Calendar: Grain Safety Week kickoff event

URBANA, Ill. — The Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff Event will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Feed Technology Center, 4495 S. Race St., Urbana.

Working around grain is a dangerous role that many perform every day. The Grain Safety Week Kickoff Event is a hybrid event, in-person and virtual, highlighting the importance of participating in Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week, held March 30 through April 3, and the benefits received from this national, industry-wide focus on safety.

The event will feature demonstrations focusing on key issues in managing a workplace safely and efficiently. Farm owners, elevator operators, and those who work around grain will learn about the dangers of dust explosions, machine guarding, how to spot bad ladders, and more.

The livestream feature will only be available from 10 a.m. to noon during the live safety demonstrations.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/449655sm. For questions about this free event, contact Salah Issa at salah01@illinois.edu.

Wildlife Workshop

HAMILTON, Ohio — The Ohio River Valley Woodland & Wildlife Landowner Workshop will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET March 21 at Butler County OSU Extension, 1802 Princeton Road, Hamilton, Ohio.

Designed for woodland landowners, this program offers forestry- and wildlife-focused educational opportunities to help landowners get the most from their property. This workshop brings together forestry and wildlife experts from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio to address common questions and management challenges faced by landowners.

Speakers from all three states will deliver information-packed sessions tailored to the interests and needs of woodland owners.

Registration is $45 per person, and includes a light breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrxduetu.

Naturalist Program

WOODSTOCK, Ill. — Junior Master Naturalist Program will be 2 to 3 p.m. March 23 at Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., Woodstock.

Illinois Extension master naturalists will explore the world of mammals, including deer, coyotes, foxes, beaver, rabbits, opossums, skunks, and mice. There will be hands-on activities and opportunities to touch real skulls, furs, and specimens.

Discover and learn about predator-prey relationships, animal adaptations and ecology,

Succession Planning

URBANA, Ill. — The online program The Evolution of Succession Planning: Strengths, Shortfalls, and Innovative Pathways Forward will be noon to 1 p.m. March 24.

Discover innovative pathways that advance the next stage of effective, adaptable succession planning.

Traditional succession planning is essential to business continuity and stability. This presentation traces its evolution and, through case studies, demonstrates that rigorous plans promote survival through leadership continuity and financial strength, while revealing weaknesses such as inadequate successor preparation, resistance to change, and misaligned objectives. It also examines innovative approaches and alternative models tailored to diverse contexts, highlighting the need for flexibility and stakeholder engagement.

Reviving Wetlands

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Reviving Illinois Wetlands will be noon to 1 p.m. March 24.

Wetlands of all sizes filter pollutants, provide protection from floods, recharge groundwater and serve as wildlife and fish habitat. But despite their enormous economic and ecological value, less than 10% of Illinois’ original 8 million acres of wetlands remain.

Explore restoration projects working to bring wetlands back to Illinois, discover the benefits these ecosystems can offer, and learn what your community can do to restore these vital habitats. Examples of wetland restoration projects include converting a 3,000-acre site into the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, to restoring a wetland in a small community park in Quincy.

Provided in partnership with Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development team.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5995axj9.

Cover Crop Walk

MILLERSBURG, Ind. — Cover Crop Demo Walks will be 2 to 3 p.m., and 6 to 7 p.m. March 24 at Crop Tech, 6808 County Road 37, Millersburg.

Attend free Cover Crop Demo Walks with ANR Extension educators from Purdue Extension Elkhart County.

Kathryn Jennings will be on-site for those wishing to discuss grazing cover crops/forages. Mark Evans will be available to discuss establishment and benefits/challenges of cover crops. There are 22 different strips of cover crops at the demo plot.

Other demo walks will be 11 a.m. to noon, and 2 to 3 p.m. March 31; and 1 to 2 p.m., and 6 to 7 p.m. April 2.

The plots are located on the south side of the Crop Tech parking lot.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/2fhr255p.

What’s New?

The program What’s New in Garden Centers? will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 24 at Danville Public Library, 319 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

Join the Vermilion County master gardeners and Danville Gardens to learn about 2026 plant trends.

Gardeners welcome the change of seasons for many reasons, one being that it often provides a blank slate. The plant problems they had last year are in the past. Spring brings new colors, textures, and interesting trends. Many gardeners keep journals when they can redesign and start new flower beds, fill problem areas, and replace perennials and shrubs to improve their landscape.

Stress Management

HARRISBURG, Ill. — Weathering the Storm: Stress Management Strategies for a Healthier You will be 6 to 8 p.m. March 24 at Southeastern Illinois College, 3575 College Road, Harrisburg.

Join Extension Educator Robin Ridgley for a workshop for agricultural producers and all community members to help identify and manage stressors in life and resources to use when feeling distressed. Learn to identify common stressors, recognize symptoms, and access practical management tools and techniques to reduce the effects of unwanted stress.

Work Ready

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Communication, Teamwork and Conflict Management will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET March 24 at Right Steps Central, 31 N. 7th St., Lafayette.

This session from Work Ready will focus on collaborating with colleagues and families to provide a positive environment for both staff and children.

For more information to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4n3bbr7d.

Vegetable Pests

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The program Spring/Cool Season Vegetable Pests and Pathogens will be 7 to 8 p.m. March 24 at the Champaign County Extension Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

Spring is a wonderful time to begin planting many cool-season vegetables. Cool-season vegetables can often withstand periodic frosts and can thrive prior to the onset of the summer heat. But planting sometimes has a downside. Plant diseases such as fungus or dry rot can emerge during a rainy period, and emerging insects or hungry mammals or birds may cause some disruptions.

Learn about clever techniques and mechanisms to unleash your best crop potential.

QLC Training

SALEM, Ind. — Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Training will be 9 to 10 a.m. ET March 27 at Washington County Extension, 806 Martinsburg Road, Salem.

Indiana youth wishing to exhibit swine, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, or poultry must complete a Quality Assurance Certification. Youth may complete either the in-person Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care course, or the online Youth for the Quality Care of Animals course. County fairs and state fair accept both options.

Terrarium Workshop

HENRY, Ill. — Terrarium Workshop will be 2 to 4 p.m. March 27 at Marshall-Putnam Extension, 509 Front St., Henry.

Participants will create their own miniature garden using plants and moss. This interactive program will include the basics of terrarium design and care while participants build a unique take-home project.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3vup7wea.

Gardening Workshop

DIXON, Ill. — The Ready...Set....Grow Gardening Workshop will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 28 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL Route 2, Dixon.

Join the master gardeners of Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties for this half-day event offering participants information about various aspects of home gardening.

New this year is a kids track. Budding gardeners ages 8 to 14 are invited to their own set of hands-on activities covering topics including soil, seeds, flowers, pollinators, and the environment. Youth participants will also create their own milk jug greenhouses.

Cost is $25. Hands-on sessions have additional fees. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n7z6rpc.

Gardener’s Day

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Gardener’s Day will be 9 a.m. to noon March 28 at Morgan County Extension, 104 N. Westgate Ave., Jacksonville.

This year’s presentation will cover the basics of gardening, caring for trees after planting, and garden planning with native plants.

Deep Roots, Strong Shoots: Tree Care after Planting — Planting is just the beginning for healthy trees, they will need proper care to thrive. Discover essential post-planting practices from watering to mulching to spotting stress and disease early. Learn how to give young trees the best chance for long-term success with expert tips and trusted resources.

Gardening 101 — Learn the basics of gardening from where to put a garden, how to build a garden, garden layout, and pest management.

Garden planning with native plants — Designing a beautiful, resilient garden starts with choosing the right plants. Learn how to plan and create a landscape that supports pollinators, conserves natural resources, and provides year‑round visual interest by incorporating native plants.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4yacvrt8.

Grassland Fire Rx

MONTEZUMA, Ind. — Learn-N-Burn Grassland Rx Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 2 pm. ET March 28 at Montezuma Community Center, 800 N. Jackson St., Montezuma.

This workshop will cover Conservation Reserve Program and Mid-Contract Management grassland options, including herbicide, interseeding and disking, as well as prescribed fire planning, safety and equipment. There will be a demonstration burn, weather permitting.

Registration is $25 and lunch will be provided. Sign up by calling or emailing Vermillion County Extension at 765-492-5330 or cox119@purdue.edu.

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

Livestock Workshop

MADISON, Ind. — The Area 1 Livestock Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET March 28 at Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 3767 W SR 256, Madison.

The workshop will include livestock showmanship sessions, career exploration opportunities, and an Indiana Quality Livestock Care workshop. This event is open to all 4‑H members interested in building skills and gaining hands‑on experience.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3n6a2eek.

Horse Showmanship

GIRARD, Ill. — Horse Showmanship Workshop will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 28 at Halter Workshop, 32771 Deer Creek Road, Girard.

This workshop will focus on teaching 4-H youth ages 8 to 18 how to properly present their horse in hand for competition. Participants learn essential skills such as correct halter fitting, grooming for show, leading and positioning the horse, executing patterns, and demonstrating poise, confidence, and sportsmanship in the show ring. This hands-on workshop helps members build communication and teamwork with their horse while preparing for successful participation in 4-H shows.

There will be horses on-site for participants to work with hands-on and learn from.

Grafting Workshop

HILLSBORO, Ill. — Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon March 28 at Montgomery County Extension, 1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro.

Learn the art and science of grafting fruit trees, a technique that can improve fruit quality, increase yield, and enhance tree health, led by Andrew Holsinger, Extension horticulture educator, and Patrick Gibson, orchardist of Heritage Farms in Godfrey.

The workshop will cover various grafting methods, including whip and tongue, cleft, and bark grafting, providing attendees with hands-on experience and practical knowledge.

Cost is $30, which includes two self-grafted trees. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bhtpx3pb.

Canning with Confidence

EAST MOLINE, Ill. — Canning with Confidence will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. March 30 at Black Hawk Outreach Center/Professional and Continuing Education Department, 301 Avenue of the Cities, East Moline.

This class covers proper techniques for using a water bath canner, including electric models, as well as steam canners and pressure canners.

Participants will receive step-by-step instructions, tested recipes, helpful resources, and video demonstrations of these canners in action.

This program will be presented by Kristin Bogdonas, food and nutrition educator, Illinois Extension.

Cost is $21. Register by contacting Black Hawk Outeach Center at 309-796-8223. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2dn66rud.

Pet-Friendly Landscaping

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — The online program Pet-Friendly Landscaping will be 10 to 11 a.m. March 31.

Explore how everyday gardening practices can support the pets who share our outdoor space. Learn how to create an attractive, functional yard that’s also safe for curious companions who love to sniff, nibble, and explore.

Ag Advisory

MILLERSBURG, Ind. — The Ag Advisory Input Pizza Lunch will be noon to 1:30 p.m. ET March 31 at Pizza Depot, 104 N. Jefferson St., Millersburg.

Join Mark Evans and Kathryn Jennings, Ag & Natural Resources educators from Purdue Extension Elkhart County, for a free lunch at Pizza Depot as they gather ideas and input for future agricultural programs.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yv2stdy5.

Estate Planning

DIXON, Ill. — Estate Planning will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 31 at Riverview Conference Room at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon.

Estate planning involves leaving the farm to heirs. Join Illinois Extension Farm Business and Marketing Educator Kevin Brooks to discover how to have the conversations of estate planning amongst heirs. Brooks also will highlight available tools useful in planning.

The workshop and dinner are free thanks to sponsorship from Sterling Federal Bank. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4rv9yzvj.

Tree Bucking

REELSVILLE, Ind. — The Hardwood University course Tree Bucking will be 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET April 1 at C.C. Cook & Son Lumber Company, 6236 W. U.S. Highway 40, Reelsville.

The value of lumber, veneer, and other wood products that come from a given tree can be significantly increased when that tree is cut to optimal log lengths. Factors that influence bucking decisions, along with the economic impacts of correct and wrong bucking choices, will be discussed.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdea3usz.

Swallowtails in Illinois

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Swallowtails in Illinois will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 1 at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere.

Discover the world of Illinois swallowtails and learn how to welcome these stunning pollinators into your own backyard.

Pruning Trees

MORRISON, Ill. — Pruning Dormant Trees for Success will be 9 to 11 a.m. April 2 at French Creek Park, 650 Portland Ave., Morrison.

Early spring is the perfect time to prune your fruit trees to improve harvest and tree health. Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black shares methods for proper tree planting, pruning for establishment, and techniques for pruning dormant fruit trees to promote productivity and longevity.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4v9hv58c.

Equine Care

GREENVILLE, Ill. — Equine Care & Veterinary Skills Workshop will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 28 at Greenville University Equine Barn, 1186 Country Club Road, Greenville.

This hands-on workshop is designed for youth interested in horses, animal science, and veterinary careers, and will provide real-world learning opportunities in a safe, supervised environment.

Topics will include horse breed identification, equine dentistry, radiographs and ultrasounds, blood draws, proper leg bandaging, and equine vaccines.

This workshop is a great opportunity for youth to build confidence around horses, deepen their understanding of equine health, and explore potential career paths in veterinary medicine and animal care.

Livestock Skills

GOSHEN, Ind. — Built for the Barn: Livestock Skills Series is designed to build practical knowledge and confidence for youth and families working with livestock.

Session 1 will be 6 to 8 p.m. ET April 2 at Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 CR 34, Goshen. Learn about dehorning, tube feeding, castration, and ear tagging.

Session 2 will be 6 to 8 p.m. ET May 7 at Ligonier Public Library, 300 S. Main St., Ligonier. Learn how to make yogurt and other products using milk from your livestock.

Session 3 will be 6 to 8 p.m. ET June 4 at Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw. Learn how to safely back up livestock and utility trailers.

Cost is $15 per session. Dinner will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4cab5w5a.