Calendar: Birdwatching hike at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

HENNEPIN, Ill. — Birdwatching Hike will be 8 to 10 a.m. June 27 at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, 6377 IL-26, Hennepin.

The 3,000-acre Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is home to more than 730 native plant species and 270 bird species. Thousands of migrating waterfowl use Hennepin and Hopper lakes as a critical stopover during the spring migration. Explore the wetlands and learn about the important conservation work being done at the Refuge.

This program is suitable for all ages and levels of birdwatching experience, from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars.

Dirt and Discovery

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ill. — Dirt and Discovery will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 22 at Hardin County School, 4 School Road, Elizabethtown.

This summer, Illinois Extension staff and master gardener volunteers are offering an opportunity for local youth to engage in outdoor education and learn more about how to grow their own food. Through Dirt and Discovery, youth will rediscover where their food comes from and learn more about the natural world around them. Participants can take part in gardening tasks, including planting, weeding, harvesting and watering, and learn about garden science concepts, such as soils, composting and insects.

Exploring Ponds

ROUND LAKE PARK, Ill. — The Junior Master Naturalist program Ponding 2026 will be 1 to 2 p.m. June 22 at Avon Township Center, 433 E. Washington St., Round Lake Park.

This hands-on program offers a unique opportunity for kids in grades K-4 to explore the fascinating creatures living in our local ponds. Program highlights include:

• Pond Netting Activities: Dive into the fun with hands-on pond netting activities. Kids will have a blast catching incredible critters and getting up close with the amazing diversity of pond life.

• Digital Microscopy: Use a digital microscope to magnify specimens, making tiny creatures appear huge and revealing their intricate details.

• Water Quality Impact: Learn how water quality affects these aquatic animals and the overall health of the ecosystem. Discover the importance of clean water for the well-being of pond life.

• Identification and Learning: Identify and learn about the various species caught during the netting activities. Understand the crucial roles these critters play in our local ecosystem.

Taste the Mediterranean

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Taste the Mediterranean will be 6 to 7 p.m. June 22 at Jerseyville Public Library, 105 N. Liberty St., Jerseyville.

In this hands-on class, youth will work together to prepare tasty Mediterranean-inspired recipes while learning how foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, olive oil, and seafood can support a healthy lifestyle. Participants will practice kitchen safety, cooking skills and teamwork while exploring simple ways to make healthy eating fun and delicious.

Register by calling Jerseyville Public Library at 618-498-9514 or sign up at the front desk of the library. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/7t66swp2.

Highland Cows

JOHNSONVILLE, Ill. — Managing Highland Cows will be 6 to 8 p.m. June 22 at Edmison Acres and Highland Cattle, 777 County Rd 1875 N, Johnsonville.

Edmison Acres takes pride in raising high‑quality Highland and other Highland‑cross cattle. What started with three small heifers in 2020 has quickly evolved into a herd of 18. Owner Lindsey Edmison draws on her background with Angus cattle to help manage their herd to continually improve the operation.

While not commonly seen in Illinois pastures, Highland Cattle are a hardy multipurpose breed used for meat, milk, fiber, and draft animals. The breed is a creative option for those wanting to graze cattle but may only have a few acres.

The June Summer Twilight Series program will focus on how Edmison Acres was founded, its goals and management strategies, and the requirements for raising Highland Cattle in southern Illinois. The program will also highlight how effective soil health practices and thoughtful rotation can make grazing successful on small acreages.

ServSafe Training

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — ServSafe Food Protection Manager training will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 23 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

ServSafe Food Protection Manager training satisfies Indiana requirements to become a certified food protection manager and focuses on five aspects: Foodborne microorganisms and allergens; personal hygiene; purchasing, receiving, and storage; preparing, cooking, and serving; facilities, cleaning/sanitation; and managing pests.

The full one-day training includes a manual and proctored exam. You must score 70% or greater to earn the certificate. The certification is valid for five years.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5an92scb.

Paint a Barn Quilt

LAPORTE, Ind. — Paint a Barn Quilt Creation Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT June 23 at LaPorte County Fairgrounds Community Building, 2591 W. State Road 2, LaPorte.

Create your own colorful, geometric 2-by-2-foot masterpiece to hang on a barn, a home, or a business. Boards, primer, tape, brushes, and up to four paint colors will be available for participants. This workshop also incorporates an educational component, highlighting gardening themes as participants create a beautiful barn quilt inspired by garden design.

Cost is $60, and includes supplies and lunch. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y6r8b3wt.

Food Preservation

VINCENNES, Ind. — Mastering Home Food Preservation four-day course will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET June 23-26 at Vincennes University, Shircliff Humanities Building, Room A-204, 130 E. Harrison St., Vincennes.

The course provides in-depth lectures, interactive discussions, hands-on practice, take home products and valuable resources. USDA home food preservation recommended procedures are taught.

Topics covered include: Food safety, freezing, boiling water canning, pressure canning, jams and jellies, pickling and dehydration .

For questions about the course, contact Tonya Short at short43@purdue.edu or 812-882-3509. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4ttn4thv.

Fishing Clinic

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Let’s Get Hooked Fishing Clinic will be 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 23 at Miller Park Lake, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington.

Join Illinois Department of Natural Resourcesand McLean 4-H at Miller Park Lake for a morning of catch-and-release fishing. IDNR professionals will kick things off with a brief training session, making this activity perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. IDNR will provide all necessary equipment. Families are welcome to fish alongside their children.

Grilling and Salads

PRINCETON, Ill. — Grilling and Summertime Salads will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. June 23 at Bureau County Senior Center, 16 W. Marion St., Princeton.

Learn research-based tips to make your outdoor grilling a success this summer. Topics will include grilling benefits, marinades, health risks, and grilling safely. Participants will also explore seasonal ingredients that add flavor, texture, and nutrition to summer salads.

During the program, participants will make and taste a fresh homemade salad dressing and take home recipes and practical tips for easy, healthy summer meals.

The program will be repeated 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 25 at Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal St., Ottawa. Visit https://tinyurl.com/5n6jxbx2.

Healthy Hooves

GOSHEN, Ind. — Healthy Hooves, Healthy Herds: Sheep & Goats will be 5 to 6 p.m. ET June 23 at Elkhart County Extension, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

This free, hands-on sheep and goat hoof trimming workshop is designed to help producers and animal owners build confidence in proper hoof care. Learn how to safely handle animals, recognize common hoof health issues, and practice correct trimming techniques. Whether you’re new to small ruminants or looking to improve your skills, this workshop will provide practical knowledge to support healthier animals and better herd or flock management.

To register or for questions, call Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu. Participants may bring up to two animals to practice on. Please note the animals you will be bringing when you register.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4j3m6jym.

Peel to Plate

STAUNTON, Ill. — From Peel to Plate: Reducing Food Waste One Bite at a Time will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 23 at Community Hospital of Staunton, 400 N. Caldwell St., Staunton.

This class looks at simple ways to cut food waste, store foods safely, and understand what expiration dates really mean. We’ll talk about how to use ingredients from root to stalk and stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. Participants will roll up their sleeves in the kitchen and try recipes that put every part of the plant to work, including broccoli tots and air-fried fuffalo broccoli stems. It’s a practical, hands-on session that helps you save money, reduce waste, and enjoy good food.

Botanic Garden Visit

GARY, Ind. — Lake County 4-H Urban Agriculture will explore Oases Botanic Gardens, 3510 W. 15th Ave., Gary, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CT June 24.

Participants in grades 3-12 will explore this unique educational and healing space, discover edible flowers, gourmet garlic, and wildlife habitats, and practice hands-on garden mapping with compasses.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/2eubew53.

Cooking Up Success

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Cooking Up Success: How to Sell Food from Your Home Kitchen will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 24 at Morgan County Extension, 104 Westgate Ave., Jacksonville.

Have you ever thought about turning your homemade foods into something you can sell? Whether it’s jams, baked goods, or family favorites, you can do it right from your own kitchen.

Join Morgan County Health Department and Illinois Extension for a practical, up-to-date class on selling homemade foods at farmers markets and beyond. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the Illinois Cottage Food Law, including the latest updates and how to safely prepare and sell your products with confidence. Also covered will be the basics of getting started, from simple marketing and branding ideas to key steps for launching your own small business.

Cacti and Succulents

CERRO GORDO, Ill. — Habitat at Home: Cacti & Succulents will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 24 at Hope Welty Public Library, 100 Madison St., Cerro Gordo.

Paricipants will learn how to grow cacti and succulents, explore the conditions they need to thrive, and discover a variety of popular succulent plants that are easy and rewarding to grow.

Use Your Noodle

DECATUR, Ill. — Use Your Noodle: A Brain Education Day will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25 at Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St., Decatur.

Regularly engaging your brain can support cognitive and memory function. Challenge your noodle with a day of learning, socialization, activities, and movement. Young and older adults are encouraged to attend. A variety of social service agencies will be on-site to provide information.

Mini 4-H Night

BLUFFTON, Ind. — Wells County 4-H Mini 4-H Night will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET June 25 at Wells County 4-H Park Community Center, 1240 4-H Park Road, Bluffton.

Mini 4-H Youth in grades K-2 will participate in group games, learn about healthy foods and taste-test a treat, learn about science in a fun STEM activity, and explore nature in the park.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/2njzw6au.

Homegrown Harvest

DECATUR, Ill. — Homegrown Harvest will be 9 to 10 a.m. June 26 and July 24 at Southside Hill Community Garden, 826 E. Lawrence St., Decatur.

Homegrown Harvest is a series of family-friendly workshops designed to support vegetable gardeners of all skill levels. Discover tips and tricks for growing a successful garden.

On June 26, learn when to harvest and how to modify the garden for fresh produce all season. On July 24, learn how to extend the growing season by planting fall cool-season crops.

Women and the Land

WATAGA, Ill. — Women and the Land: Spotlight on Conservation will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 26 at Wataga Fire Department, 310 W. Willard St., Wataga.

Discover how practical, on‑farm conservation can strengthen both your land and your bottom line. This educational program will explore conservation practices that keep nutrients where they belong — on your fields — and highlight cost‑share opportunities available in your area.

Participants also will learn how to use basic farm financial documents as powerful decision‑making tools when evaluating management options.

A optional farm tour to follow from 2 to 4 p.m. at 2083 CR 800 E, Wataga.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mvxbmbv8.

Garden Walk

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — The Whitley County Master Gardeners’ Garden Walk will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET June 27 at five beautiful private gardens throughout the South Whitley area. Whitley County master gardeners will be available at each garden to answer questions and provide guided tours.

For more information, contact Purdue Extension, 220 W. Van Buren St., Columbia City, at 260-244-7615 or visit https://tinyurl.com/4ktpacv4.

Dragonfly Walk

CYPRESS, Ill. — Dragonfly Identification Walk will be 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 at Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 IL-37, Cypress.

Join Master Naturalists Pat Dunbar and Mary McCarthy for a relaxed and engaging nature walk focused on spotting and identifying dragonflies. Participants also will get an up-close look at aquatic life with a dipnetting demonstration.

Bee the Change

EWING, Ill. — Bee the Change: A Pollinator Field Tour with Master Gardener Anne Hale will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 28 at Anne Hale’s Garden, Ewing.

Explore the important role pollinators play in healthy ecosystems and productive landscapes during this guided tour of a pollinator habitat. Along the way, learn about some of the native plants that support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and why pollinator conservation is critical for agriculture, biodiversity, and resilient landscapes.

Indoor Plants

HILLSBORO, Ill. — Success with Indoor Plants will be 4 to 5 p.m. June 29 at Hillsboro Area Public Library, 420 S. Main St., Hillsboro.

Plants that thrive in indoor environments require a balance of plant culture and human care. Learn how to create a healthy houseplant environment by selecting the right plants for your indoor space, maintenance practices, and key ornamental aspects in growing interior plants.

Farm Legacy

SYCAMORE, Ill. — Focus on the Future: Sustaining Farm Legacy will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 30 at DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore.

There are significant and detailed decisions to be made when owning a farm and building a legacy. The event will feature critical and practical updates for farmers, landowners, and agricultural stakeholders on the current agricultural environment, including succession planning, asset stewardship, and market conditions.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5dysmtud.

Canning Workshop

HILLSBORO, Ill. — Summer Jam and Jelly Canning Workshop will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 1 at Montgomery County Extension, 1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro.

Learn how to safely make and preserve jams and jellies using the boiling water bath method. Participants will get hands-on experience making strawberry-kiwi, blueberry spice and blackberry jam, and take a jar home.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mrxpcdc4.

Pie Making

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Pie Making Workshop will be 9 to 11 a.m. July 2 at Jackson County Extension, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Rosie Wece will demonstrate how she makes her famous blueberry pie.