Calendar: New plant varieties at Home, Lawn, and Garden Day

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Home, Lawn, and Garden Day presented by McLean County Master Gardeners will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 1 at Central Catholic High School, 1201 Airport Road, Bloomington.

Make your garden thrive with educational workshops, inspiring speakers, and horticulture treasures from businesses and organizations. Keynote speaker Marshall Dirks, marketing expert from Proven Winners, will share insights into the selection process for the program’s new plant introductions and highlight exciting varieties for 2025.

The $40 registration fee includes all sessions, access to vendors and exhibitors, light refreshments, and eligibility for door prizes. Register at https://tinyurl.com/tn9dr62u.

Routine Car Maintenance

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A representative from McMahon’s Best-One Tire, 2906 W. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, will answer questions about routine car maintenance Feb. 20 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wane.

Classes will be offered at 1 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. Register by calling the Extension office at 260-481-6826.

Hunting Expo

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo will be noon to 8 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 22, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis.

The Midwest’s premier hunting expo will include latest and greatest gear, information, outfitters and inspiration to last an entire season. The all new Archery Alley will feature manufacturers, retailers and demo lanes.

Tickets are $16 for one day and $26 for two-day admission. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/447a9984.

Ag Outlook Breakfast

SALEM, Ind. — The Ag Outlook Breakfast will be 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. ET Feb. 28 in the Meeting Room of the Washington County Government Building, 806 Martinsburg Road, Salem.

The program is free to the public and is designed to help farmers, landowners, and agribusiness managers make better business decisions in the coming year. Dr. Michael Langemeier, Purdue University Agricultural Economics, will discuss grain and livestock market outlooks for the year ahead and factors impacting market trends. A representative from Premier Ag will discuss the supply/demand relationship to input availability.

The free breakfast is provided through generous sponsorship from Premier Ag.

For more information, call 812-883-4601 or email dhowellw@purdue.edu.

Ag Outlook Luncheon

CHARLESTOWN, Ind. — The Clark County Ag Outlook Lunceon will be 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET Feb. 28 at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 9608 Hwy. 62, Charlestown.

RSVP by calling 812-256-4591 or email hlpotter@purdue.edu.

Spring into Gardening

CHARLESTON, Ill. — The 15th annual Spring into Gardening Conference will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 1 at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 4th St., Charleston.

The conference will feature Amanda Thomsen, renowned horticulturist, garden designer, author, and owner of Aster Gardens, as the keynote speaker. Participants can attend breakout sessions led by University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators, covering topics like greenhouse production, composting, companion planting, herbs, tree selection, and shade gardening.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to bid in a silent auction, browse a variety of items at the sales booth, and enjoy refreshments. The conference is an opportunity for community members to connect with experts, explore new gardening methods, and gather practical tips for the upcoming growing season.

Cost is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yrkcrrpc.

Forest Conference

DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, sponsored by Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin Extension services, will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 at the Grand River Center, 500 Bell St., Dubuque.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Lara Noldner from the University of Iowa. Noldner will discuss managing cultural resources and protecting archeological sites. New this year to the conference is a Basics of Forestry tract, that gives great information to landowners that are just getting started in forest management or anyone looking for a refresher. This tract includes sessions on tree identification, working with a forester, knowing your woods, and understanding forest management plans. Other topics at the conference include invasive species, wildlife, using chainsaws, forest health, pruning, generational land transfers, and more.

The day will end with a discussion with forestry leaders from each state on programs, cost-share opportunities, and new initiatives available to landowners.

The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, master naturalists, and students are all encouraged to attend.

Cost is $55. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mwpe5ztu.

Weekend Gardener

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Weekend Gardener will be 9 a.m. to noon March 1 at the Madison County Farm Bureau, 900 Hillsboro Ave., Edwardsville.

Explore the world of gardening with expert speakers and engaging discussions. Morning refreshments will be included followed by speaker sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to attend one session during each time period, making it a flexible and tailored experience.

Topics will include: Square Foot Gardening: 3+ Growing Seasons; Nature’s Bumps and Lumps: The Mysterious World of Plant Galls; Answers from the Plant Doctor; Discover the Pleasure of Growing Herbs; Landscaping with Native Plants: and What’s the Buzz with Bee Hotels?

Cost is $20 Register at https://tinyurl.com/3uk2b2fm.

Plant Expo

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The Seed and House Plant Expo will be 10 a.m. to noon March 1 at Monticello Tractor Supply, 200 W. Burnside Drive, Monticello.

The event will include gardening activities hosted by 4-H and master gardeners. Learn about the Little Free Seed Library and the Monticello Area Community Garden, as well as gardening resources from Illinois Extension. Attendees will receive free seeds and garden giveaways and are welcome to share seeds or cuttings with other gardeners.

Root Awakening

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Root Awakening: Spring Tree Tips will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 4.

Spring into action and provide trees with the care they need as they emerge from dormancy. Learn how to check for winter damage, boost tree health, and promote strong roots and lush leaves throughout the growing season. Follow these and other tips to help trees thrive.

Muskrats and Wetlands

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Muskrat and Wetland Ecology with Dr. Leo Gaskins will be 5 to 6 p.m. March 4.

While the cold weather may keep us indoors, it doesn’t mean we can’t connect with nature. Explore fascinating topics related to the natural world from the comfort of your home.

Where Will You Garden?

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Where Will You Garden? will be 6 to 7 p.m. March 4.

In the first session of the Growing Great Vegetables series, attendees will learn how to build a garden using whatever space is available. Learn about traditional garden plots, raised beds, salad tables, container gardening, growing vertically, and more.

Cost is $10. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/tvnkv7sy.

Gateway Conference

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The Gateway Green Conference will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5 at the Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville.

Natural resource industry professionals face the vital task of responsibly caring for our communities’ valuable environmental resources. Evolving research and environmental changes make it more important than ever to explore responsible stewardship practices, understand how to successfully manage emerging diseases and pests, and apply sustainable landscape practices to support our future.

The conference provides a platform for sharing new ideas and research-based information as experts delve into three vital areas: building sustainable landscapes, conservation stewardship, and tree care.

Cost is $80 per person. Register at https://tinyurl.com/32nmhepr.

Kiln Drying Hardwood Lumber

EDINBURGH, Ind. — Kiln Drying Hardwood Lumber will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET March 5 at MacBeath Hardwood Company, 320 N. Kyle St., Edinburgh.

Discussed will be various methods and types of dry kilns, and their pros and cons; and lumber drying defects and how to prevent them. Learn to develop a kiln-drying schedule and a way to select and check kiln samples. Sponsors include Indiana Hardwood Lumber Association and Purdue Extension — Forestry and Natural Resources.

Cost is $79. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/8uv6934y.

Future Hardwood University courses include Tree Bucking, Schwering Sawmill and Hardwoods, Greensburg, April 2; and Digital Forestry — Drone Operations, Purdue University Martell Forest, April 16.

Heart Smart

LOWELL, Ind. — Be Heart Smart will be 10 a.m. to noon CT Wednesdays, March 5 to March 26, at the Lowell Public Library, 1505 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell.

The classes will include a Be Heart Smart program manual, a heart-healthy cookbook, food demonstrations and tastings, and educational instruction focused on the benefits of following a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Free to Lake County residents, thanks to a generous grant from the Lake County Health Department. Register by calling the library at 219-696-7704.

Edge of Field

OGLESBY, Ill. — Sustainability on the Farm — Edge of Field Practices will be 10 to 11 a.m. March 6 at Illinois Valley Community College, Room CTC-125, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, 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 program will delve into a variety of topics, providing participants with practical insights and strategies to enhance their operations while minimizing environmental impact. Each session will be hosted by local industry and Extension experts.

Forest Management

BREMEN, Ind. — Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner will be 6 to 9 p.m. ET Thursdays, March 6-May 1 at the Bremen Public Library, 304 N. Jackson St., Bremen.

The course includes eight evening indoor sessions and two field tours, providing information on the biology and management of Indiana woodlands. Instruction provided by Purdue Extension specialists and natural resource professionals. Sponsors include Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Starke and Pulaski County Purdue Extension, and Indiana DNR Division of Forestry.

Cost is $5O and includes all learning sessions, a flash drive containing information supporting the sessions, handouts, and a tree measuring stick.

Garden Day

DANVILLE, Ill. — Garden Day 2025 will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8 at Danville Area Community College Bremer Conference Center, 2000 E. Main St., Danville.

An annual tradition for over 25 years, Garden Day has entertaining speakers, unique vendors, a delicious lunch, a silent auction, donation baskets, and door prizes.

Speaker topics will include Creating a Bird Ecosystem in Your Landscape, Raised Garden Beds, Flowering Native Trees and Shrubs, and What’s New in 2025.

Cost to attend is $35, and will include entry to see the four speakers, a hot lunch from the DACC Culinary Arts School, and a bag filled with garden info and more goodies.

Can’t commit to a whole day? The Spring Festival, with garden-themed baskets, vendors, and a silent auction, is open to the public at no charge from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Flowers and Fun

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Gardening for Food, Flowers & Fun will be 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 8 at NIU Rockford Conference Center, 8500 E. State St., Rockford.

The event offers fresh horticultural ideas, insights, and techniques for the gardening season. Speaker topics will include Galls Gone Wild, Edible Gardens, Floral Arranging, Backyard Cover Crops, Indigenous Plant-based Landscapes, and Incorporating Annuals into the Landscape.

There also will be a silent auction and a book/magazine giveaway.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2mzbrse3.

2025 Seed Expo

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — The 2025 Seed Expo will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.

Get free seeds and information for your 2025 garden. You do not need to bring seeds to attend or to get free seeds. There will be vendors and snacks will be available for purchase.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc2n3tvp.

Cooking with Herbs

MT. CARROLL, Ill. — Special Occasion Cooking with Herbs: Soups will be 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. March 8 at the Mt. Carroll Public Library, 208 N. Main St., Mt. Carroll.

Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro will lead this hands-on class on how to enhance soups using herbs. This free session is part of a monthly series on cooking with herbs on the second Saturday of the month through April.

To register, call the library at 815-244-1751.

Invention Convention

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana 4-H Invention Convention Competition will be 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET March 8 at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

Participating students have worked through the seven steps of the invention process using the Invention Convention Worldwide curriculum in their classrooms, 4-H clubs, or other community organizations to develop a prototype and to communicate their experiences through an inventor logbook, display board, and live presentation.

Winning projects will advance to the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals Competition at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3e3v6vb9.