Calendar: RiverWatch Workshop

GALESBURG, Ill. — The RiverWatch Spring Workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30 at the Knox County Farm Bureau, 180 S. Soangetaha Road, Galesburg.

The Illinois RiverWatch Network is a statewide, nonprofit, volunteer stream monitoring program. Upon completing training, volunteers adopt a stream site and examine indicators of water quality like stream habitat and diversity of species such as dragonfly nymphs, beetle larva, midges, and snails. Citizen scientists play an important role in helping identify potentially degraded waters and areas that may need better protection.

Registration is $50 for adults. Children (17 and under) may attend but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is registered for the workshop. Register at tinyurl.com/yckhkjuf.

For more information, call 618-468-2781.

Under the Canopy

ELGIN, Ill. — A team of master naturalists will host an Under the Canopy event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 30 at Rolling Knolls Pavilion, 11N260 Rohrssen Road, Elgin.

Master naturalists will lead a forest therapy experience, a bird hike, and offer some make-and-take activities for families for families of birds, butterflies and flowers. Meet Nature Cat and have your picture taken with this local celebrity.

Friends Day

DELPHI, Ind. — Friends Day will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET May 2 at the Delphi United Methodist Church, 1796 US-421, Delphi.

The theme is “Hidden Treasures in Indiana.” Speakers will be:

• “One More Cup” by Hannah Brewster

• “218 Market” by Gary Yoder

• “Heritage Alpaca Farm and Event Center” by Beth Anne Sheets

• Cheryl Jackson will share an uplifting message after lunch until 2:00 pm.

Lunch will include chicken casserole, salad, fruit and pie. Cost is $12. For more information, call 765-564-3791.

4-H Walk

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — A 4-H Walk will be held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. May 3, May 10, May 17 and May 24 at Wock Lake, 205 June St., Jerseyville. Participants will learn health and wellness tips and walk the walking trail for some fun and fitness. Each session will begin with stretching, have an educational lesson, followed by a walk around the lake. Families are welcome to attend.

Skillet Meals

OXFORD, Ind. — Skillet meals will be the topic of a Purdue Extension food and nutrition class from 5 to 6 p.m. ET May 3 at 109 E. Smith St., Oxford, Ind.

For more information, call 765-884-0140.

Productive Gardens

PLYMOUTH, Ind. — The series Making Your Garden Productive will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET May 3, May 10, May 17 and May 24 at the Plymouth Public Library, 201 N. Center St., Plymouth.

Robert Yoder, Agriculture and Natural Resources educator, will discuss the following weekly topics:

• Know your Soil Productivity

• Vegetable Options

• Managing Vegetable Pests

• Container Gardening and Extending the Growing Season

For more information and to register, call 574-935-8545.

Diabetes program

PONTIAC, Ill. — Have you ever wondered if dietary supplements, herbal remedies or alternative treatments will help control or even cure your diabetes? University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Jenna Smith will discuss “Herbal and Natural Remedies — Truth or Myth?” from 6 to 7 p.m. May 3 at OSF St. James Hospital, 2500 W. Reynolds St., Pontiac.

Hedonic Eating

The influence of hedonic eating on mood and emotions will be the topic of the online Springtime Science program at noon May 4.

Food provides us with essential nutrients for the proper functioning of the body, but have you wondered if the act of eating is more than that? Do your emotions influence your food choices and intake, or vice versa?

Presenter Rhea Sarma will explain the concept of hedonic eating, outline the motivation behind eating and brain neural networks working behind it, and explain the influence energy dense foods have on mood and its regulation.

Where Does Your Money Go?

CROWN POINT, Ind. — When payday rolls around, many consumers try to figure out which bills they will pay and which ones must wait until another paycheck comes in. With costs increasing for necessary expenses, such as gasoline, utilities and health care, consumers are finding it harder to make ends meet. If you, like many others, are wondering how you can stretch your paycheck and make your money go further, you will want to attend the program “Where Does Your Money Go?”

The “Where Does Your Money Go?” program will be presented by Linda Curley, Purdue Extension educator, at 1 p.m. CT May 4 and May 11 at the Lake County Extension office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point

Pest Outbreaks

The history of forest pest outbreaks in North America will be discussed in the online Forestry Spring Webinar from 2 to 3 p.m. May 4.

North America has a history of exotic pests that extirpate individual tree species, with Emerald Ash Borer serving as our modern example. In our current, ever-globalizing society there is a significant risk for future outbreaks that may impact all of our trees from the urban forest to our woodlands.

Ryan Pankau, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, will discuss past outbreaks on our continent to compare and contrast what we have learned historically with the current pests threatening native trees.

Floral Workshop

CORYDON, Ind. — Youths in Crawford and Harrison counties third grade and up are invited to the Floral Design Workshop at 5:30 p.m. ET May 4 at Bicentennial Park, 213 E. Chestnut St., Corydon.

Cost is $5, Register by calling 812-738-4236.

Plant Swap

NASHVILLE, Ill. — Washington County master gardeners will host the “Bring a Plant, Take a Plant” plant swap from 7 to 11 a.m. May 5 at during the Nashville Farmers Market, 101 E. St. Louis St.

Soil Workshop

PETERSBURG, Ind. — Join Pike County Purdue Extension, Pike County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Gibson County SWCD for a Soil Amendments Workshop from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. May 5 at Hornaday Park, 1213 W. Park Road, Petersburg.

Topics will include:

• Why should I get a soil test?

• How to take a soil test.

• What is my soil saying?

• When should I fix my soil?

• How do I amend my soil?

• Where do I buy add-ins?

A free lunch will be provided by Smokehouse 423 Catering. Register for this free program by visiting tinyurl.com/bdes8aw7. For more information, contact Kyla Estey at kyla.estey@in.nacdnet.net or 812-354-6120.

Pressure Test

ROCKFORD, Ill. — A Pressure Canner Dial Testing Clinic will be from 1 to 3 p.m. May 5 at the Winnebago County Extension office, 1040 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

Before using your pressure canner, have your dial gauge tested for accuracy. Testing will ensure your pressure canner reaches the appropriate pressure needed to process low-acid foods, such as vegetables and meats, safely. Over time, a pressure canner’s dial gauge will become inaccurate, resulting in either reading too high or too low. If the pressure gauge reads too high, it will lead to under-processing resulting in unsafe foods. This is because the high temperature needed to destroy harmful microorganisms, such as the botulism toxin, can only be reached under pressure. If the dial gauge reads too low, your product will lose quality due to over-processing, and foods may become mushy.

If the dial gauge reads up to two pounds high or low, slight pressure adjustments can be made without replacing the dial gauge. However, if it differs by more than two pounds, the gauge must be replaced.

The only way to know if your pressure gauge is accurate is to have it tested. University of Illinois Extension is holding Pressure Canner Testing Clinics beginning this May and will run through July. These events will be held at the local Extension offices, with several dates to choose from. Bring in your pressure canner lid with the gauge attached. Staff will inspect the lid, gasket, and gauge for accuracy and provide you with an assessment.

Cooking Class

OXFORD, Ind. — Join Benton County Extension Educator Kelsie Muller for a Crock Pot Meal Cooking Class at 4 p.m. May 5 in the Benton County Co-op Building, 109 E. Smith St., Oxford.

For more information, call the Extension office at 765-884-0140.

Container Gardening

FREEPORT, Ill. — The program Creative Container Gardening will be from 6 to 7 p.m. May 5 at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport.

Growing annual plants in containers is a great way to highlight a front door, add an accent to a porch or deck area, or garden in a small space. Nikki Keltner, program coordinator at U of I Extension, will discuss how to mix annual plants together to create unforgettable plant displays and offer tips on proper planting and care.

Great Tomatoes

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The free program Growing Great Tomatoes will be from 11 a.m. to noon May 5 at the Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine St., Taylorville.

University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger will discuss common tomato-growing problems and how to avoid them.

Plant Sale

KNOXVILLE, Ill. — Knox County master gardeners present their 22nd annual Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 6 at the Knox County Nursing Home, 800 N. Market St., Knoxville

Master gardeners divide some of their best varieties of perennials in an effort to raise money to help maintain the historic gardens at the nursing home. All proceeds benefit the nursing home grounds and residents program.

While you are there, take a tour of the gardens. Master gardeners will be on-site to answer your gardening questions.

4-H BBQ

MACOMB, Ill. — The McDonough County 4-H BBQ will be from 5 to 7 p.m. May 6 at the McDonough County Fairgrounds, 3028 W. Jackson St., Macomb.

Drive-through for a delicious pork chop sandwich, baked beans, applesauce, cookie, and a drink. Tickets are available in advance for $6 from a 4-H member or at the McDonough County Extension office, 3022 W. Jackson St., Macomb. You may also purchase tickets at the door for $7.

For more information, call 309-837-3939.

Picnic Party

MORRISON, Ill. — Youth ages 5-7 will have a fun morning creating, eating and playing picnic-themed crafts, foods and games at the Cloverbud Picnic Party from 9 to 11:30 a.m. May 7 at St. Peters Church, 601 N. Jackson St., Morrison.

There is a $7 supply fee per child for the workshop. Register at tinyurl.com/zfrk3rv8. For more information, call 815-632-3611.

Plant Sale

DECATUR, Ill. — Shop a wide variety of annuals, perennials, native plants, houseplants, succulents, hanging baskets, vegetables, and tomatoes at the Master Gardener Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 7 at the Macon County Fairgrounds, 3700 N. Westlawn Ave., Decatur.

Master gardeners and master naturalists will be available for consultations. Don’t miss the bargain shed for new-to-you supplies and tools.

In order to help stop the spread of the jumping worm invasive species, shared perennials will not be sold this year.

Plant Sale

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — The Montgomery County Master Gardener’s Annual Plant Sale will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET May 7 at the Montgomery County 4-H Fairgrounds, 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville.

Over 200 plants will be available for sale, including perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, and vegetable plants. There also will be a Nucor tree giveaway.

Senior Celebration

HILLSBORO, Ind. — The Older Americans Celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at the Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene, 453 S. State Road 341, Hillsboro. All ages are welcome at the event which will include informational pieces, music by the Fountain County Band, blood pressure screenings, and a free-will donation hotdog/bratwurst lunch.

Information will be available from the Fountain County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain County Veterans Service Officer, MAC Van Community Action Program of Western Indiana, Purdue Extension, and Senior Health Insurance Program.

Lunch reservations are not needed but encouraged by calling 765-798-2350.