Calendar: Decluttering your home and finances

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Where to Start: Decluttering Your Home and Finances will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 18 at McLean County Extension, 1615 Commerce Pkwy., Bloomington.

Explore why clutter builds up, how it affects your mood, energy, and daily routines, and common barriers that make it hard to get started. Learn about what’s worth keeping, how to confidently let go of things you no longer need, and simple ways to protect sensitive information as you declutter.

Participants will discover the benefits of simplifying and minimizing, and walk away with practical strategies and a personalized plan to help clear the clutter and create a more peaceful, functional environment.

Weather Workshop

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — The Jackson County 4-H Weather Workshop will be 10 to 11 a.m. May 9 at Jackson County Extension, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Participants will will learn about weather and how storms are created, then build their own thunder drum.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mtextew8.

Gauge Testing

WINAMAC, Ind. — How accurate is your pressure canning dial gauge?

Have your pressure canning dial gauge tested 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET May 11 or May 28 at Pulaski County Extension, 125 S. Riverside Drive, Winamac.

Cost is $5 per gauge. Call the Extension office with any questions at 574-946-3412. Visit https://tinyurl.com/5372fsu8.

Veterinary Workshop

GRAFTON, Ill. — Veterinary Workshop will be 5 to 7 p.m. May 11 at Grafton Veterinary Services, 19446 Powerline Road, Grafton.

Participants age 8 to 18 will have the opportunity to explore a local veterinary clinic, see diagnostic tools such as x-ray equipment, and learn how veterinarians care for animals. Dr. Jacob Maag will answer questions and talk about common issues that bring animals into the clinic, helping youth better understand animal health and veterinary careers.

Attendees also will get to meet locally raised miniature Highland cattle and learn more about their care and characteristics.

Cultivating Care

MARION, Ill. — Cultivating Care Garden Stewardship will be 5 to 7 p.m. May 11 at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Carbon St., Marion.

Participants will learn how to water, weed, and harvest produce, which will be weighed and delivered to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Marion.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc5ff7cx.

Garden Planning

SPRING VALLEY, Ill. — Garden Planning Workshop will be 4 to 5 p.m. May 12 at Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library, 215 E. Cleveland St., Spring Valley.

Participants will learn the basics of square-foot gardening and create a personalized plan for their own space. Whether youʼre a beginner or seasoned gardener, this hands-on session will help you maximize your gardenʼs potential and make planning simple and fun.

Sourdough Starter

OGLESBY, Ill. — The Make-and-Take Sourdough Starter Workshop will be 10:30 a.m. to noon May 12 at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith St., CTC-123, Oglesby.

Participants will learn how to create and maintain a sourdough starter, then take home with a starter of their own.

Crossing Garden Series

DECATUR, Ill. — What’s the Difference? Heirloom, Native, Organic, Non-GMO, Hybrid will be the topic of the Crossing Garden Education Series program, 10 to 11 a.m. May 12 at Crossing Healthcare Garden, 320 Central Ave., Decatur.

Learn about the variety of seeds available for your garden.

The Crossing Garden Education Series will guide participants through a full gardening season — from starting seeds and nurturing plants to harvesting and wrapping things up for the year. Along the way, master gardeners will share practical tips, tried-and-true techniques, and a few insider secrets to help your vegetable garden thrive.

Each session will occur on the second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 13.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/bde3emrh.

Houseplant Propagation

OREGON, Ill. — Houseplant Propagation will be 10 to 11 a.m. May 13 at Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon.

Learn how to take successful cuttings, techniques for dividing plants, rooting methods using water or soil, and tips for caring for new plant starts.

MIND Diet

KEWANEE, Ill. — Introduction to the MIND Diet: Eating for Brain Health will be 2 to 3 p.m. May 13 at Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee.

Discover how MIND —Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay — supports cognitive health and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In this program led by Kristin Bogdonas, Illinois Extension food and nutrition educator, participants will learn which foods support brain health, how to structure balanced meals, and strategies for incorporating brain-healthy foods into everyday life.

Whether you’re looking to support long-term brain health or make immediate, healthier choices, this class provides practical guidance, recipes, and meal-planning tips tailored to the MIND diet principles.

To register, contact Susan Carlson at the library, 309-852-4505. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/evdst8v3.

Meal Planning

CLINTON, Ill. — Meal Planning Made Easy will be 10 to 11 a.m. May 14 at Warner Wellness Center, 418 W. South St., Clinton.

A meal plan saves time and money, reduces decision fatigue, and supports nutrition needs. Learn strategies to build nutritious meals.

Internet Safety

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Digital Skills Lessons: Internet Safety, Ethics, and Identifying Credible Sources will be 3 to 4 p.m. ET May 14 at Allen County Public Library’s Hessen Cassel Branch, 3030 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne.

The workshop is designed to help participants take proactive measures to safeguard themselves while online. Various forms of scams from impersonation to malware will be discussed, and participants will explore how to secure their accounts and devices.

Plant Sale

YORKVILLE, Ill. — The Master Gardener Plant Sale will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16 at Kendall County Extension, 7775B IL Route 47, Yorkville.

The sale will feature 14 varieties of tomatoes, 10 varieties of peppers, native plants, and nursery-stock perennials. Master gardeners will be on-hand to answer gardening questions.

For questions, call 630-553-5823 or email fellerer@illinois.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4j6d89bz.

NatureFest 2026

GENOA, Ill. — NatureFest 2026 will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16 at Natural Resource Education Center, Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 State Route 72, Genoa.

This free event is designed for families with elementary-aged children and up. There will be nature-themed, hands-on learning activities. The event is outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Learning topics include turtles, camouflage, insects, river research, and more. Check-in at the registration table and pick up a passport and a map of the area.

Families can take part in multiple hands-on learning activities. Come see T.J. the tortoise (the resident 75-pound African Sulcata tortoise), the other live animal displays, and hike the trails.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mw3hjrcd.

Barnyard Shenanigans

LOWELL, Ind. — Lake County Mini 4-H Barnyard Shenanigans and Sheep Shearing will be 1 to 4 p.m. CT May 17 at Buckley Homestead, 3606 Belshaw Road, Lowell.

Adventure awaits, with a variety of fun activities.

Cost is $5. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/8demp77r. For questions, contact Lynette Dubord at 219-746-3105.

Horse Jumping Clinic

KOUTS, Ind. — Lake County 4-H Horse and Pony Jumping Clinic will be 3 to 6 p.m. CT May 17 at Navajo Saddle Club, 84 W 900 S, Kouts.

This clinic will help 4-H members who would like to have extra practice and to improve horses skills in jumping. All members are encouraged to participate, to see if their horse is a good fit for jumping. Ground poles and cross rails will be offered. Beginners are welcome.

Plant-Based Diet

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Plant-Based Eating: The Pros and Cons of a Plant-Based Diet will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 18 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Eating a predominantly plant-based meal may help to improve your overall health. A plant-based diet is a great way to increase your servings of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts — providing your body essential nutrients.

Abigail Creigh, Extension health and human sciences educator, will discuss the pros and cons of a plant-based diet.

To register, call the Extension office at 260-481-6826 or visit https://tinyurl.com/wk4dt7eb.

Plant Bingo

PEKIN, Ill. — Master Gardener Plant Bingo will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 18 at Grace United Methodist Church, 601 N. 4th St., Pekin.

The master gardeners of Tazewell County coordinate a fun and educational event to help support the community projects they lead throughout the county. Players can purchase a bingo card for $5 and win plants and garden items.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4758866u.

Herbs in Stackable Pots

PANA, Ill. — Herbs in Stackable Pots will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 18 at Kehias Arboretum, 2152 Illinois Route 16, Pana.

This interactive, hands-on workshop will show participants how to design and build their own stackable culinary herb garden, a space‑saving solution that fits perfectly in kitchens, patios, or small outdoor areas.

Participants will learn how to select the best herbs for everyday cooking, understand basic light, water, and soil needs, and assemble a simple stackable system that’s both attractive and practical. Get tips on planting, ongoing care, and harvesting to keep herbs productive all season long.

Cut Flower Production

RICHVIEW, Ill. — Cut Flower Production will be 6 to 8 p.m. May 18 at Flower Girls Greenhouse, 266 E. Main St., Richview.

Explore cut flowers, bedding plants, and hanging baskets during a tour of Flower Girls Greenhouse. Flower Girls began in 2018 when Chris Lueking and her daughters, Kiara, Cassandra, and Callie, started selling homegrown pumpkins, mums, and cut flowers at farmers markets. After graduating in 2022, Callie took on a larger role, expanding the business and opening a greenhouse. The operation now includes three large greenhouses offering annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, and tropical plants.

Flower Girls is a preferred vendor for several wedding venues and creates custom bouquets for proms, homecomings, and other special occasions. Despite its growth, the business remains rooted in cut‑flower production, growing most of its blooms in high tunnels and field plots at the family farm in Woodlawn. Callie aims to supply at least 60% of the flowers used in wedding work from their own production, sourcing locally before purchasing wholesale.

Register for this Summer Twilight Series program by calling 618-695-2441 or email baly@illinois.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3trnk9k6.

Preserve at Home

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Preserve at Home will be noon to 1 p.m. May 19 at Piatt County Extension, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Learn to safely water-bath and pressure can, freeze, dry, and ferment your garden harvest and farmers market purchases. From jams and pickles to fruit leather and sauerkraut, it’s easy to eat summer produce all year long. This lesson will support beginners and provide up-to-date guidance for seasoned preservers. Bring dial-gauge pressure canner lids and gauges for a free accuracy test.

Grow Native

DANVILLE, Ill. — Grow Native will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 19 at Danville Public Library, 319 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

Extension Educator Ryan Pankau will discuss how native plants can support pollinators, improve sustainability, and add natural beauty to your yard.

Internal Parasites

GOSHEN, Ind. — Internal Parasite Management: Sheep and Goats will be 5 to 7 p.m. ET May 21 at Elkhart County Extension, Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

Learn about the key parasite categories that impact sheep and goats, which dewormers are effective and when to use them, how to slow dewormer resistance, and hands-on training using FAMACHA cards to check for anemia along with other various symptoms.

Cost is $30. Register by calling Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4r6yfz4b.