Calendar: Maple Syrup Workshop, 4-H pancake fundraiser

SIMPSON, Ill. — The Backyard Maple Syrup Production Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Feb. 7 at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 IL-145, Simpson.

The free workshop will cover the basics of maple syrup production and allow attendees to see firsthand the entire process of backyard maple syrup production. Kids activities will be available to provide a fun way to learn more about maple syrup production.

Register for this free program by calling 618-695-2441 or email cwevans@illinois.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2t3zce8v.

Before the workshop, there will be a pancake breakfast and 4-H fundraiser at 8:30 a.m. featuring maple syrup made at Dixon Springs. Cost is $10 per person; $8 for children under 10. Bottles of maple syrup will be available for purchase.

Winter Seed Sowing

HAMMOND, Ind. — Winter Seed Sowing will be 10 a.m. to noon CT Jan. 24 at Gibson Woods Nature Center, 6201 Parrish Ave., Hammond.

During this workshop, participants will learn how to sow garden seeds outdoors. Participants should bring a clean 1-gallon jug.

ServSafe Training

VERNON, Ind. — ServSafe Food Protection Manager training will be 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Jan. 26 at Jennings County Extension, 200 E. Brown St., Vernon.

ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program accredited by the National Restaurant Association and the Conference for Food Protection. The program was developed to educate food service workers about food safety.

ServSafe Food Protection Manager is the highest certification awarded by ServSafe. The manager training focuses on five aspects of food service that can affect the safety of food:

• Foodborne Microorganisms and Allergens

• Personal Hygiene

• Purchasing, Receiving, and Storage

• Preparation, Cooking and Serving

• Facilities, Cleaning/Sanitation and Pest Management

The certificate is earned by passing the ServSafe Manager exam with a 70% and the certification is valid for five years.

Annual Meeting

SALEM, Ind. — The 2026 Washington County Sheep Association Annual Meeting will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET Jan. 26 at Southern Hills Church, 1645 S. St. Rd. 135, Salem.

The meeting will begin with a meal sponsored by the Washington County Sheep Association followed by a short educational program, association business, and updates on programs and activities. Association annual dues of $10 may also be paid at the meeting.

All sheep producers are encouraged to attend. RSVP by calling Washington County Extension at 812-883-4601. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4vp68e45.

Legislative Update

URBANA, Ill. — The online Federal Legislative 2026 Update will be noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 29.

Each year, changes in federal legislation can have a significant impact on Illinois communities, requiring a careful evaluation to ensure sound ongoing fiscal and administrative management of vital programs and resources.

Hosted by the National Association of Counties, this annual webinar provides local administrators, civil leaders, business representatives, and public and nonprofit professionals with a clear and timely briefing on the federal policy developments most likely to impact counties. Participants can join a question-and-answer session at the end of the presentation.

Speaker will be Owen Hart, legislative director for agriculture and rural affairs at the National Association of Counties. Hart will discuss the implications of federal legislation for Illinois counties and local governments.

NACo is a bipartisan organization based in Washington, D.C., which works to ensure county priorities are represented in federal legislation packages.

Nature Journaling

TISKILWA, Ill. — The Nature Journaling Workshop will be 8 to 10 a.m. Jan. 31 at Tiskilwa Public Library, 119 E. Main St., Tiskilwa.

Discover how to slow down, look closely, and connect more deeply with the natural world through the practice of nature journaling. During these hands-on workshops, participants will learn how to observe their surroundings, ask thoughtful questions, and document what they see using words and sketches. No prior artistic experience is necessary, just a curiosity about nature and a willingness to explore.

Participants ages 12 and up of all skill levels are welcome. A portion of the workshop will be outdoors if weather permits.

Trails and Tales

PECATONICA, Ill. — Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales will be 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Torstenson’s Education Center, 13735 Cook Road, Pecatonica.

The event will include four sessions led by keynote speakers, each presenting a “naturalist tale” as well as an opportunity for a winter hike.

Naturalist tales will include:

• Galls Gone Wild! by Tricia Bethke, forest pest outreach coordinator, The Morton Arboretum

• Invasive plants: What’s New? by Stanley Jay Solomon, natural resources, environment, and energy educator, Illinois Extension

Why and When Is a Pest a Problem? byTricia Bethke

Eagles, Owls, and Raptors by Mike Eickman, master naturalist, Illinois Extension, and board president of Sand Bluff Bird Observatory

During lunch, participants will have the opportunity to take a winter hike led by Dawson Minsch, master naturalist with Illinois Extension.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/v4e4hb3s.

Making Money Work

CARLINVILLE, Ill. —The Making Your Money Work program for ages 10-18 will be 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at Macoupin County Extension, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

4-H is partnering with Carlinville National Bank to help youth navigate the world of financial responsibility. Participants will learn money facts, habits, and the differences between needs and wants.

Victory Gardens

FRANKLIN GROVE, Ill. — The program Victory Gardens will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Winifred Knox Memorial Library, 112 S. Elm St., Franklin Grove.

Explore the inspiring history of victory gardens — also known as war gardens or food gardens for defense — planted across the United States during World War I and World War II. These homegrown efforts helped supplement food supplies and boost morale during times of national hardship.

Learn how these gardens shaped American communities, supported the war effort, and influenced modern gardening practices.

Soil Health Workshop

SALEM, Ind. — The 14th annual Southern Region Soil Health Workshop will be 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET Feb. 3 at Cornerstone Chapel & Celebration Center, 1500 RC Morris Drive, Salem.

David Kleinschmidt, conservation agronomist at Progressive Agronomy Consulting, will speak on Input Management in Soil Health Systems. Ray McCormick, Indiana farmer and No-Till Farmer’s 2024’s Conservation Ag Operator Fellow, will cover Modifying Equipment for Efficiency as well as Farming River Bottom Ground. Danielle Walker, Ag & Natural Resource educator with Washington County Purdue Extension, will present the Private Applicator Regulatory Topic.

PARP credits, CCH and CEU credits have been applied for. Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance, through their checkoff dollars, are sponsoring private applicators by offsetting their PARP fees. Questions about credits may be directed to Walker at 812-883-4601.

Cost is $10, and includes lunch. Register by calling the Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District at 812-883-3006, ext. 3, or visit https://tinyurl.com/yrzb6t7m.

The workshop is organized by the Washington County SWCD, the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service, Purdue Extension — Washington County, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative, and the Twin Creek-Lick Branch River Watershed Project. Additional support provided by North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.

Fruit Tree Pruning

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Winter Fruit Tree Pruning will be 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4 at DuPage County Extension, 1100 E Warrenville Rd #170, Naperville.

Alexis R. Barnes, Extension local food systems and small farms educator, will discuss how — and when — to properly prune apple, pear, peach, and cherry trees for healthier growth, stronger structure, and bigger harvests. This hands-on fruit tree pruning class covers winter pruning techniques, common pruning and training mistakes, proper tool selection, spray schedules, and essential care tips specific to Northern Illinois’ climate and growing conditions.

Perfect for backyard growers, homesteaders, beginning orchardists, commercial growers, and homeowners with overgrown or neglected fruit trees, this workshop will teach you how to shape strong trees, improve airflow and sunlight penetration, develop comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans, and increase fruit production season after season.

Bring photos of your fruit trees. without any leaves, so you can learn what to prune off of your tree.

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

The Meaning of Flowers

FORSYTH, Ill. — Floriography: The Meaning of Flowers will be 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 5 at Forsyth Public Library, 268 S. Elwood St., Forsyth.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the symbolism behind common flowers and then create their own bouquet designed to tell a story or convey a message. Leave with a deeper understanding of floral symbolism and a beautiful arrangement.

Basic Training

MADISON, Ind. — Master Gardener Basic Training for Jennings, Jefferson and Switzerland counties will be noon to 3 p.m. ET Thursdays, Feb. 5-May 7, at Jefferson County Extension, 3767 W SR 256, Madison.

This year’s training includes:

• 40 hours of interactive instruction

• A comprehensive Master Gardener textbook

• Presentations from local and state horticulture specialists

• Topics about soil health, vegetable gardening, invasive species, fruit trees and pest management

Register by calling Jennings County Extension, 812-352-3033; Jefferson County Extension, 812-265-8919; or email, copelanb@purdue.edu.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrn7t5cj.

Fruitful Fridays

GOSHEN, Ind. — The Fruitful Fridays lunch-and-learn series will be noon to 1:30 p.m. ET Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 at in February in the Elkhart County Extension conference room at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

Modern fruit production practices, pest and disease management and cultivar selections will be discussed.

Cost is $30 for the workshop series. Registration online at https://tinyurl.com/548ynyyd or call 574-533-0554.

Ice Fishing Clinic

STERLING TOWNSHIP — The Family Ice Fishing Clinic will be 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at Sinnissippi Park, Sinnissippi Road, Sterling Township.

Learn the ins and outs of ice fishing from the professionals at the clinic presented by IDNR Urban and Community Fishing Program and Illinois Extension.

Participants can expect a safety session before ice fishing in a designated safe area. IDNR will provide all the equipment needed, including ice augers, fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment. Participants may bring their own gear if they choose.

Great Seed Event

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — The Great Seed Event will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at McHenry County College, 8900 Northwest Hwy #14, Crystal Lake.

General admission is free and there will be a seed swap open for home seed savers featuring vegetables, natives, flowers and herbs.

Vendors will offer seeds, seed-starting equipment, and information about plants.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc7ntvhz.

Agronomy Summit

JOLIET, Ill. — The Joliet Agronomy Summit will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 10 at Joliet Junior College, Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center, 17840 W Laraway Road, Joliet.

The event will provide producers with the latest agronomic research updates and equip them with information that will empower them in their farm decision-making.

Summit topics will include:

• Digital Agriculture and New Technologies

• Update on Disease Management in Corn and Soybeans

• Nutrients and Physiology in Corn and Soybeans

• Dealing with Wind and Water in Illinois

• Agricultural Economics

Cost is $30 and includes lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdfb92x8.

Beekeeping for Beginners

ANGOLA, Ind. — Beekeeping for Beginners will be 9 a.m to noon ET Feb. 14 at Commons Hall, 501 S. John St., Angola.

Experience beekeeping and learn how to get started in this three-part series.

First-week topics will include:

• History of Beekeeping

• Why keep bees?

• Beekeeping Equipment

• Hive inhabitants

• Beekeeping Overview

Cost is $10. Register by calling Steuben County Extension, 260-668-1000, ext 1400. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3vj8w3wj.