MARION, Ill. — Golden Hour Gardening: Pizza in a Pot will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 28 at Cultivating Care Garden at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Carbon St., Marion.

Have you ever wished you could grow your own pizza ingredients right in your backyard? Now you can with Pizza in a Pot, part of the Golden Hour Gardening Series. Join 4‑H Educator Toni Kay Wright for a fun, hands‑on session where participants ages 8 to 18 will plant very own container herb garden.

By growing fresh herbs, you’ll have everything you need to add homegrown flavor to your next homemade pizza. It’s a simple and delicious way to bring gardening and cooking together.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr3j6577.

Container Gardens

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Mixed Container Gardens will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 16 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 Vine St., Elizabeth.

Participants will put together a stunning container garden of flowering annuals, herbs, or a mixture of both that with proper care will look beautiful all summer long. All supplies needed will be supplied

Cost is $25. Register by calling 815-858-2273 or visit https://tinyurl.com/4whvv4x4.

Wellness Walk

RIVER FOREST, Ill. — The Cook County May Nature Wellness Walk will be 10 a.m. to noon May 16 at Thatcher Woods, Chicago Avenue, west of Thatcher Avenue, River Forest.

Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led by certified forest guides during this slow and leisurely walk. A beautiful tea ceremony will be conducted after the walk.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3yewyjsh.

Plant Sale

AMBOY, Ill. — Lee County Master Gardeners Plant Sale will be 8 a.m. to noon May 16 at Lee County 4-H Center, 1196 Franklin Road, Amboy.

A variety of homegrown annuals, perennials, and vegetables will be available. Master gardeners will be present to answer gardening questions and offer assistance.

Vist https://tinyurl.com/mwdum2xm.

Family Forestry

PECATONICA, Ill. — Family Forestry Field Day will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 at Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center, 13735 Cook Road, Pecatonica.

This interactive day with Illinois Forestry Association, the Walnut Council, and Illinois Tree Farm is designed to help families and community members explore and appreciate forest ecosystems. The event will feature guided activities for both adults and children, and live demonstrations led by forestry professionals.

Cost is $15 and lunch will be provided. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2w3xcvab.

Sourdough Secrets

FAIRBURY, Ill. — Unlock the Secrets of Sourdough, 6 to 7 p.m. May 18 at Dominy Memorial Library, 201 S. 3rd St., Fairbury.

Gain a better understanding of the entire sourdough bread-making process and leave with a list of resources to help you continue your bread-making journey at home.

Free to attend and no registration necessary. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/pypa5wnb.

Native Plants

MAKANDA, Ill. — Landscaping with Native Plants Garden Tour will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 18 at Touch of Nature, 1206 Touch of Nature Road, Makanda.

A walking tour of three gardens at Touch of Nature will be led by Touch of Nature Board Member Lyle White and Master Gardener Joe Powers. Learn why they made the switch to improving the site’s landscaping with native plants. Each garden has origins tied to specific goals, including educational demonstration, erosion control, mowing reduction, historical ethnobotany, and the preservation of the rare flora of southern Illinois.

Kimberly Rohling, horticulture educator, has been an adviser at this garden site and will be available during the program to answer questions.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/exypuvv7.

Geology of Illinois

CHAMOAIGN, Ill. — Geology of Illinois will be 7 to 8 p.m. May 19 at Champaign County Extension Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

Scott Elrick, head of the Bedrock Geology Section at the Illinois State Geological Survey, brings the state’s buried history to life through paleogeographic maps that reveal how the state’s rocks and geologic resources formed over hundreds of millions of years.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3ucnc6kv.

Living with Arthritis

RED BUD, Ill. — Eat and Educate: Living with Arthritis will be noon to 1 p.m. May 21 at Southwestern Illinois College – Red Bud Campus, 500 W S 4th St., Red Bud.

This program is designed to support older adults living with arthritis by focusing on simple, effective lifestyle changes that can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Learn how daily habits — such as gentle movement, healthy eating, joint protection, and stress management — can make a meaningful difference in managing arthritis symptoms.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ax78ebs9.

Terrific Tomatoes

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Terrific Tomatoes will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 21 at Winnebago County Extension, 1040 N. Second St., Rockford.

Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty will discuss choosing the right varieties; managing pests, diseases, and environmental challenges throughout the season; and knowing when tomatoes are ready, and handling for the best flavor and shelf life.

Whether you’re new to tomato growing or looking to improve your harvest, this session will give you the essential tools to grow healthier plants and produce high‑quality fruit.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/3pk29dj6.

Invasive Species

URBANA, Ill. — The Everyday Environment team with University of Illinois Extension is hosting a free livestream Q&A on Illinois Extension’s Facebook page about invasive species in Illinois, 1 to 2 p.m. May 21.

Questions asked in the chat will be answered by Extension Forester Christopher Evans.

You do not need to have a Facebook account to participate. Register in advance to receive the direct livestream link.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yv7a8bhh.

Garden Planning

OGLESBY, Ill. — Garden Planning Workshop will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 21 at Oglesby Public Library, 111 S. Woodland Ave., Oglesby.

Learn the basics of square-foot gardening and create a personalized plan for your own space. Whether youʼre a beginner or seasoned gardener, this hands-on session will help you maximize your gardenʼs potential and make planning simple and fun.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/mvshjx7t.

Plant Sale

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — The Master Gardener Plant Sale will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23 at Macoupin County Historical Society, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville.

Shop for perennials, herbs, native plants, hardware, and more while supporting the programs of the Macoupin County master gardeners. There will be many top-quality, locally raised plants to choose from.

The plant sale will take place on the east side of the grounds, next to the windmill and red barn.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/58e6jhk9.

Bluebell Seeds

CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. — Bluebell Seed Collection with Forest Preserves of Winnebago County will be 9 to 11 a.m. May 23 at Deer Run Forest Preserve, 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley.

Enjoy an educational hike and learn about the spring ephemerals found at Deer Run Forest Preserve before helping collect bluebell seeds for the greenhouse. Participants are welcome to take some seeds home with them at the end of the program.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/72dswya4.

Kids in the Park

PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. — Kids in the Park will be 9 to 11 a.m. May 26, May 28, June 2, June 4, June 9, and June 11 at Pinckneyville Community Center, 403 N. Walnut St., Pinckneyville.

This 4‑H Club helps kids build a deeper connection with nature through hands‑on, exciting activities led by local master gardeners.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/22x8emnt.

Watershed Stewards

GENOA, Ill. — The Watershed Steward Program will be 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 26, June 2, June 9, June 13 and June 16 at the Natural Resource Education Center, 11750 State Route 72, Genoa.

This program engages participants as stewards of their local watershed by offering information from scientists, researchers, and watershed management professionals. This five-session education program helps people understand how their water travels from rainfall to potential drinking water and so much more.

Register by calling 815-758-8194 or visit https://tinyurl.com/6w74tnbs.

Food Preservation

WINCHESTER, Ind. — Mastering Home Food Preservation will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET May 26-May 29 at Randolph County Extension, 1885 US 27, Winchester.

Mastering Home Food Preservation provides in-depth lectures, interactive discussions, hands-on practice, take-home products, and valuable resources. USDA home food preservation recommended procedures will be taught.

Topics covered include food safety, freezing, boiling water bath canning, pressure canning, jams and jellies, and dehydration.

To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/hmyz9tcv. For questions about this course, contact Janel Franks at franksjs@purdue.edu or 765-348-3213.

Sourdough Basics

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Sourdough Basics Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT May 26 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

Unlock the secret of naturally fermented bread with this beginner-friendly sourdough workshop. Participants will learn about the science of sourdough fermentation, how to make sourdough starter from scratch, the health benefits of natural fermentation, and sourdough baking basics.

Cost is $30. Register by emailing dmcook@purdue.edu or call 219-755-3240. Visit https://tinyurl.com/5cuzra2p.

Using Google Drive

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The program Using Google Drive will be 4 to 5 p.m. ET May 26 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

If you have a Gmail address, you have access to free cloud storage through Google Drive. With this cloud storage service, you can store many types of files and access them from any device with an internet connection.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will create and upload folders to Google Drive and organize files within folders. Also learn how to share folders with others.

Register for this free program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/zc5nympx.

Field & Friends

GOSHEN, Ind. — Animal Damage Management will be the topic of the Field & Friends Monthly Farmer Briefing Series, 8:30 to 10 a.m. ET May 27 at Elkhart County Extension, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

The series is a free monthly program designed for farmers, landowners, and anyone interested in agricultural innovation and hot topics. Programs focus on real-world experiences from producers and practical insights that can be applied across a range of farm operations.

To register, call 574-533-0554 or email bcavanagh@purdue.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/nrsb7xhv.

Mindfulness Hike

PEORIA, Ill. — Mindfulness Hike will be 9 a.m. to noon May 27 at Detweiler Riverside Park, 8412 N. Galena Road, Peoria.

Led by Master Naturalist Paul Resnick, this mindfulness hike is a walk in nature, focusing on gentle awareness of the present moment rather than the distance or speed of the hike. Being with nature in the present moment is the primary purpose.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4ns82d94.

Fields to Flight

CENTRALIA, Ill. — Fields to Flight, a hands-on drone adventure, will be 9 a.m. to noon May 27 at Kaskaskia College Ag Building, 27210 College Road, Centralia.

Participants ages 8 to 18 will learn the basics of drones and how they’re used in agriculture. Discover how technology is shaping the farms of the future.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr3mjeur.

Pest Solutions

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Natural Pest Solutions for the Garden will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. CT May 27 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

The free program will feature Rebecca Koetz, Purdue Extension horticulture educator; and Dolly Foster, Purdue Extension horticulture program assistant.

Register by emailing rmwielgu@purdue.edu or call 219-755-3240. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2a7u477w.

The program will be repeated 6 to 7:30 p.m. CT June 3 at Hammond Public Library, 564 State St., Hammond. Register by calling 219-931-5100.

Invasive Species

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The 2026 Illinois Invasive Species Symposium will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 28 at Champaign County Extension Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

Explore the latest invasive species research updates, learn about management options, celebrate success stories, network with colleagues, and ask questions at the 11th annual Illinois Invasive Species Symposium hosted by University of Illinois Extension.

Researchers, students, and industry professionals will present on emerging invasive species threats, using drone technology to manage invasive plants, silver carp movement in the Illinois River, managing stiltgrass with fire, how invasive tick species affect cattle, and more. The symposium concludes with a Q&A panel discussion on the state of invasive species in Illinois.

The event is open to the public, industry professionals, students, landowners and managers, farmers, foresters, volunteers, and environmental stewards. Lunch is included in the $25 registration.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ya5nzhnc.

Rural Roots

WYOMING, Ill. — Rural Roots Family Fun Day will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 28 at Wyoming Public Library 109 N. 7th St., Wyoming.

Participants will get up close to goats and other farm animals at the petting zoo; explore agriculture, gardening, nutrition, and 4-H activities; try fun games for a chance to win prizes; and pick up recipe cards, grocery totes, and Extension info.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4y6p9bys.

Gift of Flowers

POCAHONTAS, Ill. — Giving the Gift of Flowers will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 28 at Bond County Extension, 208 Academy St., Pocahontas.

This is a free workshop ideal for flower enthusiasts, gardeners, or families who want to deepen their knowledge by learning tips and techniques for producing more blooms and the importance of giving back to their community.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2uvv82ay.

Master Gardeners

NORTH JUDSON, Ind. — The Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Mondays, June 1 to July 13, at North Judson Library, 208 Keller Ave., North Judson.

The Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program makes the latest information about gardening and home horticulture available to individuals with a deep interest in gardening.

The program provides a learning framework for participants to increase their knowledge on a wide variety of horticultural subjects. In turn, participants volunteer and help others grow by sharing knowledge while providing leadership and service in educational gardening activities within their communities.

To register, call Nikky Witkowski, 219-465-3555, email nikky@purdue.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3ny99ffm.

Facebook Basics

PORTAGE, Ind. — Getting Started with Facebook will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. CT June 2 at Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St., Portage.

Learn how to sign up for Facebook and begin building your profile. Participants also will learn how to find friends and will get an introduction to Facebook’s privacy settings.

To register for this free event, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdf5sywh.

Fire Conference

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference will be June 2 to June 4 at Monroe Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave., Bloomington.

The Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference is focused on fire science and management in oak forests, woodlands, and savannas where noted experts in research and management gather to present state-of-the-art information, perspectives, and syntheses on key issues. This conference will emphasize topics relevant to management of oak-dominated forests, woodlands, and savannas and will be of interest to managers, scientists, landowners, consultants, and students.

The schedule will include a day of speakers and panel discussions from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET June 2; a field trip from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3; followed by a final day of speakers and special sessions, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4rv6muvx.

Livestock Skills

WARSAW, Ind. — Built for the Barn: Livestock Skills Series 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 and dinner is included. To register, call Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4cab5w5a.

The Livestock Skills Series is designed to build practical knowledge and confidence for youth and families working with livestock.