Calendar: Sample recipes featuring zucchini, okra and cucumbers

DECATUR, Ill. — ‘What Do I Do with All These Zucchini’ will be the topic of the Crossing Garden Education Series, 10 to 11 a.m. July 8 at the Crossing Healthcare Garden, 320 Central Ave., Decatur.

The Crossing Garden Education Series is a free monthly program focusing on a variety of topics during the 2025 growing season. Join the master gardeners for this month’s session and sample some recipes using zucchini, okra and cucumbers.

Garden Walk

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — Treat yourself to a day exploring beautiful local gardens at the Whitley County Master Gardeners Garden Walk, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET June 28.

This year’s highlight includes the Joseph Decuis Farm, 6755 E 900 S, Columbia City, where you can also enjoy delicious food available for purchase.

Other stops in the Jefferson Township area include the Engelhardts, the Thompsons, the Porters and the Mores.

Purchase your tickets at www.mastergardenerswc.com/events/garden-walk.

For questions, email Events@MasterGardenersWC.com.

Currant Harvest

NORMAL, Ill. — The Black Currant Harvest Help-Out will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 30 at Refuge Food Forest, 701 E. Lincoln St., Normal.

Nestled in one of the town’s most scenic spots, the Refuge Food Forest is home to many black currant shrubs. Black currant is an antioxidant-rich superfruit with tremendous nutritional value, and this year is shaping up to be a bumper crop.

The goal is to pick as many black currants as possible for donation to local food co-ops and pantries, getting this powerhouse berry into the hands (and meals) of those who need it most.

Volunteers will be compensated for their harvest help-out assistance with a three-pack of black currant “fruit-wowzers,” made by Funks Grove Heritage Fruits and Grains, complements of University of Illinois Extension.

Trail Tuesdays

HUDSON, Ill. — The Trail Tuesdays event will be 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 1 at COMLARA Park, 13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson.

Participants will explore the park’s diverse trails, uncovering what’s “in season” along the way. Fungi and lichen will be highlighted along the park’s John English Memorial Trail.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious about the local landscape, the Trail Tuesdays hikes offer a perfect way to connect with nature, learn something new, and enjoy a refreshing morning on the trails.

All ages are welcome, but no pets are allowed. Please wear long pants and sturdy walking shoes. A sunhat and reusable water bottles are also encouraged.

Tai Chi for Arthritis

STERLING, Ill. — Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention will be 9 to 10 a.m. Monday’s and Wednesdays, July 2-Aug. 27, at the Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. 9th St., Sterling.

Many studies have shown tai chi as being one of the most effective approaches for preventing falls. Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Program is recognized by the CDC as an evidence-based program. Extension Family Life Educator Kara Schweitzer to lead exercises that can improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness.

Register by calling the Whiteside County Senior Center at 815-622-9230. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrsyxkj9.

Meals for a Healthy Heart

SAVOY, Ill. — Meals for a Healthy Heart will be 2:30 to 4 p.m. July 2 and July 15 at Villas of Holly Brook, 68 Airport Road, Savoy.

Participants will receive recipes, watch cooking demonstrations, taste foods to meet their dietary needs, and learn about proper diet and exercise to better care for their health.

Salsa Workshop

MARSHALL, Ill. — The Tomato and Salsa Workshop will be 6 to 8 p.m. July 8 at the Clark County Extension office, 15493 IL-1, Marshall.

Participants will learn hands-on techniques to prepare and process delicious salsa, transforming fresh garden produce into flavorful dishes. Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Katie Bell will share expert insights on identifying and solving common tomato growing issues such as blossom-end rot, wilt, bacterial spot, and more. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge in preventing these problems, ensuring a healthy and productive tomato crop, while also acquiring practical skills for making vibrant, homemade salsa.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/493tde3j.

Blueberry Jam

BRIGHTON, Ill. — Curious about canning? Come get some hands-on practice making blueberry jam in a water bath canner from 4 to 6 p.m. July 10 under the pavilion at the Brighton Farmers Market in Schneider Park, 100 N. Maple St., Brighton.

No need to register, just head to the farmers market. Lisa Peterson, Extension nutrition and wellness educator, will be testing pressure canner dial gauges.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/cf3mzrwx.

Parke Gardening

ROCKVILLE, Ind. — Fall Garden Planning will be the topic of the Parke Gardening program, 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET July 10 at the Community Garden, 413 S. U.S. Hwy. 41, Rockville.

The program is part of a series presented by Purdue Extension Parke County and Rockville Rotary.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2d7hb8k7.

Timeless Tribes

ROBINSON, Ill. — Timeless Tribes: Exploring Native American History will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 10 at the Crawford County History Museum, 408 S. Cross St., Robinson.

Explore the rich Native American history of Crawford and Clark counties with a guided museum tour, which includes Native American artifacts. Participants can have one artifact identified by members of the Central Wabash Archaeology Society.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4e3kcpwy.

Herbarium Mounting

VIENNA, Ill. — Herbarium Specimen Mounting for master gardeners and master naturalists will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 11 at the Johnson County Extension office, 208 Main St., Vienna.

For more information about master gardener or master naturalist programs, please contact Anne Townsend, Extension program coordinator, at cupquake@illinois.edu.