LA SALLE - University of Illinois Extension invites all youth, ages 8-18, to a two-parts series of canning workshops on Saturday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 a.m.-noon. These workshops will take place at the University of Illinois Extension Education Center & Community Teaching Kitchen at 944 First St., LaSalle. The workshop is free to all registered 4-H members and only $5 for non-4-H members.

This workshop is perfect for youth who want to learn how to preserve fresh fruits. In the first session, they will learn the basics of canning, the difference between jam and jelly, and make their own strawberry jam. In the second session, they will use the skills learned in the first session to make their own blueberry jam. This is perfect timing for them to learn and practice these skills before the fair so they may transfer the experience to other fruits and vegetables as they grow in gardens this year. Plus, all participants may bring their jams to their local 4-H fair as a fair entry project.

Susan Glassman, Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator, and Beth Dellatori, 4-H Youth Development Educator, will conduct the workshops. Attendees will also learn more about 4-H, complete a fun craft, receive jam, jelly and preserves recipes to take home, and enjoy a snack. All youth are invited to come and experience this 4-H, hands-on learning opportunity and consider joining 4-H. Please go to https://go.illinois.edu/canningworkshop to register by Jan. 28. Space is limited.