Calendar: Strategies for maintaining healthy ponds

WATERLOO, Ill. — The Pond Management Workshop will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 26 at the Baebler Educational Farm, 4022 Jj Road, Waterloo.

From rural farms to suburban neighborhoods, ponds adorn our landscapes, providing both aesthetic beauty and ecological significance. However, without proper management, ponds can face a myriad of challenges over time. The Pond Management Workshop at 5:30 p.m. April 26 will address common issues such as weed management, fish selection and overall pond care.

The workshop will kick off with a fish fry provided by the Baebler Educational Farm and the Monroe County Extension & 4-H Foundation. There will be a presentation by Eric Ratcliff, a fisheries biologist from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Ratcliff will share fundamental pond management techniques and specific strategies for maintaining healthy ponds. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity for hands-on learning as they visit a local pond with Ratcliff to observe different fish species and discuss tailored management approaches.

For more information about this free program, visit https://tinyurl.com/599yf9ws.

Hellbender Hustle

CORYDON, Ind. — The 5K Hellbender Hustle/Woodrat Walk will begin at 9 a.m. ET April 20 at Hickory Hollow Nature Center of O’Bannon Woods State Park, 7234 Old Forest Road, Corydon.

The run/walk route is part road, part trail. An awards ceremony will follow the race.

Cost is $25 for ages 18 and older, $15 for 11 to 17, and $10 for 10 and under. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5xpb8rxn.

A hellbender is a large aquatic salamander that is listed as an Indiana endangered species. Learn more about the hellbender at https://tinyurl.com/9z9a8kc7.

DeKalb County QLC

AUBURN, Ind. — The DeKalb County Quality Livestock Care class will be 9 to 10 a.m. ET April 20 at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 708 S. Union St., Auburn.

Cost is $3 per person. Register at the Events tab in 4-H Online. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/tp7s7h7s.

All 4-H youth enrolled in a livestock project (beef, dairy beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine) must be QLC certified or have a Youth for the Quality Care of Animals online completion certificate.

If you choose to complete the YQCA option, you will register for the online course at https://yqcaprogram.org. After completing the course, you must email the 4-H educator your certificate to receive credit.

After attending the QLC course or submitting a YQCA online training certificate, you will be marked complete in the DeKalb 4-H Fall Fair Checklist.

Native Sapling Distribution

CHICAGO — To celebrate Earth Day, Cook County Extension is providing a native sapling distribution for Cook County residents from 1 to 4 p.m. April 20 at the Extension office, 8753 S. Greenwood Ave., #100, Chicago.

The plants are young bareroot saplings and should be planted as soon as possible after pick-up. Bring plastic bags to transport your saplings home. While easy to plant due to their small size, they will require regular watering during their first couple of growing seasons.

Saplings offered include American plum, Chickasaw plum, hazelnut, nannyberry, pecan, and persimmon. To learn more about each variety, visit https://tinyurl.com/msuv7fdf.

For more information about the sapling distribution program, visit https://tinyurl.com/5a9ztvbw.

DeKalb County NatureFest

GENOA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District are hosting their annual NatureFest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20 at Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, Genoa.

NatureFest focuses on families with elementary-aged children, but everyone is welcome. Extension staff and master naturalist volunteers work together to present multiple hands-on learning activities throughout the forest. Visitors register under the open shelter or at the Natural Resource Education Center. Guests will get a map of the activities and a passport to track their experience.

For more information, call 815-784-2000.

Herb Gardens

MENDOTA, Ill. — The Herb Gardens program will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 22 at the Mendota Graves Hume Library, 1401 W. Main St., Mendota.

Whether you’re an expert gardener or just starting, this program will help you learn about growing herbs. Participants will learn how to select, plant, and maintain herb gardens so that they add beauty to the home landscape while offering culinary and other uses.

Conservation@Home

PEKIN, Ill. — The Conservation@Home Panel Discussion will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 22 at the Tazewell County Extension office, 1505 Valle Vista Blvd., Pekin.

Have you heard about the Conservation@Home program but are unsure if your property is the right fit? Attend this session and hear some frequently asked questions and answers from Conservation@Home evaluators and homeowners. Social time will be at 5:30 p.m., with the panel discussion at 6 p.m.

Pollinator Workshop

OLNEY, Ill. — The Richland County Pollinator Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 22 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5330 E. Frontage Road, Olney.

During this workshop, youths will learn about beekeeping, honey and pollinator-friendly plants, and participate in numerous crafts and activities.

Cooking with Veggies

THOMSON, Ill. — Asparagus will be the topic of the monthly Cooking with Veggies lesson from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 22 at the Thomson Library, 1005 W. Main St., Thomson.

Expand your culinary horizons with the monthly cooking lessons led by Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these sessions offer valuable insights into growing your own veggies and turning them into mouthwatering dishes.

To register, call the library at 815-259-2480.

Community Garden

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 2024 Monticello Area Community Garden Kick-off Meeting will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 23 at the Piatt County Extension office, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Dig in and grow your favorite fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowers this summer at the Kirby Medical Center garden.

Fees are $20 for a half garden plot, and $35 for a full plot. To reserve a garden plot or more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr2e3xju.

The garden is a partnership between Kirby Medical Center, the City of Monticello, and the University of Illinois Extension in Piatt County.

Best Perennials

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Join the Champaign County master gardeners and Josh Roggenbuck of Walter’s Gardens for the Best Perennials for 2024 program, 7 p.m. April 23 at the Extension Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

As the home of Proven Winners Perennials, Walter’s Gardens’ lineup is now over 200 varieties strong. Roggenbuck will provide information on this growing number of perennials to plant in your home landscape.

Program topics will include:

• How to replicate plant choices and landscape design in your gardens.

• Plant choices and design features in the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens.

• Local native plants growing in the Buffalo Trace Prairie.

Callery Pear

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Managing Invasives: Eight Replacements for the Callery Pear will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. April 23.

Now considered an invasive species, the Callery pear is a widely used ornamental flowering tree with negative effects on native ecosystems. Until policies are amended and put in place to regulate the Callery pear, also called Bradford pear, this tree continues to be commonly produced and planted.

Sarah Vogel, Extension horticulture educator, will discuss the numerous Illinois native species that are suitable alternatives or replacements for the Callery pear in the landscape.

Prescribed Fire

WATERLOO, Ill. — The Prescribed Fire Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 23 at the Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo.

Learn about the critical role of prescribed fire in habitat restoration and wildlife conservation. Topics will include:

• Historical Fire History: Exploring the role of fire in grasslands and forests ecosystems.

• Prescribed Fire Benefits: Understanding the significance of prescribed fire in prairie and oak forest restoration.

• Basic Fire Behavior: Learning about fuel, topography, wind, relative humidity and temperature’s impact on fire behavior.

• Burn Plan Writing Basics: Mastering the essentials of creating a burn plan, including objectives, maps, prescriptions and safety measures.

The workshop is cosponsored by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Register by calling 618-939-3434 or email ruth1@illinois.edu.

Rain Gardens

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Rain Garden Essentials will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 24 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger will guide you through the process of designing, building and planting your very own rain garden. Discover the power of rain gardens as effective tools for managing stormwater, where they act as nature’s filters, slowing runoff, reducing soil erosion and alleviating strain on stormwater systems. Gain insights into the principles of rain garden construction and design, ensuring that your garden not only enhances the beauty of your space but also contributes to the health of the environment.

The program also will be offered online. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yu259tws.

Grass to Garden

INDIANAPOLIS — Learn how to start a community-based garden in the Grass to Garden program, 6 to 9 p.m. ET Wednesdays, April 24 to May 15, at the Marion County Extension office, Indiana State Fairgrounds Discovery Hall, 1202 E. 38th St., Suite 201, Indianapolis.

This class is geared toward community garden leaders, whether you are currently operating a garden or plan to in the future. From improving access to fruits and vegetables to educating people on how food is grown, community gardens offer many benefits to the place you call home.

Every garden project is unique, and Grass to Garden will help you learn more than just how to grow plants, helping your program thrive by:

• Strengthening agricultural and community development efforts.

• Improving access to local, nutritious foods.

• Creating healthier communities.

Participants will learn about pregarden planning, garden team management, site selection and preparation, and growing and harvesting.

This class suits nonprofit employees, local officials, community volunteers and garden enthusiasts.

The registration fee is $75 and includes a workbook. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/5frzt9d3.

Chick Visits

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — After 21 days of anticipation, the chicks have hatched. At-home learners are invited to visit with the new arrivals at the McLean County Extension office, 1615 Commerce Pkwy., Bloomington.

Visiting times on April 25 are 8:45 to 9:30 a.m., 10 to 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m. to noon, and 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.

To register and for more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/feve769k.

Day of Service

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University and the Purdue for Life Foundation are seeking volunteers for a special spring Purdue Day of Service, April 26 at Horticulture Park, 300 McCormick Road, West Lafayette. This event, which will celebrate both Arbor Day and National Volunteer Month, will once again feature tree planting and beautification work.

Volunteers will work two-hour shifts, 9 to 11 a.m. ET, and 1 to 3 p.m. Volunteers will be provided with an exclusive event T-shirt and all necessary equipment. Free refreshments will be available.

If you’re interested in pitching in, register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/msv3ky6z.

Plant Auction

GREENCASTLE, Ind. — The 10th Annual Plant Auction sponsored by the Putnam County Master Gardener Association will begin at 10 a.m. ET April 27 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds Goat Barn, 191 US-231, Greencastle.

Featured will be houseplants, annuals and perennials.

Funds from the auction will be used for education scholarships. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3yu5udmy.

Forestry Field Day

REDKEY, Ind. — Forestry Field Day will be 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET April 27 at Herrmann Reserve, 10821 W 700 S, Redkey.

Topics will include:

• Establishing and managing young tree plantations.

• Grassland restoration process.

• Monitoring and managing deer/rabbit Impact on forests and new tree plantings.

Don Carlson, forester, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources, will be presenting and answering any questions you may have.

Pollinator Day

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Pollinator Day will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at Purdue Research Park, 3000 Technology Ave., New Albany.

This free event includes hands-on activities for the whole family, plus games, crafts, local vendors, selfie-station, food trucks and information booths.

Educational classes will include:

• How to Catch a Swarm of Bees, presented by Spring Valley Beekeepers.

• Pollinators and The Big Picture, presented by Kevin Wiener of All Bugs Go to Kevin.

The program is supported in part by Duke Energy Foundation. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4w8sa8c2. For questions, contact Gina Anderson at 812-948-5470.