Calendar: Attract hummingbirds to your pollinator garden

MAKANDA, Ill. — Learn how to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your own backyard pollinator garden from 1 to 2 p.m. March 22 at the Giant City State Park Visitor Center, 1-245 Giant City Road, Makanda.

Learn about the natural history of the ruby-throated hummingbird, tips on supplemental feed, and native plant species that are attractive to hummingbirds. Have you noticed different birds at your feeders? Although ruby-throated hummingbirds are expected visitors to gardens east of the Rocky Mountains, several species of vagrant hummingbirds have been documented in Illinois.

Backyard Beekeeping

DANVILLE, Ill. — Backyard Beekeeping will be 6 to 7 p.m. March 18 at the Danville Public Library, 319 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

Toby and Paige Brown will share their experiences and insights as backyard beekeepers. This conversational presentation will provide a blend of expert tips and beginner-friendly advice. There will be beekeeping equipment, photos, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Whether you’re curious about starting your hive or want to learn more, this is a great chance to explore the world of beekeeping.

Pancake Day

SPARTA, Ill. — Pancake Day will be 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 22 at the Sparta VFW, 1911 N. Market St., Sparta.

Proceeds from the all-you-can-eat breakfast will support Randolph County 4-H. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-10. Those 3 and under eat for free. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, and an assortment of beverages. The breakfast is prepared and served by local 4-H members. Carry-out plates also will be available.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3m6txfpm.

4-H Vet Science Club

INDIANAPOLIS — 4-H Vet Science Club will be 9 to 11 a.m. ET March 24-27 at the 4-H INDY Studio, Discovery Hall, 1202 E. 38th St., Suite 201, Indianapolis.

This four-day experience will give families an exciting, hands-on introduction to animal care and veterinary careers.

Participants will engage in activities focused on veterinary science and hear from guest speakers. On the fourth day, participants will get a behind-the-scenes tour of FACE, a local low-cost animal clinic, giving participants an up-close look at the industry in action.

Youth also will have the opportunity to give back through community service projects that support animals in need. Parents or guardians are required to stay with their child for all sessions, ensuring a shared learning experience.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/5enmsara.

Succession Planning

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The webinar Roots of the Future: Succession Planning Program for Sustainable Land Stewardship will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. ET Mondays, March 24-April 14.

Have you thought about passing on your woodlands to the next generation? This four-session webinar series will discuss the steps to get you started with your family in the succession planning process.

Topics will include:

• How to get started and why you should plan.

• Managing family dynamics.

• Family communication and meetings.

• Legal and estate issues.

This program is being offered by Purdue Extension educators and is hosted by Purdue Extension Succession Planning Team and Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association.

Cost is $25 per family. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ycyrajaf.

Seed Starting

SPRING VALLEY, Ill. — The Seed Starting Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. March 25 at the Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library, 215 E. Cleveland St., Spring Valley.

Whether you have a green thumb or are just getting started, this workshop is the perfect place to learn about successful seed starting. Participants will learn the basics for seed starting, including soil, moisture and planting basics.

Warm Vegetables

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Warm-Season Vegetables will be 6 to 7 p.m. March 25.

Warm-season crops grow during the hottest part of the year. This session will cover how to make vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, squash, and more flourish.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mvce6h7k.

Boosting Immunity

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Boosting Immunity: The Benefits of Physical Activity will be noon to 1 p.m. March 26.

Discover how physical activity strengthens your body’s natural defenses. Explore how staying active boosts your immune system, prevents chronic illnesses, and promotes overall well-being. This session is geared for anyone looking to enhance their health and vitality through movement.

4-H Alumni Event

COAL VALLEY, Ill. — The inaugural Illinois 4-H Alumni Event will be 6 to 8 p.m. March 26 at the John Deere & Company Demo Site, 11001 117th St. #1, Coal Valley.

The event will include networking and exploring new John Deere equipment.

Speaker topics will include:

• Kevin Carey, director of Illinois 4-H, will discuss the exciting future of 4-H and how the program prepares youth to be “Beyond Ready!”

• Curt Sinclair, Extension 4-H specialist, will introduce a new and innovative youth safety in agriculture program called “Ride Right Rally” to address the rising number of accidents involving machines with wheels, including ATVs, mowers, bicycles and small tractors.

• 4-H youth members will discuss how 4-H has shaped their lives and set them up for success.

• Illinois 4-H Foundation and Alumni Association representatives will provide key updates on programming and alumni engagement.

Cost is $30 and includes a barbecue buffet, sides, dessert, and a beverage.

Canning Jam

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Canning Strawberry Jam will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 27 at the Jackson County Extension office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

This live canning demonstration will include information on different types of canning, and canning safety rules.

Tree Grafting

HILLSBORO, Ill. — The Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon March 29 at the Montgomery County Extension office, 1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro.

Grafting fruit trees can improve fruit quality, increase yield, and enhance tree health. The workshop, led by Andrew Holsinger, Extension horticulture educator, and Patrick Gibson of Heritage Farm in Godfrey, will cover various grafting methods, including whip and tongue, cleft and bark grafting.

The cost is $30, which includes two self-grafted trees. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mpm38bdw.

Gardening Workshop

DIXON, Ill. — The Ready, Set, Grow Gardening Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 29 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon.

Program sessions will include information on landscape design, living harmoniously with wildlife, growing African violets, and exploring new vegetables.

Keynote speaker Kim Hartman, an experienced landscape designer and horticulturalist, will discuss shade-loving plants.

Participants can pick up free resources and the Book Nook and get their questions answered at the Master Gardener Help Desk.

There will be an optional al tour of the Sauk Valley Community College Greenhouse, a 6,000-square-foot learning lab started in 2024.

Cost is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4md28ybm.

Food Safety

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET April 1 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Topics will include: Introduction to produce safety; worker health, hygiene and training; soil amendments; wildlife, domesticated animals and land use; agricultural water; and postharvest handling and sanitation.

Participants will receive a course manual and certificate of course attendance. Cost of training is covered by the Indiana Farmers Market Community of Practice. Register at https://tinyurl.com/u9ftrpwx.

UAV Workshop

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The UAV Technology Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET April 7 and April 14 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Topics for the remote pilot test preparation course include:

• Flight Instructions.

• Reading sectional charts.

• Flight plans and recordkeeping.

• Understanding METAR and TAF weather information..

• Camera settings; image quality and troubleshooting.

• Data management.

• Emergency preparation.

• Practice flights (weather permitting).

Registration includes all materials and lunch both days. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/6s47km99.

Farmers Market Certificate

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Virtual training for farmers market managers and vendors will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesdays, April 1-April 22.

Participants you will learn how to navigate food safety regulations, understand legal issues of markets, improve market stability, offer food assistance programs, and manage conflict. Participants must attend three sessions and complete all homework to receive the Farmers Market Certificate.

Registration is $75 and includes a market manager or market vendor manual. Register at https://tinyurl.com/knc8pvv4.

Home Vegetable Gardening

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Home Vegetable Gardening series will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesdays, April 8-April 22 at the Environmental Resource Center, Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower, this series will dive into many different components of successful vegetable production — from site selection and soil preparation to crop rotation and disease management.

Participants of this three-week series will learn about modern vegetable production practices appropriate to home growing. They also will learn about how to manage diseases and pests in a sustainable manner.

Cost is $30. Program sites also are available in Johnson, Putnam, Elkhart, Dubois, Henry, Scott, Decatur, Porter, Owen, and Boone counties. Virtual sessions also are available. For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/57wsw2w5.

Grass to Garden

INDIANAPOLIS — Learn how to get a community-based garden started in your own neighborhood with the Purdue Extension Grass to Garden program.

The program meets 6 to 9 p.m. ET Thursdays, April 10-May 1, at the Marion County Extension office, Discovery Hall, 1202 E. 38th St., Suite 201, Indianapolis.

Topics include:

• Introduction to community gardens and getting started.

• Garden policies and community engagement.

• Garden site selection and preparation.

• Growing and harvesting guide.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdf23cw8.