Calendar: Kendall County Master Gardener Seed Swap

YORKVILLE, Ill. — The Kendall County Master Gardener Seed Swap will be 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 31 at Kendall County Extension, 7775 IL-47, Yorkville.

Seed Swap participants can choose from a wide variety of free vegetable, flower, and herb plant seeds. No need to bring seeds to participate. If gardeners would like to bring seeds to share, they should be fresh and labeled, and not from F1 hybrids, so they grow true to type. All seeds collected pre-event will be labeled and will come with care instructions. Master gardeners and master naturalists will be available to answer questions.

For questions, call 630-553-5823 or email fellerer@illinois.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/hnn2tp53.

Kane County Seed Swap

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — Get a jump on the growing season with the Kane County Master Gardener Community Seed Swap, 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 25 at Kane County Extension, 535 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.

Choose from a variety of vegetable, flower, and herb seeds to take home. If gardeners would like to bring seeds to share, they should be fresh and labeled, and not from F1 hybrids, so they grow true to type. All seeds collected pre-event will be labeled and come with care instructions.

In addition to free seeds, learn different seed starting techniques, tips, and tools with demonstrations:

• Soil Blocking : Create compact soil blocks that reduce plastic use, encourage strong roots, and minimize transplant shock.

• Tray Types: Compare standard cell trays, deep-root trays, and other options to find the best fit for your crops.

• Seed Snail System: A spiral design for efficient germination and space-saving seed starting — ideal for small spaces.

• Winter Sowing: Learn how to start seeds outdoors in winter using recycled containers, harnessing natural cold stratification for hardy plants.

Plus, learn from master gardeners and expert presenters about choosing the right growing medium, watering and humidity management, heat mats and grow lights for optimal germination, and labeling and organization hacks.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/44mjh5p3.

Calving Academy

SHIPSHEWANA, Ind. — Calving Academy will be 1 to 5 p.m. ET Jan. 10 at the Farmstead Inn & Conference Center, 370 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.

This hands-on training is designed to prepare producers for real-world calving situations, covering stages of parturition, safe cow restraint, effective calf manipulation, and newborn calf care.

Participants will practice repositioning calves and using pulling chains with a phantom cow and learn which tools are essential when handling calving emergencies like dystocia.

The $50 program fee is being sponsored by the Purdue Beef Team. Additional materials, such as OB chains, available for purchase.

For questions or a registration form, contact Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or jennin30@purdue.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ytf77kcx.

Renewable Energy

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — The online Wilderness Wednesday program Organic Waste to Renewable Energy will be 6 p.m. Jan. 14.

Learn how anaerobic digestion technology transforms everyday organic waste like food scraps, farm residue and manure into clean renewable energy, and how this process benefits the environment.

This program is provided in partnership with Kankakee River Valley Forest Preserve District.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ycy2hd62.

Speaker’s Training

PEORIA, Ill. — The online Speaker’s Network Training program for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 15.

The goal of the training is to develop confidence and skills in public education. This short session will prepare master volunteers to present on a variety of Extension topics and represent programs in the community. Learn, connect, and step into a new leadership role.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mpcazh2d.

Cloverbuds on the Farm

SALEM, Ill. — Cloverbuds on the Farm will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 19 at Marion County Extension, 1404 E. Main St., Salem.

Teen Leaders will engage children ages 5–7 in a series of educational workshops designed to promote hands-on learning. Activities include: Build a Barn, Noodle Horses, the Milking Station, Down on the Sensory Farm, Churn and Learn, and Horse Races.

Cost is $7. Lunch will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/pb4byfn9.

Woody Invasives

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — The online Wilderness Wednesday program Woody Invasive Plant Control will be 6 p.m. Jan.21. This presentation will cover the basic mechanical, cultural, and chemical techniques used during fall and winter to control invasive shrubs, trees, and woody vines, along with a discussion of the best tools and equipment options available for control efforts.

Cut Flowers 101

MILAN, Ill. — Cut Flowers 101: Grow and Arrange will be the topic of the first Branching Out: A Botanical Workshop Series, 1 to 3 p.m Jan. 22 at Rock Island Extension, 321 2nd Ave. W, Milan.

During this program, participants will learn how to cultivate a beautiful cut-flower garden and leave knowing how to select, plant, and care for species that combine to make a stunning bouquet.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2xy2tr9k.

Other topics in the series will be Propagating Houseplants: Multiply Your Collection, Feb. 12;, and Seed Starting for Spring Success, March 26.

Let It Dough

OGLESBY, Ill. — Let It Dough: Make-and-Take Bread Workshop will be 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 24 at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby.

Learn to make and bake a classic coffee cake and a lower-sugar quick bread to take home and share with family and friends on a cold winter night.

Game-Day Charcuterie

STAUNTON, Ill. — Get ready for game day with a show-stopping charcuterie board that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Community Hospital of Staunton, 400 N. Caldwell St., Staunton.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to pair and plate a variety of cheeses, explore healthier options with lower sodium and fat, and discover tips for keeping your foods safe to eat and serve. Whip up flavorful dips and wholesome snacks that are perfect for sharing, then put it all together and practice designing charcuterie boards. Whether you’re hosting the big game or joining the watch party, you’ll leave ready to impress your guests with a balanced, beautiful spread.

Register for this free class by calling Brandi Crawford, director of nursing, at 618-635-4218, or email crawfordb@stauntonhospital.org.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/55nvxr4x.

Tree Care Series

URBANA, Ill. — Construction and Urban Soils will be the topic of the online Community Tree Care Series, 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 27.

The program is of special interest to arborists, public and private tree care professionals, municipal or county staff, community volunteers, and anyone interested in developing their tree care knowledge.

Topics will include Protecting Trees During Construction, and Addressing Urban Soils for Healthier Trees.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yam56ybp.

Agronomy Summit

FREEPORT, Ill. — The Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit will be 9:30 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Highland Community College, Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

This year’s conference will feature research updates from University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin, and Iowa State University faculty specialists, highlighting best management practices in the areas of soil fertility, corn and soybean management, and weed control.

Topics will include:

• SoilBNB: How to make your soils a host for microbes and reap the benefits

• Foliar fertilizers: When do we see the best bang for the buck in soybean?

• Producer Enemy Number 1: The case against waterhemp

• Managing waterhemp with cover crops

• Why do we fertilize? Reviewing corn and soybean nutrient needs and best fertility practices

Cost is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4nsrmzcv.

Native Landscape

URBANA, Ill. — The online Native Landscape Design Workshop will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 29.

The Introduction to Native Landscape Design Lecture allows you to learn design principles and explore native plant selection and maintenance to create beautiful, climate-adapted landscapes that benefit wildlife.

Individualized Landscape Coaching Sessions will be offered 6 to 8 p.m. Feb.12 or Feb. 26.

Healthy Snacking

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Heart-Healthy Snacking will be 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at the JCH Wellness Center, 412 Maple Summit Road, Jerseyville.

Snacking can make or break a balanced diet. Are you making the right choices? In this hands-on class, participants join Illinois Extension to learn how snacks impact hunger and nutrition, what to look for when choosing snacks, and simple steps to prepare smarter, satisfying options. Prepare for the big game with heart-smart options. Plus, put skills to the test by making and sampling delicious, healthy snacks.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/69b55pjj.

Calling Frog Survey

OTTAWA, Ill. — Calling Frog Survey Training watch party will be 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 at La Salle County Extension, 1691 N. 31st Road, Ottawa.

The Calling Frog Survey is a citizen science project that invites community members to learn how to identify frog calls and contribute valuable data to amphibian conservation efforts. Before the Calling Frog Survey began, little was known about the distribution and status of amphibians in our region. Now the survey is providing important information to scientists and land managers who can use the data to conduct management and research that benefits amphibian populations.

Participants will learn the unique calls of the 13 species of frogs and toads found in the Chicago wilderness region. A planning meeting to discuss 2026 routes will immediately follow the training.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y749sef5.

Master Gardening Training

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Spring 2026 Virtual Master Gardener Training will be Mondays and Tuesdays beginning Feb. 2.

This training will be all-virtual with Local Connection classes for Allen County taking place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET Mondays, and Statewide virtual classes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Participants must attend both the Local and Statewide classes online in order to complete the training course.

Applications are available at https://tinyurl.com/ycynd64a and may be dropped off at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Making Chocolate Candy

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Old World Fudge of Columbia City will present a program on making chocolate candy to give as a Valentine’s gift or just enjoy yourself, 6 to 7 p.m. ET Feb. 3 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Cost is $15. Register by calling 260-481-6826. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5xhdjrh2.

Drone Program

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology Program will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 at the Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center, 4669 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes.

Topics will cover FAA Part 107 remote pilot exam preparation as well as camera settings, flight plans, recordkeeping, image troubleshooting, and emergency preparation. Participants also will get a hands-on opportunity to fly different drones.

Creative Mess

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Art 101: Embracing Your Creative Mess will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET Thursdays, Feb. 5-26 at Johnnie Mae Farm, 2518 Winter St., Fort Wayne.

Learn how to create a work of art from sketching to framing, and improve your mental health through creativity. Participants will receive a full art kit and a frame for their finished art work. Grades 6-12 and adults are welcome.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yburbye4.

Forest Management

BROOKVILLE, Ind. — Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesdays, Feb. 10-March 31 at Franklin County Public Library, 919 Main St., Brookville.

Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner provides eight evening indoor sessions and one field tour providing information on the biology and management of Indiana woodlands. Instruction is provided by Purdue Extension specialists and natural resource professionals. Sponsored by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension and Indiana DNR Division of Forestry.

The field tour will be 8 a.m. to noon ET March 21 at Southeast Purdue Agriculture Center , 4425 County Road 350 North, Butlerville.

Tree Planting

SAN PIERRE, Ind. — The online Tree Planting Workshop will be 1 to 3 p.m. ET Feb. 12. The workshop will cover subjects such as ordering trees, planting trees, spacing, which species to use, soil types, weed control, and other related subjects.

Proper planting and good plantation maintenance practices will determine the success or failure of your newly planted seedlings. Many people have planted trees for windbreaks, reforestation, or wildlife habitat and have had disappointing results. Others have planted seedlings without losing a single one. During this workshop you will learn many useful ways to be successful with the seedlings you plant this year.

Register for this free workshop by emailing jaspernursery@dnr.IN.gov. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3xfjdznp.

Digital Skills

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Digital Skills Lessons: Introduction to Email will be 6 to 7 p.m. ET Feb. 12 at the Allen County Public Library, 2215 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne.

This workshop is designed for the individual who would like to learn about the advantages of having a personal email address. Discussed will be the key features participants should look for in an email provider, how to create an address, perform basic and advanced actions to get the most out of an email address, along with how to maintain safety when using an email address.

Meals in a Mug

TIPTON, Ind. — Meals in a Mug will be 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET Feb. 13 at the Tipton County Public Library, 127 E. Madison St., Tipton.

Participants will learn how to make single-serving snacks and meals utilizing a microwave and a microwave-safe mug. Participants should bring their favorite microwave-safe mug.

Showmanship Clinic

BAYLIS, Ill. — The Livestock Fitting and Showmanship Clinic will be 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 14 at John Wood Community College Ag Education Center, 37803 IL-104, Baylis.

This entry-level clinic is designed to help youth ages 8 to 18 build confidence and learn the essentials of preparing animals for show. This hands-on workshop will cover the basics of fitting either beef, swine, sheep, or goats, plus provide tips and techniques to improve showmanship skills.

The clinic will be led by JWCC Agriculture faculty and students, offering participants expert guidance in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. This is a great opportunity for participants to learn from skilled mentors while sharpening their showmanship skills.

After lunch, Youth for the Quality Care of Animals training will be available. YQCA certification is an important step for youth involved in livestock projects.

Cost for the showmanship clinic is $5, with an additional $3 fee for YQCA training. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3hc4mn3f.

For questions or more information, contact Kristin Huls at khuls@illinois.edu or 217-357-2150.

Grain Market Navigator

FLORA, Ind. — Grain Market Navigator Program Series will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesdays, Feb. 17-March 10 at Carroll County Event & Education Center,102 N. 4th St., Flora.

Take the guesswork out of grain marketing with this hands-on program designed to help farmers sharpen their marketing knowledge and confidence. Through interactive sessions, participants will explore the fundamentals of grain marketing and gain practical tools to use on their own farms.

Topics will include Grain Marketing Lingo, Basis, Cash vs. Future, Feb. 17; Contracts 101, Feb. 24; Market Outlook, March 3; and Grain Buyer Panel, March 10.

A virtual option is available. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ywvjw4nz.