WHEATON, Ill. — DuPage County 4-H International Night will be 5:45 to 9 p.m. April 15 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Expo Building, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton.

At the annual 4-H International Night, visitors can discover the geography, culture and foods of many nations, including Chile, China, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, Mexico, Poland and South Korea. 4-H members spend months studying a specific country and then work together with their club to create a booth displaying the geographical and cultural aspects of the nation. All prepare craft stations or foods to reflect their study country.

At the 2023 event, you can:

• Visit educational, interactive booths from different 4-H clubs.

• Learn fun facts, try foods, and do activities at each station.

• Earn passport stamps and turn in a completed passport for a prize.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and food service starts at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. A requested donation for admission is $1 per person for ages 6 and older. No need to register.

For more information, contact 4-H Program Coordinator Nancy Reppe at nslep2@illinois.edu or 630-955-1123.

Garden Patch

PONTIAC, ill. — Join Livingston County master gardeners for a morning filled with pollinators at A Day in the Garden Patch, 9 a.m. to noon April 15 at the Livingston County Extension office, 1412 S. Locust St., Pontiac.

Workshops will include:

• Plants for Pollinators: Host plants, Illinois natives, and nectar-rich blooms from spring through fall all play an important part in a pollinator garden. Learn about what plants you could add to your landscape to create a haven for our native pollinators.

• What You Can Do for Pollinators: Bee a friend to the pollinators! Discover easy things you can do (or not do) in your backyard to help the pollinators. From citizen science opportunities to the simple recommendation of “do no harm,” enjoy this hands-on portion as you create a Mason bee house and butterfly puddler to support the pollinators.

• Designing Pots for Pollinators: Do you want to plant a pollinator garden but don’t have the room in your yard? Learn how to make your patio or porch a haven for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators with pollinator-friendly pots. Take away four pollinator-favorite annuals to plant in your colorful patio containers.

The $30 registration fee includes morning refreshments, workshops, annual pollinator plants, and DIY pollinator feeders. Check-in and light refreshments will be available at 8:30 a.m., with the workshops beginning at 9 a.m.

Pork Chop Dinner

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — The Kane County 4-H Foundation will host its 14th annual pork chop dinner and auction fundraiser from 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 15 at the Prairie Events Center, Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.

Tickets are on sale now, with the choice of a two-chop dinner for $15, a one-chop dinner for $13, or a pulled pork sandwich dinner for $10. The pork will be prepared by the Elburn Lions Club and served by 4-H Foundation, clubs, families, and other Extension volunteers and supporters.

Tickets may be purchased through your local 4-H club or 4-H Foundation volunteer, or by contacting the dinner co-chairs Bill Collins at 630-484-6852 or Karen Sunderlage at 815-766-2955. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door for an additional $1 per meal.

The event also features a silent auction of popular items and themed baskets donated by Kane County 4-H clubs, master gardener volunteers, local Home and Community Education groups, and other area supporters. Silent auction bidding ends at 7 p.m. and the live auction begins.

Proceeds from the dinner and auctions will benefit University of Illinois Extension programs in Kane County, including: 4‑H Youth Development, Home and Community Education Association, horticulture, master gardener, and nutrition and wellness programs.

Birds and Blooms

PEORIA, Ill. — The program Lawns to Blooms to Birds will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 at the Hoerr Nursery, 8020 N. Shade Tree Drive, Peoria.

Connect with University of Illinois Extension master naturalists and master gardeners to learn more about simple steps you can take to bring more birds and blooms to your landscape. Learn how Illinois Extension helps home gardeners through print and online educational resources as well as access to skilled professionals.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/msmx64dp.

Cooking with Vegetables

THOMSON, Ill. — The program Cooking with Vegetables will be 5 to 6 p.m. April 17 at the Thomson Library, 1005 W. Main St., Thomson.

Learn the basics of planting, harvesting, and creating recipes using fresh broccoli. A new vegetable will be featured each month, and recipes will be provided. To register for this program, contact the library at 815-259-2480.

Raised-Bed Gardening

SPRING VALLEY, Ill. — The program Raised-Bed Gardening will be 5 to 6 p.m. April 17 at the Richard A. Mautino Library, 215 E. Cleveland St., Spring Valley.

Don’t have usable space in the ground to grow your vegetables? Learn how to use above-ground growing systems for safe and fruitful production of your favorite backyard vegetables. Master gardeners will present methods to increase production by maximizing your space, recommending soil and fertilizer practices and use of available construction materials.

The program will be repeated from 5 to 6 p.m. April 18 at the Utica Public Library, 224 Mill St., North Utica.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/225knuc8. For more information, contact Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Coordinator Bettyann Harrison at 309-364-2356 or bettyann@illinois.edu.

Geothermal Energy

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Geothermal Energy and Its Potential Contribution to Clean Energy for Developing Communities in Illinois and the U.S. Midwest will be noon to 1 p.m. April 17.

With a growing energy demand, the transition from fossil fuels is needed to decarbonize energy systems. State and federal policymakers in Illinois and the Midwest are committed to implementing operational and technological solutions under these goals. Experts propose geothermal (geo-exchange) energy as a solution that is a renewable, low carbon, relatively inexpensive, reliable, and safe. This technology provides better energy efficiency and conservation, green economic growth, repurposed workforce skills from the oil and gas industry, and environmental protection.

The Illinois Geothermal Coalition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has recently published a white paper examining technological solutions for geothermal energy, focusing on building heating and cooling for residential, commercial, and educational sectors.

This webinar will provide an overview of findings, explore a variety of geothermal applications for the various economic sectors in Illinois, and propose advanced technologies suitable for the U.S. Midwest, such as thermal energy storage and hybrid energy systems. State and local leaders, public/private organizations, and professionals can expect to learn how policy could incentivize the deployment of geothermal energy technologies that meet the proposed targets and support an accelerated transition to a decarbonized economy.

Soil Testing Week

MARSHALL, Ill. — Clark, Crawford and Edgar counties will host Soil Testing Week, April 17-21.

Bring your samples between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to the Clark County Extension office, 15493 N. State Hwy. 1, Marshall; the Crawford County Extension office, 216 S. Cross St., Robinson; or the Edgar County Extension office, 210 W. Washington St., Paris.

Cost is $20, KSI Laboratories, Shelbyville, will analyze the sample and mail you the results. Each sample should be about 2 cups.

Staying Scam Safe

ELIZABETH, Ind. — The program Staying Scam Safe will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET April 18 at the Harrison County Public Library, 5101 Main St., Elizabeth.

This educational program covers the most common scams and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your information. Learn how to report frauds and scams.

No RSVP required.

Native Plants

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The program Getting Started with Native Plants will be noon to 1 p.m. April 18 at the Piatt County Extension office, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Learn about native plants from Wild Ones, Illinois Prairie Chapter. The workshop will cover the benefits of native plants, the right plants for the right place, how to install plants, and favorite native plants for your garden.

All About Earthworms

PEKIN, Ill. — Extension Master Naturalist Dennis Johnson will present the program All About Earthworms from 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 18 at the Tazewell County Extension office, 1505 Valle Vista Blvd., Pekin.

Johnson is a retired science teacher and high school administrator. He’s been a master naturalist since 2013, and is a frequent volunteer for the Education Department at Wildlife Prairie Park. He also volunteers at the Science Adventure Day at Lakeland Park in Canton.

Drinks and desserts will be provided.

RSVP to Christine Belless, cbelless@illinois.edu.

Cooking with Herbs

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — The program Cooking with Herbs will be 1 to 2 p.m. April 18 at the JCH Wellness Center, 412 Maple Summit Road, Jerseyville.

Add some herbs and spices to your life by learning to cook with herbs. Learn about buying, storing and preparing herbs, what herbs go best with what foods, and preserving herbs. Participants will sample some tasty recipes.

Garden Workshop

WEST SALEM, Ill. — The How Does Your Garden Grow? workshop will be 5 to 7 p.m. April 18 at the West Salem Christian Church, 209 W. Church St., West Salem.

The workshop will cover how to grow a vegetable garden from seed to harvest. Whether growers have several acres, raised beds, or a patio with a few containers, now is the time to start planning for a successful garden. Learn how to build your successful garden with research-based methods that promote healthy, productive plants.

To get the most out of your garden, University of Illinois Extension master gardeners will give you steps to plan and tend your garden, including tips on garden location, layout and preparation, recommended vegetable varieties, proper planting, pest control, proper watering, and harvest.

Candle-Making Workshop

CORYDON, Ind. — Participants will make an ice cream sundae candle at the Candle-Making Workshop, 6 to 8 p.m. ET April 18 at the Harrison County Extension office, 247 Atwood St., Corydon.

Learn how to create your very own delicious treat — just please don’t eat it. RSVP at 812-738-4236.

Woodworking Workshop

AUBURN, Ind. — Youths in grades three through 12 will create gumball machines at the DeKalb County Woodworking Workshop, 6 to 8 p.m. ET April 18 at the DeKalb County Office Building, 215 E. 9th St., Auburn.

The program will be led by members of the Northeast Indiana Woodworkers Association.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/7vdk7sny. For more information, contact Effie Campbell at 260-925-2562, or campb314@purdue.edu.

Safe Home Canning

DANVILLE, Ind. — Basics of Safe Home Canning — Freezing and Dehydrating will be 6 to 7 p.m. ET April 18 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville.

Learn how to safely preserve food from Abbi Smith, Purdue Extension health and human science educator.

Scott County PARP

SCOTTSBURG, Ind. — Pesticide Applicators Recertification Program/Continuing Certification Hours sessions for private and commercial pesticide applicators will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET April 18, and 9 to 11 a.m. April 19.

Both sessions will be held at the Saddle Club Building, Scott County Fairgrounds, 710 Fairgrounds Road, Scottsburg.

Registration for each program begins 30 minutes prior to their start time, and since this is the same program presented at two different times, attendance at only one of these will count towards PARP/CCH credits.

The PARP fee for this program is being waived, courtesy of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council, utilizing checkoff funds.

The event will be hosted by Tom Springstun, Purdue Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources. For more information, contact Springstun at 812-752-8450, or tsprings@purdue.edu.

Hardwood University

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Introduction to Hardwood Lumber Quality/Grading will be the topic of the Hardwood University Workshop from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET April 19.

The event will be at the Purdue University Martell Forest, County Rd 100 N, West Lafayette.

Experts will discuss the basic overview of reasons for grading lumber, measurement of boards, and National Hardwood Lumber Association lumber grading rules. Also covered will be how log quality affects lumber grade and how head sawyer, resaw, edger and trimmer operators can maximize value potential. This workshop is not a substitute for a full-length NHLA training course but will help you decide whether you would benefit from a full NHLA training course.

Cost is $79. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2p996bmn.

Black Vulture Conflicts

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The webinar Black Vulture Livestock Conflicts will be 10:30 a.m. ET April 19.

Black vultures are nature’s clean-up crew, serving an important ecological role in disease management and food web systems. However, black vultures have been documented to prey on newborn livestock. The increasing population and northward spread of this species have caused concern with livestock producers, along with other known conflicts, including aviation safety and property damage.

While the black vulture is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, there are several mitigation tools and techniques available to assist with reducing vulture damages. This seminar will help you identify physical manifestations of scavenging and predation by vultures and how to manage vulture conflicts in livestock operations.

Join the webinar at https://tinyurl.com/bddhep3t. For information regarding Purdue vulture research, visit https://tinyurl.com/364hzznm.

For more information, contact Brian MacGowan at 765-647-3538 or macgowan@purdue.edu.

Preserving Produce

COLFAX, Ill. — Are you interested in preserving your fresh garden produce or farmers market purchases, but you’re not sure where to start?

Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Jenna Smith to learn about the different preserving techniques, including canning, fermenting, freezing and dehydrating. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced preserver, you’re sure to learn something new.

This free event will be from 6 to 7 p.m. April 19 at the Martin Township Public Library, 132 W. Main St., Colfax.

To register, call the library at 309-723-2541 or email martintpl.43@gmail.com.

Growing Grapes

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Join University of Illinois Extension Educator Grant McCarty as he presents the program Growing Great Grapes, 6 to 7 p.m. April 19 at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 Vine St., Elizabeth.

Wine vs. table? Cordon vs. Cane? Growing grapes can be intimidating. Since the plant can live for decades, early decisions will ensure you have greater success for years to come. This presentation will provide you with an introduction of the opportunities that await and the challenge you might face in grape production. Varieties, setup, disease management, and pruning will also be discussed.

This program is part of the Spring Break Gardening Series. Cost is $5. To register or for more information, call 815-858-2273 or visit go.illinois.edu/grapes.

Shiitake Mushrooms

NORMAL, Ill. — The Shiitake Log Inoculation Workshop will be 5 to 7 p.m. April 19 at the Refuge Food Forest, 701 E. Lincoln St., Normal.

University of Illinois Extension Local Foods Systems and Small Farms Educator Nick Frillman will discuss the steps to inoculating a log “bolt” with mushroom spawn. Practice the technique while inoculating logs that will fruit for the community — a collection of the bolts will be kept at the Refuge Food Forest for future community harvest. Following practice of log inoculation, take home a log for a future personal reserve of mushrooms.

Dress for the weather. Rain date is 5 to 7 p.m. April 20.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2p9dc53u.

Seed Starting

SULLIVAN, Ind. — The Seed Starting Open House will be 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET April 20 at the Sullivan County Extension office, 1361 E County Rd 75 N, Sullivan.

Pick from a large assortment of flower, herb, and vegetable seeds to plant and take home. Supplies have been donated by the Sullivan Walmart.

Container Gardens

MANSFIELD, Ill. — Container Gardens with Piatt County Master Gardeners will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 20 at the Blue Ridge Township Library, 116 Oliver St., Mansfield.

Learn about the advantages of gardening in containers and tips for creating a beautiful flower container garden. Learn about containers, soil, plant selection, and proper care procedures. Participants will create a small table top flower container garden to take home.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yx9j53u9.

Native Landscape

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Landscaping with Native Plants will be 1 to 2 p.m. April 20 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Native plants offer a variety of ecological benefits for birds and insects. Join Andrew Holsinger, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, on how to incorporate native plants into your home landscape to add color, texture, and interest.

The program also will be offered online. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2rpphxxu.

Nuisance Plants

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Join Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for a presentation on Spring Invasive and Nuisance Plants, 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 at the Winnebago County Extension office, 1040 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

With warmer weather on the horizon, things are starting to green up. Our landscapes are coming back to life with showy displays of new plant growth and flower. But are all of those plants you expected and want? Are there plants taking over your yard and landscape? If you have unwanted plants, now might be the best time to manage them before they become problematic.

“Spring can be the best time to identify and manage some of these unwanted plants. Management starts with distinguishing between invasive plant species and nuisance plants,” Solomon points out. “Invasive plants by definition are non-native, introduced by humans, and can/do cause environmental or economic harm. Nuisance plants are defined as causing management issues or other damage. Many native plants can become a nuisance in disturbed soils of landscapes and other areas.”

The primary focus of this spring workshop will be on vegetative plants easily identified and controlled prior to developing seeds. Many of these are spotted by their prolific early season growth. Garlic mustard, cow parsnip, wild parsnip, Pokeweed, hemlock, some ground covers, and vines are a few examples.

The workshop will delve into identification, management strategies, and safety precautions. Cow parsnip, wild parsnip, and hemlock can be harmful or even deadly if handled improperly.

Spring can also be a good time to identify many of the woody invasive plants like honeysuckle and multiflora rose. Solomon will talk about how to distinguish these from more desirable plants like blackberry, raspberry, and gooseberry brambles. He also will touch on how to start developing a fall management plan for the woody invasive plants.

Growing Pumpkins

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Learn about growing pumpkins from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 at the Jackson County Extension office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

What isn’t there to love about pumpkins? Whether you are growing for consumption or ornamental purposes, there is always joy to be found when you harvest your first one.

Commercial Agriculture Educator Nathan Johanning will lead the program and discuss Site Selection, Planting and Fertilization, Variety Selection, Pest Management, Harvest and Long-Term Storage, and How to Cook Whole Pumpkins .

Weather permitting, part of the program may be held outside. Register by calling 618-687-1727 or visit https://tinyurl.com/528nw2dw.

A Taste of Lamb

SALEM, Ind. — The Washington County Sheep Association is hosting A Taste of Lamb at 6:30 p.m. ET April 21 at Southern Hills Church, 1645 IN-135, Salem.

A Taste of Lamb will feature the lamb cook-off. Attendees will enjoy lamb dishes, prepared with locally raised lamb, and vote for their favorite. Prizes will be awarded to the three dishes with the most votes. Attendees will learn about preparing lamb and will take home recipes.

The cost is $10 per person, paid at the door. Reservations are required by calling the Washington County Extension office at 812-883-4601.

The Washington County Sheep Association will have copies of their lamb cookbook, including more than 170 lamb recipes, for sale at the event for $10 each. Cookbooks also can be purchased at the Extension office, 806 Martinsburg Road., Suite 104, Salem.

Spring Workshop

CORYDON, Ind. — The Harrison County Master Gardeners Spring Workshop will be 8:30 a.m. to noon ET April 22 at the Purdue Extension office, 247 Atwood St., Corydon.

Classes include Backyard Gardening and Companion Planting, Organic Gardening, and Regenerative Agriculture. A plant sale will follow.

Cost is $5, which includes breakfast. Register by calling 812-738-4236. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p87p59k.

NatureFest 2023

GENOA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District are having their second annual, free, outdoor NatureFest on Earth Day, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, Genoa.

There will be multiple hands-on learning activities as children visit stations and get their NatureFest passports stamped. Be sure to check in at the registration table under the open air shelter to pick up your passport and map.

“NatureFest is for everyone of all ages to explore Russell Woods and visit the NREC, the only nature center in DeKalb County. Come visit TJ, our house tortoise, and our small collection of education animals, or take a walk on the trails,” said Peggy Doty, Extension educator and NREC director. “It’s time to get outside and enjoy our natural spaces starting with NatureFest 2023.”

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

Calendar: 4-H International Night