Calendar: Help pull invasive garlic mustard

SIMPSON, Ill. — Garlic Mustard Pull will be 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 17 at Trigg Observation Tower, Trigg Tower Road and Rushing Road, Simpson.

Teams will hand-pull garlic mustard in impacted areas. There will be a short guided hike to learn more about the area’s botany.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y2659m92.

Houseplant Swap

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Houseplant Swap hosted by DuPage County master gardeners will be 10 a.m. to noon April 11 at DuPage County Extension, 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Suite 170, Naperville.

Bring a houseplant to participate. It can be any size, and you can bring as many as you would like to swap.

Master gardeners will be available to answer questions. There will be demonstration tables on how to replant/propagate and how to manage houseplant pests and diseases.

For more information about this free program, visit https://tinyurl.com/2c24m8b4.

Grow Your Groceries

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Peas, Beans, and Cucumbers will be the topic of the online Grow Your Own Groceries series, 6 to 7 p.m. April 13.

Other topics in the series will be Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Herbs, April 20; Pumpkins and Winter Squash, April 27; and Melons and Gourds, May 4.

Each one-hour session will cover a group of vegetables with similar growing needs and times and takes you from seed/variety selection through safe handling, harvest, storage and preservation.

For each session, participants will receive three to four seed packages, educational handouts, and some recipes, which can be picked up at your local Extension office. Packets can be mailed for an additional fee if requested.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/57j44t4b.

Mighty Microgreens

STERLING, Ill. — Microgreens: Small Yet Mighty will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 13 at the Sterling Public Library, 102 W. 3rd St., Sterling.

Microgreens are tasty, nutrient-packed tiny plants, and are easy to grow at home. Participants will learn seed selection, planting, tending, and harvesting.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4vv3tsv7.

Edible Path

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The Edible Wild Path Seasonal Course will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 14, Aug. 25, Oct. 21 and Jan. 29 at 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Road, Monticello.

Each session of the beginner foraging course will have three parts:

• Classroom-style presentation: Foraged food safety, laws and regulations, storage, preservation, and identification of common foraged species.

• Field experience: Hike with Extension Master Naturalist Chandler Womack and Educator Karla Griesbaum to explore edible wild food, how to harvest, and ethical practices.

• Cooking class: Use common foraged foods to create some delicious and healthy recipes with Educator Rachel Mannen, then have a communal lunch with our delicious meal.

Cost is $30 per session. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdhrkumk.

Garden Safety

GILMAN, Ill. — How to Garden without Hurting Ourselves will be 11 a.m. to noon April 14 at the Extension office, 1380 S. Crescent St., Gilman.

Gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable outdoor activity, but the bending, lifting, and repetitive movements involved can also take a toll on the body. The Ford-Iroquois master gardeners will present this free educational program focused on preventing muscle and joint pain during the spring gardening season.

Holly Holland, a physical therapy assistant with Gibson Area Hospital, will share practical tips and techniques gardeners can use to reduce strain, protect joints, and minimize muscle discomfort while working in the garden.

Renewable Energy

KNOX, Ind. — Renewable Energy Planning Regional Workshop and Bus Tour will be 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT April 16.

This program is designed for public officials and community leaders seeking a better understanding of Indiana’s current energy landscape and utility-scale renewable energy developments as they make planning and policy decisions in their communities.

The workshop will be 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bass Lake Fire Department Community Room, 7225 US-35, Knox.

The bus tour of an agrivoltaics site will be 1:30 to 4 p.m.

The workshop is free. Bus tour cost is $25. Participants may attend the full day or part of the day. Lunch is provided for all participants.

Move Management

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Move Management will be 6 to 7 p.m. ET April 16 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Cara Ratay from Green Door Move Management will discuss how she assists individuals and families in sorting out belongings to prepare for a move to a smaller space.

Crochet Basics

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Lake County 4-H Hooked on Fun: Crochet Basics will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. CT April 16 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

This beginner-friendly crochet workshop is perfect for children in grades 3–12 who want to learn the core skills of crochet, including chain stitches and crochet tools.

Wildflower Hike

MARSEILLES, Ill. — Spring Wildflower Hike will be 10 a.m. to noon April 18 at Illini State Park, 2660 E 2350th Rd, Marseilles.

Spring ephemeral wildflowers can only be viewed for a brief period of time, between the ground thawing and the forest canopy leafing out. Master naturalist volunteers will guide participants of all ages through each natural area to search for these rare springtime blooms.

4-H Fun Day

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Lake County Mini 4-H Fun Day will be 10 a.m. to noon CT April 18 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

The event will include hands-on activities, and participants will create projects they can showcase at the fair.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdc7andw.

4-H Foundation Fundraiser

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — Kane County 4-H Foundation Fundraiser will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 18 at Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.

The dinner will be prepared by the Elburn Lions Club and served by 4-H Foundation, clubs, families, and other Extension volunteers and supporters.

The event also features a silent auction of popular items and themed baskets.

Proceeds from the event will benefit University of Illinois Extension programs in Kane County, including 4‑H Youth Development, Home and Community Education Association, horticulture, master gardener, and nutrition and wellness programs.

Cost is $16 for a two pork chop dinner, $14 for a one pork chop dinner, and $12 for a pulled-pork sandwich meal. For more information and tickets, call 630-584-6166, or visit https://tinyurl.com/52tpsrvp.

African Violets

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Indoor Plants in the Summertime and African Violet Workshop will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. ET April 19 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Master gardeners will discuss African violets and how indoor plants react in the summer due to the change in lighting.

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

Fueling Health

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Fueling Healthy Families will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. CT April 21 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

Participants will receive easy, budget-friendly recipes, and inspiration to prepare healthy meals and snacks. This free workshop includes: Nutrition guidelines for the whole family; a healthy cooking demonstration; tasty recipe samples; tips for picky eaters; easy ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals; and how to spot and reduce sneaky added sugars.

Home Canning

EL PASO, Ill. — Preserving Your Harvest: Home Canning will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 21 at El Paso District Library, 149 W. 1st St., El Paso.

Participants will learn the step-by-step process to canning using a boiling water bath canner, steam canner and pressure canner. Included will be a pressure canner demonstration.

Repotting Houseplants

MOUNT CARMEL, Ill. — Repotting and Caring for Houseplants will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 21 at the Annex Building at Wabash County Fairgrounds, 15039 4-H Center Lane, Mount Carmel.

Participants will learn proper methods for repotting and pruning houseplants, how to propagate houseplants and succulents, basic houseplant care, and how to overcome common houseplant issues. Participants are encouraged to bring their houseplants that need repotting to this workshop. Potting soil will be provided, but participants should bring pots and planters to repot into, gardening gloves, small garden trowel and pruners.

Backyard Pumpkins

NASHVILLE, Ill. — Backyard Pumpkin Patch will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 22 at Washington County Extension, 9623 Wall St., Nashville.

Pumpkins may be a fall favorite, but successful harvests start long before autumn arrives. This spring is the perfect time to learn how to grow big, beautiful pumpkins later this year.

Master Gardener Monique Liguori-Weinberg brings years of personal experience growing pumpkins in her home garden. She’ll guide participants through the steps to ensure a healthy patch, including choosing the right spot, selecting the best varieties, buying quality seeds, and caring for plants throughout the season.

Tomato Troubles

OGLESBY, Ill. — Tomato Troubles will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 23 at Oglesby Public Library, 111 S. Woodland Ave., Oglesby.

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and commonly grown plants in home gardens. Learn about common problems that plague tomatoes as well as ways to address them.

Speak for the Trees

WINCHESTER, Ind. — Speak for the Trees and Plant for Free will be 6 to 8 p.m. ET April 23 at Husted Hall, Randolph County Fairgrounds, 1885 US-27, Winchester.

Program topics will include Tree Care, Invasive Plants, Forestry for the Birds, and Leave the Leaves.

Participants will take home a free tree, courtesy of the Randolph County Solid Waste Management District.

4-H Cookout

GENESEO, Ill. — The Cookout to Benefit Henry County 4-H will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 24 at Fareway, 540 Pritchard Drive, Geneseo.

Enjoy a fresh‑off‑the‑grill menu featuring pork chop sandwiches, hamburgers, brat patties, pork patties, brats, hot dogs, chips, and drinks.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4kksc89e.

Mental Health First Aid

HAVANA, Ill. — Adult Mental Health First Aid for Ag will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 24 at Spoon River College, Havana Center, 324 E. Randolph St., Havana.

Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers face unique pressures that can take a real toll on mental health. This free, one-day training gives participants the tools to recognize when someone is struggling and the confidence to help.

What you’ll learn:

• How to identify signs of mental health or substance use challenges.

• Steps to support someone in distress or crisis.

• Ways to reduce stigma and start open, supportive conversations.

• Where to turn for resources in your community.

Spring Fling

ROCKVILLE, Ind. — The 4-H Spring Fling will be 5 to 8 p.m. ET April 24 at Parke County Fairgrounds, 1472 N U.S. 41, Rockville.

The free event for children in grades 6-12 will include games, s’mores and popcorn.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/29p5h8zk.