DANVILLE, Ill. — Transform your garden into a pollinator-friendly, sustainable haven with Illinois Extension’s Native Landscape Design Drawing Workshop. This two-part program is designed to help participants reimagine a defined garden area using native plants. By incorporating native species, attendees will learn how to create beautiful, eco-friendly spaces that support local pollinators and promote environmental sustainability.

The workshop begins with a virtual session at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9. This online class will explore the vital role pollinators and native plants play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Participants will receive step-by-step instructions for selecting and measuring their garden plots in preparation for the hands-on portion of the program. Participants are highly encouraged to attend this workshop before attending the second part, but a recording will be available for those unable to attend. Participants can also choose to attend only this session.

Part two of the program offers an in-depth, hands-on experience at an in-person session of the participant’s choice. During these workshops, attendees will apply what they’ve learned to draft a personalized garden layout, select plants from curated palettes of native species, and develop a sustainable garden design tailored to their space. Participants are encouraged to bring measurements of their garden space to this session so they can lay out plants in a real-world design. A hypothetical design can also be developed in this session if a planting location has not been identified. Basic drafting tools will be available for use during the workshop.

The in-person sessions will be:

• Jan. 16, 2 to 5 p.m., Danville Public Library, 319 N Vermilion St., Danville.

• Jan. 30, 2 to 5 p.m.,m Champaign County Extension office, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

• Feb. 6, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Champaign County Extension office, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

• Feb. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Vermilion County Extension Office, 3164 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/48mwn9vw.

Gluten Free: Facts and Fads

WELDON, Ill. — Gluten Free: Facts and Fads will be 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 10 at the Weldon Public Library, 505 Maple St., Weldon.

Eating gluten-free is medically necessary for individuals with celiac disease, but only 1% of the population has it. Popularly, people eat gluten-free for many reasons, but cutting out gluten-containing foods can also mean missing out on important nutrients.

Learn more about celiac disease, sources of gluten in foods, and tips for shopping, cooking and eating. Register at https://tinyurl.com/dt6ktrmp or call the library at 217-736-2215.

Winter Nature Walk

OTTAWA, Ill. — Winter Nature Walk will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 11 at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa.

Explore the beauty of nature and learn how to identify trees in the winter. Hot cocoa and a special seasonal craft will be provided by La Salle County 4-H.

Fossil Fun

OGLESBY, Ill. — Fossil Fun with Illinois Master Naturalists will be 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 11 at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby.

This hands-on program is designed for fossil enthusiasts of all ages and will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to identify fossils found in the state.

Master Naturalist Program

NEW HARMONY, Ind. — The Indiana Master Naturalist program will be offered 1 to 4 p.m. CT Jan. 11 at Thrall’s Opera House, 612 Church St., New Harmony.

The program will continue on the second Saturday of the month through Oct. 11. Topics for the course will include tree Identification, wetlands, foraging, invasive species and native plants. A few classes will be held at nearby locations, including Harmonie State Park, Hovey Lake, and Twin Swamps.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service in Indiana. To become a certified Indiana Master Naturalist, participants are required to attend eight of the 10 sessions, pass the final open book quiz, and volunteer a minimum 24 hours.

Cost is $140. For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ykett6jb.

Homemakers Sew Days

AUBURN, Ind. — DeKalb County Extension Homemakers Sew Day will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Jan. 14 at DeKalb County Office Building, 215 E. 9th St., Auburn.

Bring a covered dish, and enjoy the day with great food and company, doing something you’ll love. No sewing experience needed.

Future Sew Days will be March 11 and May 13. For more information, contact Sarah LeCount at 260-499-0848 or arnettsm789@gmail.com.

Bi-State Gardening Conference

COVINGTON, Ind. — The Bi-State Gardening Conference will be 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan 14 at Beef House Banquet Hall, 16501 IN-63, Covington.

Seminar topics will include: Catch My Drift: Understanding Spray Drift and Its Impact on Plants and the Environment; Beyond Glyphosate: Exploring Effective Alternatives; and Pests in the Green Industry and Beyond.

Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/v54ekkww. For questions, contact Phillip Cox at 765-762-5335 or cox119@purdue.edu.

Peoria Agronomy Summit

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — The Illinois Extension Peoria Agronomy Summit will be 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Illinois Central College, East Peoria Campus, 1 College Drive, East Peoria.

Attendees will hear research updates from university experts to gain insightful tips for making farm management decisions. Topics will include Soil Health Principles; Soil Testing: What Do Crops Really Need?; Managing Nitrate Loads on Farm Drainage Tile Systems; Visionary Approach to N Management; and Phosphorus in Illinois: The Old, the New and the Future.

Cost is $40 and includes all presentations, exhibits, light refreshments, and lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr5rswkk.

Heart-Smart Air Frying

STAUNTON, Ill. — Heart-Smart Air Frying will be 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Community Hospital of Staunton, 400 Caldwell St., Staunton.

Participants will learn how to choose heart-smart fats, prepare delicious meals with less oil, and make the most of the air fryer for easy, nutritious recipes. Participants will have the opportunity to work with an air fryer and taste-test a few recipes.

Register for this free program by contacting Brandi Crawford, director of nursing, at 618-635-4218 or crawfordb@stauntonhospital.org. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/58uy9nxs.

IL-EATS Farmer Network

URBANA, Ill. — The online meeting of the The IL-EATS Farmer Network will be 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 15.

In this farmer-focused network, participants build connections, share program updates, and provide information on grant and educational opportunities.

Meetings are hosted virtually by Illinois Extension on the third Wednesday of the month. Upcoming sessions are Feb. 19 and March 19.

Tree Care

URBANA, Ill. — Site, Species Selection and Construction Damage will be the topic of the online Community Tree Care Series program, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 15.

Attendees will learn fundamental tree needs and site considerations and examine real-world examples where the species does not fit the site. Also, learn how to identify potential risks, protect root systems, and preserve the health of trees during and after construction projects. The session is geared for homeowners, landscapers, arborists and contractors looking to enhance their tree-care knowledge and make environmentally conscious decisions.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2ayjpsnw.

Future series topics will be Planting and Improper Practices, Jan. 29; Tree Identification and Health Assessment, Feb. 12; Abiotic and Biotic Stressors, Feb. 26; Pruning Methods and Benefits of Trees, March 12, and Diversity and Advocacy and Choosing Nursery Stock, March 26.

Southwestern Agronomy Summit

WATERLOO — Crop nutrient demand, soil, and unique local seasonal challenges are the themes for the Illinois Extension Southwestern Agronomy Summit, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo. Attendees will hear research updates from university experts to gain insightful tips for making farm management decisions.

Topics will include Meeting Crop Nutrient Demand with Changing Soil Test Level; Disease Management Update for Field Crops; Weed Management Strategies; Cover Cropping and Diversifying Your Crop Rotation; Best Management Practices for Profitability; and Making Conservation Practices Work.

Continuing education units are available for Certified Crop Advisers. Cost is $25 and includes all presentations and lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/p324bzx2.

Cover Crops

OGLESBY, Ill. — Sustainability on the Farm: Cover Crops will be 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith St., Oglesby.

Sustainability on the Farm is a series of educational programs designed to empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable agricultural practices on their land. The cover crops program will be presented by Emily Hansen, University of Illinois Extension educator.

Hot Topics

PRINCETON, Ind. — Seed Saving and Preservation will be the topic of the online Purdue Extension Hot Topics program, noon to 1 p.m. ET Jan. 16. The program will be led by Abby Heidenreich, Gibson County Extension director/Extension educator — Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Other Hot Topics presented by Extension educators will include Tree Pruning, Feb. 20; Birdwatching in Indiana, March 20; Conifer Identification, April 17; Chickens in the Homestead, May 15; and Strawberry Research, June 19.

For more information and to register for these free programs, visit https://tinyurl.com/yza6ckm7.

Fruit Trees

CARTERVILLE, Ill. — Introduction to Fruit Trees will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at John A. Logan College, Mees Center, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville.

Growing fruit trees can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It requires patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each tree variety. This program, presented by Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Bronwyn Aly, is designed to help you plan and cultivate your future homestead orchard with confidence.

WinterFest 2025

GENOA, Ill. — WiinterFest 2025 will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Russell Woods Forest Preserve, Natural Resource Education Center, 11750 IL-72, Genoa.

This free event is presented by the University of Illinois Extension and DeKalb County Forest Preserve for families to get outside, have fun, and explore an enjoyable destination.

Activities will include a nature wisdom hike to find clues and solve a puzzle; a digital scavenger hunt; crafts; face painting; and a fun, game show-like presentation of species survival strategies for winter. Snacks and lunch will be available to purchase from Genoa Prairie Gems 4-H Club.

Annie’s Project

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Annie’s Project for Cut Flower Growers will be 6 to 9 p.m. ET Mondays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24. This workshop provides production and business management skills to new and aspiring women farmers who face unique challenges in the cut flower business. The six-week course is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field.

The program is available online or at in-person locations:

• Purdue Extension Allen County, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

• Farm Bureau Community Building, Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1300 E 100 S, Lebanon.

• Purdue Extension Clark County, 9608 Highway 62, Suite 1, Charlestown.

• Purdue Extension Hancock County, 972 E Park Ave., Greenfield.

• County Line Orchard, 200 S County Line Road, Hobart.

• Fusion 54, 101 W. Main St., Crawfordsville.

• The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargerville.

• Purdue Extension Steuben County, 317 S Wayne St., Suite 1A, Angola.

• Warrick County Courthouse, 107 W. Locust St., Suite 111, Boonville.

Cost is $65. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5cwb4h8p.

Calendar: Plan your garden using native plants