GEORGETOWN, Ill. — Agriculture Drone Education Day will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 5 at Georgetown Fairgrounds, 413 N. Seminary St., Georgetown.

The use of drones in agriculture has steadily gained traction, particularly in the application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Spend the day at a field-style event exploring the key benefits and challenges of using spray drones in agriculture.

The event will feature educational presentations on drone features, hauling, safety, insurance, regulations, and state requirements. In addition, there will be equipment demonstrations and a networking session with industry professionals to help answer questions around adding drones and other agricultural technologies to a farming operation.

There is no cost or registration required to attend. Lunch will be provided. Certified Crop Adviser Continuing Education Units will be available at the end of the event for qualified individuals.

For questions about the event, contact Dennis Bowman, Illinois Extension digital agriculture specialist, at ndbowman@illinois.edu or 217-244-0851.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2t8zjx9x.

Canning with Confidence

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Canning with Confidence will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 27 at Macoupin County Extension, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

Curious about home canning but not sure where to begin? Join Extension for a beginner-friendly class that takes the guesswork out of preserving food at home. Learn the basics of pressure canning, water bath canning, and steam canning, including which method works best for different foods. Learn about essential equipment, safe practices, and walk step-by-step through the process so you can feel confident getting started.

Do you need a pressure canner gauge tested? Bring it with you and have it tested at no cost. Plus, enjoy a tasting of unique homemade salsa and jam along the way and receive canning recipes.

Register for this free class at https://tinyurl.com/37fbnxyt.

Food Preservation

LACON, Ill. — Canning with Confidence — Food Preservation will be 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. May 28 at Lacon Public Library, 205 Sixth St., Lacon.

Participants will learn proper techniques for preserving both low-acid and high-acid foods using water bath and pressure canning methods.

Register by calling 815-433-0707 or visit https://tinyurl.com/3c5zfe2f.

Pickerelweed Project

URBANA, Ill. — Pickerelweed Project: Education and Training will be 3 to 4:30 p.m. May 29 at Meadowbrook Park, 2808 S. Race St., Urbana.

Learn how establishing the right “weed” for your pond or wetland can help support native bees, including a local endangered bee, the pickerelweed longhorned bee.

Discussion topics by Illinois Extension Educator Karla Griesbaum and Urbana Park District Environmental Public Program Coordinator Sreelakshmi Suresh will include native and specialist bees, wetlands and wetland plants, the endangered pickerelweed longhorn bee, selecting the right location for pickerelweed, and planting pickerelweed in a pond or wetland.

This program will involve a three-quarter mile paved walk through Meadowbrook Park to the wetland.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/nx2xnted.

Successful Gardening

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Successful Vegetable Gardening with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be 10 to 11 a.m. May 30 at North Chicago Public Library, 2100 Argonne Drive, North Chicago.

Topics will including planning the garden — site selection, vegetable selection, and supplies; preparing the soil; proper planting techniques; and caring for the established garden. Planting times for warm and cool-season vegetables also will be discussed.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/42kkuvhk.

Building Bridges

GARY, Ind. — The Lake County Model Bridges Club workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon CT May 30 at Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary.

Students in grades 3-12 will explore engineering by designing, building, and testing their own model bridges.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4kk8urvu. For more information, contact Kasey Wilhoit at kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

Jams and Jellies

FREEPORT, Ill. — Preserving Jams and Jellies will be 9 a.m. to noon May 30 at Stephenson County Extension, 2998 W. Pearl City Road. Freeport.

Making jams and jellies at home is a simple and rewarding way to preserve food. With just fruit, sugar, pectin, and a few essential kitchen tools, you can create flavorful spreads. Understanding the basic principles behind the process, such as balancing the proper ratio of fruit, pectin, acid, and sugar, is key to achieving a perfect set and a safe product.

This hands-on workshop begins in the classroom and then moves to the kitchen for a practical experience. During the first portion of the class, participants will learn about the different types of sweet spreads, the science behind gel formation, and essential jam- and jelly-making techniques. In the second half, participants will put their knowledge into action by preparing their own jar of jam to take home.

Cost is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4e9yne4a.

Chef University

NOBLESVILLE, Ill. — Chef University Spark Club Camp will be 8:30 a.m. to noon ET June 1-2 at Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.

Students in grades 3-6 are invited to enhance their cooking skills, learn kitchen safety and increase their knowledge of food from around the world.

Cost is $35. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3wvapj7k.

4-H Barbecue

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Warren County 4-H Barbecue will be 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 2 at Warren County Farm Bureau, 1000 N. Main St., Monmouth.

Meal includes pork chop, baked beans, applesauce, chips, dessert and drink.

Cost is $10. All proceeds go to Warren County 4-H clubs for scholarships and event fees.

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

Herbs for Pollinators

MARION, Ill.— Planting Herbs for Pollinators will be 6 to 7 p.m. June 2 at Marion Carnegie Library, 206 S. Market St., Marion.

Learn how to select, plant, and care for herbs that not only enhance your cooking but also attract and support vital pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/eajz6y82.

Container Gardening

CAIRO, Ill. — Container Gardening Workshop will be 10 to 11 a.m. June 3 at The Pilot Garden: Cairo’s Food Donation Garden, 413 31st St., Cairo.

Container gardens are a great option for beginner gardeners, those without a big space to garden, and those with challenging soil conditions. The workshop will include a tour of the garden, which uses raised beds of various materials.

Participants will have the opportunity to create container gardens planted with vegetables, fruits, or native flowers to take home after the workshop.

Register by calling 618-524-2270. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/m8pv742u.

Dining with Diabetes

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Dining with Diabetes will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. ET June 3, June 10, June 17 and June 24 at Waynedale United Methodist Church, 2501 Church St., Fort Wayne.

Adults with type 2 diabetes (or who are at risk) are invited to participate, along with family members and caregivers of a diabetic.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/33k7cy7w.

4-H General Show

MOUNDS, Ill. — The 4-H General Show will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 4 at Pulaski-Alexander County Extension, 502 Oakley Lane, Mounds.

Youth enrolled in 4-H in Alexander, Massac, Johnson, Pulaski, and Union counties will present general show projects for judging

For more information about 4-H general project shows, call 618-745-5200 or email Kristi Stout at kbstout@illinois.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/36r9mzbh.

Insect Hotels

PONTIAC, Ill. — Insect Hotels: Creating Habitat for Beneficial Insects will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 4 at Livingston County Extension, 1412 S. Locust St., Pontiac.

Discover how small structures can make a big difference for local wildlife in this hands-on workshop. Dive into the fascinating world of beneficial insects and learn how these small-but-mighty creatures support pollination, healthy gardens, and thriving ecosystems. We’ll explore what different insects need to survive and how simple, well-designed insect hotels can boost biodiversity right in your own backyard.

Participants will get creative as they design and build their own insect hotel using natural materials, with step-by-step guidance on construction, placement, and care to help ensure long-term success. This workshop is interactive, creative, and accessible to all skill levels, making it suitable for individuals or families.

Participants will head home with a finished insect hotel, handy knowledge to support beneficial bugs at home or in community spaces, and easy, actionable ways to make your environment more insect-friendly.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/unmp49k4.

Barn Quilts

VALPARAISO, Ind. — The Barn Quilt Creation 4-H Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 5 at Porter County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso.

Participants will design and create their own 2-by-2-foot geometric barn quilt — perfect for displaying on a barn, home, or business. All materials will be provided, including boards, primer, tape, brushes, and up to four paint colors.

This hands-on workshop also features an educational component, incorporating 4-H themes as participants craft a unique barn quilt inspired by 4-H traditions and creativity.

Cost is $60. Register at https://tinyurl.com/msjvbe8m.

Know Your iPhone

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Getting to Know Your iPhone will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 5 at Allen County Public Library, Georgetown Branch, 6600 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne.

Participants will learn ways to interact with the touch screen, how to access important controls, and how to search for specific settings. Also covered will be best practices for securing and maintaining your device.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/mtzs9cjc.

Let’s Make Salsa

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Let’s Make Salsa will be 1 to 2 p.m. June 5 at JCH Wellness Center, 412 Maple Summit Road, Jerseyville.

Learn how to make the most out of your summer produce by making fresh salsa. This class is open to all ages and will involve hands-on practice making a variety of different salsas.

Register by calling 618-498-3500. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yw7nzm6p.

4-H Barbecue

STRONGHURST, Ill. — Henderson County 4-H Barbecue will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 5 at Henderson County Fairgrounds, 122 E. Jones St., Stronghurst.

Meal includes pork chop, baked beans, applesauce, chips, dessert and drink.

Cost is $10. All proceeds stay in Henderson County for scholarships and activities for the 4-H clubs.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3pem4knp.

Garden Walk

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Allen County Master Gardener Garden Walk and Plant Sale will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET June 6 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Tour the Display Gardens at your leisure or be guided by a master gardener volunteer. This free event features information stations, crafts, and plants for sale.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/54zvkkrv.

Butterfly Gardening

HOBART, Ind. — Butterfly Gardening will be noon to 1 p.m. CT June 6 at Lake County Public Library, Hobart Branch, 100 N. Main St., Hobart.

Join Dolly Foster, Purdue Extension horticulture program assistant, for this educational program on butterfly gardening.

Register by calling 219-942-2243. Visit https://tinyurl.com/7cwpzdne.