Calendar: Learn about the safe use of chainsaws

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Chainsaw Safety Training will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 26 at 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Road, Monticello.

Participants will be trained in safe use of chainsaws, safety gear to use, tree felling and wood cutting techniques, and chainsaw cleaning/maintenance. Participants will be given an opportunity to practice these skills with experts by felling small- to medium-diameter trees and cutting up downed wood.

This is a workshop and not a certification course. All participants must wear long pants and sturdy boots. PPE and chainsaws will be on hand to use, but feel free to bring your own chainsaws and PPE (chaps, helmets, hearing and eye protection) if you have them. Saws must be in good working order with a sharp chain in order to use them in the course.

Fit for Life

ELKHART, Ind. — Fit for Life will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. ET April 15 and 22 at the Elkhart Public Library, 58485 County Road 13, Elkhart.

This two-session, chair-based exercise program is designed to help participants improve their endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance using seated exercise. This program offers a safe and effective way for individuals who may have limited mobility or who are seeking a low-impact fitness option to stay active.

To register, call 574-533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/32bvfce8.

Cooking with an Air Fryer

GOSHEN, Ind. — Cooking with an Air Fryer will be 5 to 6 p.m. ET April 16 at the Goshen Public Library, 601 S. 5th St., Goshen.

Technology is always evolving, including the technology we use in the kitchen. The air fryer has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Learn about the ins and outs of an air fryer, different model options, and safety techniques.

To register, call 574-533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrytn555.

Fishing Clinic

GRAFTON, Ill. — Hooked on Fishing will be 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 21 at Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitors Center Lane, Grafton.

Participants ages 8 to 18 will learn about fishing while exploring the beauty and natural resources of the state park. Participants will craft a cane pole to fish with and take home.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3j38wv9d.

Open House

WEST BENTON, Ill. — Illinois Extension Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Williamson counties will host an open house, 2 to 6 p.m. April 21.

Open house locations:

• Franklin County office, 1212 Rte. 14, West Benton.

• Jackson County office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

• Perry County office, 203 N. Walnut, Suite A, Pinckneyville.

• Randolph County office, 1403 Hillcrest Drive, Sparta.

• Williamson County office 1301 Enterprise Way, Suite 60, Marion.

Discover the resources and services provided by your local Extension office. The open house will feature fun swag and giveaways, door prizes, kids activities, horticulture support with master gardeners, and free seeds donated by Rural King.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3nd52ujd.

Smart Snacking

PANA, Ill. — Balancing Better Bites will be 10:30 a.m. to noon April 22 at Pana Community Hospital, 101 E. 9th St., Pana.

Snacking can make or break a balanced diet. Are you making the right choices? In this hands-on class, participants join Illinois Extension to learn how snacks impact hunger and nutrition, what to look for when choosing snacks, and simple steps to prepare smarter, satisfying options. Plus, put your skills to the test by making and sampling delicious, healthy snacks.

Stewardship Days

BENTON, Ill. — Rend Lake Garden Stewardship Days will be 8:30 to 11 a.m. April 23 at the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center, 11981 Rend City Road, Benton.

The event will include two hours of garden stewardship tasks and a 30-minute educational program about container gardening with native plants.

Women and Alzheimer’s

GOSHEN, Ind. — The program Women and Alzheimer’s will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET April 23 at the Elkhart County Extension office, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

Learn about the unique challenges women face in relation to Alzheimer’s disease and strategies for brain health and cognitive vitality. This program offers valuable insights, evidence-based information, and practical tips to empower women to take proactive steps in maintaining brain health and reducing their risk of cognitive decline.

To register, call 574-533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mttsxkcv.

Spring into Nature

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Spring into Nature will be 4 to 7 p.m. ET April 23 at Stewart Woods at Horticulture Park, 300 McCormick Road, West Lafayette.

Discover the beauty of the season with bird walks and nature hikes, creative nature-themed art, and hands-on springtime activities. Food will be provided, including vegetarian and vegan options.

For questions, contact Sandra Toruno at storunos@purdue.edu or Wendy Mayer at wendymayer@purdue.edu.

Gardening with Wildlife

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Gardening with Wildlife will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 23 at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere.

Do you enjoy gardening but worry about wildlife destroying your garden? Boone County Master Gardener interns Tenley Erickson-Ranum and Brianne Ambrose will explore ways to enjoy both gardening and wildlife without the destruction.

Community Garden

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The Monticello Area Community Garden Kick-Off Meeting will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 24 at the Piatt County Extension office, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Learn about the garden guidelines and organic planting methods.

Spring Bird Walk

FAIRBURY, Ill. — The Spring Bird Walk will be 8 to 9:30 a.m. April 26 at Fugate Woods, 23150 E 1000 N Rd, Fairbury.

Spring is a great time to look for birds, especially colorful warblers passing through on their way to nesting grounds. Learn tips on bird identification and enjoy beautiful blooming wildflowers along the way.

Nature Fest

GENOA, Ill. — Nature Fest will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 Natural Resource Education Center in Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, Genoa.

Extension staff and master naturalist volunteers work together to present multiple nature-themed, 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.

“NatureFest gives families an activity-filled day to explore Russell Woods and the Natural Resource Education Center,” said Peggy Anesi, Extension educator and NREC director. “Come see T.J., the tortoise, the live animal displays, and hike the trails after you fill out your passport. It is time to get outside and enjoy our natural spaces, starting with Nature Fest 2025.”

For more information, call 815-784-2000, or visit https://tinyurl.com/yrfy9dhk.

Tree Fruit Success

GOSHEN, Ind. — Tree Fruit Success for Home and Small Farm will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET April 30 at Kercher’s Sunrise Orchards, 19498 County Road 38, Goshen.

This event offers current and aspiring tree fruit growers the opportunity to learn from experts about ways to increase the success and satisfaction of quality fruit production in their orchards.

The evening will begin with an orchard walk, followed by speakers. Topics will include root stock selection, general production, variety selection, pruning, spray schedules and disease management. Light refreshments will be available.

To register, call the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office at 574-533-0554 or email mevans@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yccm3cd2.