Calendar: Introduction to Managed Grazing

DUBOIS, Ind. — Grazing 102: Introduction to Managed Grazing will be 1 to 6 p.m. ET Aug. 28. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center, 11371 E. Purdue Farm Road, Dubois.

Topics will include:

• Pasture evaluation

• Forage species selection

• Plant disorders and identification

• Fence and water systems

• Animal nutrition needs

• Paddock design

• Understanding soils

The event will include pasture walks and field tours to provide hands-on opportunities to identify forage and weed species, and demonstrate rotational grazing.

Cost is $75 for the first attendee and $50 for each additional person from the same farm.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/32rum9an, call 812-678-4427 or email towerj@purdue.edu.

Dragonflies and Damselflies

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Dragonflies and Damselflies will be noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 18 at Piatt County Extension, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Learn about dragonflies and damselflies, two fascinating insects found around ponds, lakes and streams. Discover how to tell them apart, learn about their life cycle, and find out why they are important to healthy ecosystems.

Herb Gardening

NASHVILLE, Ill. — Herb Gardening willbe 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at Washington County Extension, 9623 Wall St., Nashville.

Herbs can serve a variety of purposes. They have uses in cooking, as greenery for cut flowers, and can add texture to landscaping. Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Kathy Sherman will talk about growing an herb garden, caring for your plants and the uses of herbs around your home. Participants will receive a seed kit to help them get their home herb garden started.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4w5mfxtx.

Garden to Table

DANVILLE, Ill. — Garden to Table will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at Kennekuk County Park, 22296 Henning Road, Danville.

Vermilion County master gardeners will discuss what stood out in their 2026 gardens, and unusual flowers and produce that are grown in east central Illinois. This popular event is always widely attended by those searching for a better tomato, cucumber, or pepper. You may find a new variety of fruit or unusual herb to grow next year, along with ways to use harvested produce. There will be a tasting at the end of the program.

Register for this free program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/psj8ntbu or call Vermilion County Extension, 217-300-2616.

Preserving Safely

BERKLEY, Ill. — Food Preservation Basics will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18 at Berkeley Public Library, 1637 N. Taft Ave., Berkeley.

Whether you’re just starting out or updating your food preservation knowledge, join University of Illinois Extension Food and Nutrition Educator Yvonne Izquierdo for this timely seasonal program.

Participants will learn the basics of food preservation; receive the latest, most up-to-date home food safety guidelines; and learn the latest scientific methods for preserving food safely.

Pinney Purdue Field Day

WANATAH, Ind. — Pinney Purdue Field Day will be 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT Aug. 19 at the Pinney Purdue Ag Center, 11402 S. County Line Road, Wanatah.

The new format includes an open house-style field tour that lets participants customize their experience.by choosing an educatioinal stop that best fit their operation and interests. Topics include: Ag economic outlook, corn and soybean updates, weed management practices, field crop diseases, soil fertility, anhydrous ammonia safety, and load securement.

For more information, vist https://tinyurl.com/yeyhe8v5, call 219-733-2379 or email sboyer@purdue.edu.

Fire Ecology

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Fire Ecology for Managing Grasslands and Woodlands will be 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19.

Illinois is dominated by fire-adapted ecosystems from prairies to savannas to barrens and oak woodlands. Historically, fire played a key role in maintaining diversity, structure and function in these systems. Today, prescribed fire is a tool that can be used to promote plant diversity, control invasive species, and restore structure.

Jon Henn, assistant professor in the University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, will discuss some of the basics of fire ecology in native systems and how it can be implemented on private land for management goals.

Herb Gardens

ROCHELLE, Ill. — Dooryard Herb Gardens will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, 615 4th Ave., Rochelle.

Step back into Colonial America and discover the fascinating history of dooryard gardens — the essential household herb plots that shaped daily life.

Participants will create their own herb container to take home. All materials will be provided.

Register for this free program by calling 815-562-3431, or email ashleyc@flaggrochellepubliclibrary.org. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2rtp4hsd.

Nature Glass Painting

DECATUR, Ill. — Nature Glass Painting will be 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at Macon County Extension, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., Decatur.

Participants will create their own nature art on glass, led by art teacher Merry Lanker. All 5x7-inch frames will be provided; participants can bring their own frames, 8x10 and under.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4mtyy48w.

Produce Safety

CHICAGO, Ill. — Produce Safety in the City will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Just Roots St. James Farm, 2936 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago.

Explore practical strategies for reducing contamination risks — from harvest and washing to cooling, packing, and storage — using space‑efficient systems suited to urban farms. Extension educators and Northern Illinois Young Farmers Coalition will share best practices, demonstrate real‑world workflows, and discuss how to scale food safety plans to meet local market and regulatory needs.

All produce growers are welcome to attend this free event. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4ekf7kyz. For questions, call 217-300-8636.

4-H Dog Show

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The 2026 Illinois State 4-H Dog Show will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington.

The State 4-H Dog show is open to 4-H members who have received a qualifying score at their local 4-H exhibition.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4t7ducx9.

Conservation Tour

MACOMB, Ill. — The Conservation Wagon Tour will be 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 22 at Brent Fowler-Sapp Farm, 3022 W. Jackson St., Macomb.

Brent Fowler, a farmer and native plant enthusiast, enjoys creating wildlife habitat on unprofitable acres with a focus on bobwhite quail. He has planted around 135 acres of prairie/pollinator habitat through Conservation Reserve Program and Conservation Stewardship Program, and he manages over 30 miles of field edge, where he propagates native plants and battles invasive species. This has led to a major increase in bobwhite numbers.

Tour the property and enjoy some beautiful scenery on the wagon ride. Register at https://tinyurl.com/48xchn49.

Sarah’s Garden

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Plant Propagation at Sarah’s Garden will be 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 22 at David Davis Mansion, 1000 Monroe Drive, Bloomington.

Set in historic Sarah’s Garden at David David Mansion, this interactive program will demonstrate a variety of ways to multiply your favorite plants while helping you gain confidence in your gardening skills. Master gardeners who care for Sarah’s Garden will share their expertise, answer your gardening questions, and guide participants through several proven propagation methods.

During this workshop, participants will: Learn proven techniques for propagating perennial plants, discover how to harvest and save seeds from annuals and perennials, gain practical tips for successful plant propagation at home, enjoy an exclusive guided tour of historic Sarah’s Garden, and take home a selection of propagated plants to start or expand their own garden collection.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc577tts.

Build a Bee Hotel

OTTAWA, Ill. — Build a Bee Hotel will be 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 22 at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa.

Explore the fascinating world of native bees and other insect pollinators during this fun, hands-on program. Participants will learn why pollinators matter and then get creative by building their own “bee hotel” using recycled and natural materials to take home and support local bees.

Your Bucket List

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Someday is Today: Live Your Bucket List will be 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 23 at Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington.

Do you have goals or experiences you keep saving for “someday”? If life’s busyness keeps pushing your dreams aside, it may be time to revisit — and reenergize — your bucket list. In this session, participants will explore the benefits of lifelong goal setting and learn simple strategies for creating a meaningful bucket list that brings more joy, purpose, and intention into their lives.

To register, contact the Bloomington Public Library at 309-590-6168. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3z6jv3vp.

4-H Junior Leaders

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — 4-H Junior Leaders — Allen County will meet 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET Aug. 25 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

The Junior Leader project allows 4-H members in grades 7-12 the opportunity to provide their adult 4-H volunteers with additional assistance in their 4-H Clubs and related activities. Junior leaders also serve as mentors and role models to the younger 4-H members by sharing their experiences with them. Many counties offer county-wide opportunities for junior leaders to meet and serve the community.

Junior leaders meet on the last Tuesday of the month. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3bdkyhur.

SEPAC Field Day

BUTLERVILLE, Ind. — The Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center Field Day will be 4 to 8 p.m. ET Aug. 25 at the Ag Center, 4425 E County Road 350 N, Butlerville.

Field rotation toplics will include: Residue reservations and updates on Purdue soybean research; Keeping nitrogen where corn needs it; What’s in our tool box for managing weeds?; Disease management research and decision-making tools.

Dinner and a regulatory topic presentation will begin at 7:15 p.m.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5bw2ed3e, call 812-458-6977 or email jwahlman@purdue.edu.

ServSafe Manager

CROWN POINT, Ind. — ServSafe Manager Training will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Aug. 20 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

ServSafe educates food service workers about food safety. ServSafe Food Protection Manager is the highest ServSafe certification. It 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 course includes a manual and proctored exam. Participants must score 70% or greater on the exam to earn the certificate.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/2r5fak26.

ServSafe Food Handler

MONROE, Ind. — ServSafe Food Handler Training will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET Aug. 21 at Adams County 4-H Park, 160 W. Washington St., Monroe.

The ServSafe Food Handler course is for anyone who needs basic food safety and food handling training, including home-based vendors, food-service workers, volunteers, or others who work with food and only need the basic training.

This program focuses on key aspects including basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temperature, and cleaning and sanitation.

The half-day training includes a booklet and assessment. The Certificate of Achievement is valid for three years. A photo ID with signature is required to take the assessment.

The ServSafe Food Handler training fulfills the food-safety training requirements mandated for home-based vendors in the state of Indiana. After passing the assessment, the Food Handler Certificate of Achievement will be documented with the National Restaurant Association.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3c2872xa.

Community Coaching

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Extension Community Development is offering a professional development opportunity for individuals interested in honing their community coaching skills.

Through participating in this Community Coaching Learning Circle participants will:

• Increase their knowledge of the principles and practices of community coaching.

• Reflect on and increase self-awareness of their role in different groups.

• Identify their community coaching style and personal philosophy.

• Deepen their capacity to coach community groups in a variety of situations.

• Build a network of colleagues to support continued learning and practice

Online coursework will be available starting Aug. 17. This learning community will meet every other Monday, 1:30 to 3:30 pm ET through Zoom from Aug. 31 to Oct. 26. The meetings will include small group discussions. Participants will have approximately two hours of online coursework between meetings consisting of reading, videos and self-reflection exercises.

There is a discount for group registrations for four or more participants from the same organization.

To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr2dsate. For more information, contact Tanya Hall at tjhall@purdue.edu.

Drainage School

INDIANAPOLIS — Registration is open for Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Drainage School, which provides an understanding of the laws and regulations impacting drainage decisions in Indiana.

The workshop will be presented from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET Aug. 26 both virtually and in person at INFB headquarters, 225 S. East St., Indianapolis.

In-person attendance, which includes lunch, is $50 per INFB member and $100 per non-member. Virtual attendance costs $25 per individual.

Farmers, public officials, agency personnel, attorneys and the general public are encouraged to attend. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of dispute resolution and the laws impacting drainage decisions in Indiana.

There also will be regulation updates on Waters of the United States developments on the statewide water management plan from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and tax assessment information related to drainage. Speakers, who represent a variety of industries including agriculture, local and state government and law, will share relevant case studies and actionable steps for landowners and those working with landowners.

Registration for the event is required. Attendees may register at https://tinyurl.com/bden74vd through Aug. 19 for in-person attendance and through Aug. 22 for virtual attendance. For more information, contact Heidi Gant at 317-692-7828, or HGant@infb.org.