and heart-opening postures suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Attendees should bring a yoga mat, water, and wear comfortable clothing. Chairs will be provided for those not wishing to use a mat.

Following the yoga, a guided sensory walk through the Yost Gardens will be led by master gardeners at 1 p.m. Yost House tours will be available from noon to 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the afternoon.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mryfpwz5.

Firebreak Design

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Staying Inside the Lines: Best Practices for Firebreak Design will be 2 to 3 p.m. July 23.

Prescribed fire is an important management tool in forests and grasslands. A well-designed and correctly installed firebreak is the first line of defense in keeping your burn safe and effective. Explore the basics of firebreak placement, installation, design tools, and techniques.

The program will be presented by Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension forestry and research specialist. Register for this Forestry Stewardship Series program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2s3ztmmx.

Wildflower Farm Tour

BUNKER HILL, Ill. — The Wildflower Farm Tour and U-Pick will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. July 24 at Wood Acres Farm & Flowers, 2398 Huette Road, Bunker Hill.

Join Whitney Vieths and her family at Wood Acres Farm & Flowers for the educational farm tour and then pick your very own bouquet of wildflowers to take home.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y53jprhk.

Meteor Party

FAIRBURY, Ill. — The Meteor Shower Watch Party hosted by the Illinois Grand Prairie master naturalists and the Prairie Lands Foundation will be 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 26 at Fugate Woods Preserve, 23150 E 1000 N Road, Fairbury.

Local astronomer Paul Pouliot will help participants explore the wonders above — from streaking meteors to the mysterious parent comets that spawn them. Telescope viewing will be provided.

Pollinators in the Park

CLINTON, Ill. — Pollinators in the Park presented by DeWitt and Piatt County master gardeners will be 10 to 11 a.m. July 26 at the Weldon Springs State Park School House, 4734 Weldon Springs Road, Clinton.

Learn about ruby-throated hummingbirds, their preferred habitats, plants and flowers, along with feeding tips.

Wellness Walk

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — The Wellness Walk will be 10 a.m. to noon July 26 at Sunset Bridge Meadow, Des Plaines River Trail, River Grove.

Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during this slow and leisurely walk. A beautiful tea ceremony will be conducted after the walk.

Pork Chop BBQ

MORRIS, Ill. — The Grundy County 4-H Pork Chop BBQ and Ice Cream Social will be 4 to 6:30 p.m. July 27 at Grundy County Fairgrounds, 8890 IL-47, Morris.

Prices are $15 for a two-chop meal, and $5 for a hot dog meal. Ice cream and dessert will be available for purchase.

For more information and tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/2xtbzjuz.

Garden slowdown

ROCKVILLE, Ind. — When Gardens Slow Down will be the topic of the Parke Gardening program, 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET Aug. 7 at the Community Center, 413 S. U.S. Hwy. 41, Rockville.

The program is the last in a summer series presented by Purdue Extension Parke County and Rockville Rotary.

For more information, contact Kurt Lanzone at 765-569-3176 or visit https://tinyurl.com/3zkrkhpt.