Calendar: Management strategies for farm ponds

MT. VERNON, Ill. — Farm Pond Management will be 6 to 8 p.m. March 9 at Jefferson County Extension, 4202 Williamson Place, Mt. Vernon.

Farm ponds can bring seasons of enjoyment for recreation and fishing, but they need a plan for management strategies. Chris Lueking, Extension agriculture and natural resource educator, will cover pond management goals, excessive plant and algae growth, wildlife issues, safety goals, and drought plans.

Mediterranean Diet

NORTH UTICA, Ill. — The Foods and Flavors of the Mediterranean Diet will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 3 at Utica Public Library, 224 Mill St., North Utica.

Participants will:

• Explore the Mediterranean diet and its impact on overall health and disease prevention.

• Learn how to incorporate Mediterranean-style foods into daily meals.

• Discover heart health oils.

• Try a Mediterranean snack in class, and take home resources, recipes and tips to use at home for a healthier lifestyle.

Mental Health First Aid

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Mental Health First Aid will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT March 4 at Wellborn Community Room, 20 NW 3rd St., Evansville.

Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance abuse challenges.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3xcws3h6.

Conservation Practices

HENRY, Ill. — Conservation Practices for Profitable Farms will be 10 to 11 a.m. March 5 at Marshall-Putnam County Extension, 509 Front St., Henry.

Explore conservation strategies that not only protect natural resources but also enhance farm profitability, especially during challenging economic times.

Senior Workshop

VALPARAISO, Ind. — The free Senior Workshop focused on home gardening tips and technology tailored for older adults will be 11 a.m. to noon CT March 5 at South Haven Public Library, 403 W 700 N, Valparaiso.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/5d9xjmax.

The program will be repeated 11 a.m. to noon CT March 12 at Kouts Public Library, 101 E. Daumer Road, Kouts. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4xuew3c3.

Meat Judging

The State 4-H Meat Judging & Identification Contest will be 10 am. March 6 at University of Illinois Meat Science Lab, 1503 S. Maryland Drive, Urbana.

This contest will determine the Illinois team advancing to nationals in Manhattan, Kansas, in October. Open to youth ages 8 to 18 with junior and senior divisions.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ndff3vcm.

Forest Management

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner will be 6 to 9 p.m. ET Thursdays, March 5 to April 23, at John S. Wright Center, 1007 N 725 W, West Lafayette.

This course is recommended for private woodland owners wishing to learn more about management options, resources, and access to assistance for their property.

Topics covered include:

• Tree ID

• Forest history and biology

• Management planning

• Management practices

• Wildlife management

• Timber sales

• Forest economics

• Resources and assistance for forest landowners

In addition, two Saturday field tours will provide field experiences to reinforce the classroom content.

Full registration fee of $50 includes handouts, flash drive with class reference resources and a tree measuring stick.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/2u5tsfy9.

Cattlemen’s Meeting

SALEM, Ill. — The Washington County Cattlemen’s Annual Meeting will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET March 5 at Southern Hills Church, 1645 S. State Rd. 135, Salem.

Anyone interested in the beef industry is invited to the annual meeting and to join the organization. Annual membership dues for the Washington County Cattlemen’s Association are $20 per household. Dues may be paid at the annual meeting or by contacting Washington County Extension.

The meeting will begin with a meal. RSVP by calling Washington County Extension at 812-883‑4601. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr4x8edd.

Spring Wreaths

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Make a Spring Wreath will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET March 6 at at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

If you haven’t taken that Christmas wreath down yet, its’s time to do so. Make a spring wreath to put in its place.

Chainsaw Workshop

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. — Chainsaw Workshop for Landowners will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET March 7 at Morgan-Monroe State Forest Fire Training Headquarters, 6220 Forest Road, Martinsville.

This workshop will focus on chainsaw techniques appropriate for woodland owners, including personal protective equipment, chainsaw safety features, and an introduction to chainsaw use with classroom and demonstration time. There will be an opportunity for supervised cutting if time permits.

Participants should dress to be outdoors and bring a sack lunch and drinks. Bring a chainsaw and personal protective equipment (chaps, ear and eye protection) if you have it. Instructors will be certified trainers with Game of Logging.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc3u54cs.

Prescribed Fire

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Prescribed Fire for Managers will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET March 7 and 8 at John S. Wright Forestry Center, 1007 N 725 W, West Lafayette.

Prescribed Fire for Managers introduces participants to the basics of planning and conducting prescribed fires including preparing burn plans. It is designed for those interested in conducting prescribed fire as a land management tool. The target audience includes natural resource professionals, contractors, fire departments, natural resources students, and private landowners.

The course includes classroom and live fire instruction (weather permitting) across two days. Topics include prescribed fire laws and permitting, fire behavior, firing methods and tactics, burn plan preparation, and executing a prescribed fire.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4w44297c.

Dairy Quiz Bowl

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl will be 10 a.m. March 7 at Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, 1621 Jumer Drive, Bloomington.

4-H members will compete in an academic-like quiz bowl while demonstrating their knowledge of the dairy industry. Participants do not need to be a dairy project member to be eligible. The top winners will represent Illinois in national competition.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/47j8nezf.

Livestock Skillathon

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — 4-H Livestock Skillathon will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7 at Susnig Center, 401 Mound St., Jerseyville.

This contest will give 4-H members from Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery counties the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in various aspects of livestock management. Banners will be awarded to the top five individuals in each division and the top three teams in each division.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/9kxds8j4.

Garden Day

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Home, Lawn, and Garden Day will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7 at Parke Regency Conference Center, 1413 Leslie Drive, Bloomington.

Make your garden thrive with educational workshops, inspiring speakers, and horticulture exhibits from businesses and organizations.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/46pmkt98.

Seed Expo

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — The Extension Master Gardener Seed Expo will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 7 at College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or planting your first seed, this expo has something for everyone.

Even highlights include:

• Free Seeds for All Attendees — discover new varieties and old favorites

• Expert-Led Gardening Tips — learn from horticulturists, growers, and master gardeners

• Live Demonstrations & Mini-Workshops — soil prep, seed starting, pollinator gardens, and more

• Q&A Sessions with Plant Experts — bring your questions and get personalized guidance

• Raffle and Door Prizes — purchase tickets for a chance to win some great themed prizes

For more information, including sponsors and vendors, visit https://tinyurl.com/28983evd.

Birdhouse Workshop

OTTAWA, Ill. — Birdhouse Workshop will be 1 to 3 p.m. March 7 at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa.

Children can get creative and learn about nature in this hands-on workshop. Participants will build a bluebird nest box with guidance from a master naturalist volunteer and discover fun facts about birds and the importance of bird conservation.

This program offers a great way for children to connect with wildlife while learning new skills. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost is $5 and covers the cost of all materials. Register at https://tinyurl.com/uwarpubx.

Seed Starting

EARVILLE, Ill. — Seed Starting and Saving for Gardeners will be 6 to 7 p.m. March 9 at Earlville Library, 205 W. Winthrop St., Earlville.

Participants will learn practical techniques for starting seeds indoors, discover which seeds can be direct-sown outdoors, and explore methods for saving seeds from their own gardens to use in future seasons.

Success with Seeds

BRIGHTON, Ill. — Success with Seed Starting will be 2 to 3 p.m. March 10 at Brighton Memorial Library, 110 N. Main St., Brighton.

It’s time to get a head start on the upcoming garden season by starting seedlings indoors. Growing quality seedlings requires proper planning for adequate conditions to start seedlings off right. In this workshop, participants will gain invaluable insights into the art and science of seedling cultivation.

Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger will delve into a spectrum of proven techniques, providing the knowledge and skills needed to kickstart gardening endeavors with confidence. From creating optimal growing conditions to mastering the skill of nurturing seeds into robust plants, this workshop is the passport to a bountiful harvest.