June 30 - July 11:  Crown Point.  Applications are being taken for Lake County Master Gardener Training to be offered for 13 weeks beginning Thursday, September 4, at the Lake County Purdue Extension Office, 880 E 99th Ct, Suite A.  Sessions will be presented by Purdue University Professors, extension educators and other professionals in the horticulture industry.  $200/person, with $100 to be refunded after passing the final exam and completing the required 35 hours of volunteer time; July 11 is the deadline for completed applications, 219-755-3240, www.ces.purdue.edu/Lake/mg.htm

June 30 - July 25:  Hammond.  Visit the W. F. Wellman Exhibit Hall to see the "Trash to Treasure VIII" Exhibit for a grand display of artwork made out of recycled materials.  Free, 7770 Corinne Dr, (I-80/94 & Kennedy Ave, South), Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am-5 pm, 219-989-7979 or 800-ALL-LAKE, www.lakecountycvb.com

June 30:  Hobart.  Visit Wood's Mill Gallery to see photographic works from members of the Lake County Parks Photography Club.  Photos may be of local scenery, still life, portraits, abstracts, or other subjects.  Most of the photos will be available for sale and framed ready to hang in your home or office.  10 am-4:45 pm daily, free, Deep River County Park, 9410 Old Lincoln Hwy, 219-947-1958, www.lakecountyparks.org

June 30 - September 2:  Indianapolis.  This year marks the 10th season of Butterflies in the Hilbert Conservatory at White River Gardens.  The best days to view the butterflies are warm, sunny days that translate to optimum butterfly activity.  From opening weekend through the summer, the population builds until there are roughly 1,000 to 1,500 flying at any given time.  For more information, visit www.indyzoo.com

June 30 - October 31:  Lake County Parks.  Fishing sites and information including fishing and boating fees are available at www.lakecountyparks.org

June 30 - September 30:  Statewide.  The Indiana State Department of Agriculture Division of Soil Conservation invites you to participate in the 2008 Indiana Conservation State Photo Contest.  They are currently accepting photographs in the categories of:  conservation in action, water uses and impacts, faces of conservation, conservation up-close, on the farm.  Entries must be received by September 30 (postmarked by September 25).  Visit www.in.gov/isda/3097.htm for further information, requirements, entry form, etc.

July:  Chesterton.  The Indiana Dunes State Park has daily interpretive programs planned for you and your family to enjoy.  Programs are usually free and open to the public after paying the park entrance fee, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, 219-926-1390, Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, get all the details at www.in.gov/dnr/files/sp-dunes-july.pdf

July 1 - October 30:  Valparaiso.  Our farmer's market will have local growers set-up on the downtown at the corner of Lafayette and Indiana Streets, offering fresh produce of the season, vegetables throughout the summer, and pumpkins, squash, and outdoor decorations in October.  8 am-2 pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, www.popcornfest.org

July 3 - December 18:  Hammond.  Stop in and see the Lake County Wood Carvers live demonstrations every Thursday at the Indiana Welcome Center.  See this talented group in action as they carve unique items that are also available for sale.  They are available for questions about their craft and the techniques and materials they use.  9 am-noon, free, 7770 Corinne Dr (I80/94 & Kennedy Ave S), 219-989-7979, www.lakecountycvb.com

July 4, 11, 18, 19, 25, 26:  Merrillville.  The Merrillville Community Planetarium presents "Galaxies and the Universe."  The planetarium opens for seating 30 minutes before the show begins; no one is admitted after the program starts.  Seats should be reserved by calling 219-650-5486 or at www.mcpstars.org/public/.  7:30 pm, $3/adults, $2/children, Clifford Pierce Middle School, 199 E 70th Ave; please park and enter on the west side of the building.

July 4 - August 29:  Portage.  Leisurely explore the dunes near the beach and end with a view of the setting sun over Chicago.  Meet at the West Beach bath house.  Each Friday, 6-7:30 pm, $6 per vehicle to enter West Beach, West Beach is located 12 miles west of the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center on US 12 to County Line Rd, north on County Line Rd for 1/4 mile; 219-926-7561 X225, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 5 - 26:  Beverly Shores.  Join a ranger each Saturday night around the campfire and enjoy a 60-minute show on the animals that fly, crawl, walk, tunnel, and swim in the various habitats of the park.  8:30-9:30 pm, Dunewood Campground Amphitheater, intersection of Broadway & US Hwy 12 in Beverly Shores, one and one half miles east of the Calumet Dune Interpretive Center, 219-926-7561 X225, free, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 5 - October 25:  Chesterton.  The Chesterton European Market will be held each Saturday from 8 am-2 pm in historic downtown, on the corner of Broadway and 3rd Street, next to Thomas Centennial Park (2 miles south of Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes, I94 to exit 26A or toll road to exit 31).  Gourmet and specialty foods, cheeses, and exotic meats are just a few of the many products offered; for more information visit www.chestertonseuropeanmarket.com 

July 5 - October 25:  Crown Point.  Each Saturday, from 8 am-1 pm (weather pending), vendors will be selling crisp produce, flowers, gourmet foods, candles, and a variety of other products at the Farmers' Market on the South block of Main Street, www.crownpoint.in.gov

July 5 - October 25:  Highland.  The Highland Farmers Market will be held at the corner of Highway & Kennedy each Saturday from 9 am-1 pm.  Contact Pam Baldin at 219-838-0114 for additional information, www.highland.in.gov/

July 5 - August 30:  LaPorte.  Visit the LaPorte Farmers Market each Saturday from 7 am-noon, located at Michigan Ave and State St next to the County Courthouse.  There will be fresh produce, fresh eggs, dried meats, local made crafts, fresh flowers, baked goods, and how-to demonstrations each week.  Free admission, contact the Office of Community Development & Planning at 219-362-8260 or farmersmarket@cityoflaporte.com for more information, www.cityoflaporte.com

July 5:  Lowell.  The Calumet Astronomical Society invites you to explore the wonders of the universe with their popular free public programs.  Volunteers will guide visitors in the use of telescopes and astronomical binoculars as they observe the majesty of the skies.  Star charts, club information, and astronomy-related activities.  The programs are outdoors, so dress for the weather; programs are naturally dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions.  Tonight is a Public Stargazing Open House, 9 pm-midnight, Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead, 3606 Belshaw Rd, 219-696-8969, www.casonline.org,  www.lakecountyparks.org

July 5 - October 25:  Michigan City.  The Michigan City Mainstreet Association sponsors the Farmer's Market every Saturday on the corner of 8th and Washington Streets.  8 am-noon, features locally-grown fruits and vegetables in season as well as craft items, flowers, and herbs.  Bake sales, wine tastings, Alpaca wool spinning and other special events will also take place.  For details and directions, call 800-622-1309, www.mcmainstreet.com

July 5 - August 31:  Porter.  Nature hikes through Pinhook Bog are held each Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 am.  "Trekking the Bog" will begin at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and follow with a caravan to the bog.  Join a ranger to learn about this unique habitat replete with insect-eating plants.  Free, reservations are required by calling 219-926-7561 X225, meet at Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center located in the SE corner of Route 49 & Route 20, enter from Route 49, www.nps.gov/indu/

July 5 - August 23:  Porter.  Each Saturday you can join a ranger for a program on Beaks or Bikes.  Bird walks are on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month and the bike tours are on the 2nd and 4th of the month.  All programs start at the Dunewood Campground parking lot.  If you are going to attend the bike tour, you need to provide your own bike.  Free, 9:30-11 am, 219-926-7561 X225, Dunewood Campground is located 1.5 miles east of the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center on US 12, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 5 - October 18:  Whiting.  Each Saturday the Whiting Farmers Market will feature fresh produce and Amish Specialties such as homemade bread, jams, honey, and other goods.  8 am-2 pm, 1443 119th St (in front of City Hall), www.whitingindiana.com

July 6, 13, 20, 27:  Hobart, Schererville, Valparaiso.  The Home Depot Clinics will present "Installing a Retaining Wall" from 1-2 pm.  Free, pre-register at 2851 E Route 30, Hobart, 219-942-2136; 960 US Hwy 41, 219-322-1651; 2430 LaPorte Ave, 219-531-6687; www.homedepotclinics.com/

July 6 - August 31:  Porter.  Join volunteers in historic costume each Sunday and learn about the lives of the early settlers in the dunes.  At Chellberg Farm, examine the vegetable garden, watch the draft horses work, or learn how to cook on a wood stove on this early 20th-century farm.  1-4 pm, the Bailly/Chellberg parking lot is located on Mineral Springs Rd between Hwys US 12 & US 20, 219-926-7561 X225, free, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 6 - October 26:  St John.  The St. John Farmers Market will again take place each Sunday, rain or shine, from 8 am-1 pm at the Community Outpatient Centre parking lot, 9600 Wicker Ave.  For more information, visit www.stjohnin.com

July 9:  Lowell.  An evening seminar on the "ABC's of Floral Design" will be presented at Gardens on the Prairie at 6 pm.  $10, 219-690-0911, 3242 W 169th Ave, www.gardensontheprairie.com

July 9:  Munster.  A Master Gardener will explain the different types of weeds and safe methods to eliminate them.  7 pm, 219-836-8450, Munster Branch Library, 8701 Calumet Ave, www.lakeco.lib.in.us/munster.htm

July 10 - September 25:  Schererville.  Join us each Thursday for the 2nd annual International Farmers Market, located in the South parking lot at Redar Park, from 3-8 pm.  Shoppers will be able to choose fresh farm produce from Illinois, Michigan and Indiana, along with artisan baked goods, farm fresh eggs, specialty foods, locally grown honey, locally farmed meats, the popular winery, and so much more.  219-322-2211 X326 or X306, www.schererville.org

July 12:  Chesterton.  Join us for the 11th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest.  Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including "viewer's choice."  Even if you're not very creative, come by and vote for your favorite sculpture.  Activities are free, after paying the usual gate fees ($5/in state, $10/out of state).  For more information, call the Nature Center at 219-926-1390.  Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, www.interpretiveservices.in.gov

July 12:  Fort Wayne.  Enjoy the cheerful summer colors of daylilies during the annual flower show of our local daylily society.  The best from local growers and hobbyists will be on display to inspire and educate, and members will field questions from the public.  You may submit entries of your own best daylily blooms, if interested.  Sponsored by the Fort Wayne Daylily Society.  10 am-4 pm, $4/adults, $2/children ages 3-17, free/age 2 & under, free/members, Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S Calhoun St, 260-427-6440, www.botanicalconservatory.org

July 12 - 13:  Miller Beach.  The Miller Garden Club will sponsor "Secret Gardens: Red, White & Blooming," which offers tours of six outstanding gardens in the Miller Beach section of Gary.  The tour originates at the Aquatorium in Marquette Park.  10 am-3 pm, $6/advance, $7/event day, 219-938-5911, www.millergardenclub.net

July 12:  Valparaiso.  Come learn about the Tall Grass Prairies with our Prairie Hike. 10-11:30 am, $5/public, Free/members, pre-register at 219-462-0025, meet at the Welcome Center, Taltree Arboretum and Gardens, 450 W 100 N, www.taltree.org

July 15:  Merrillville.  The public is invited to attend this free program on "Growing Beautiful Iris" at 7 pm in the lower level meeting rooms at the Central Library, 1919 W 81st Ave, sponsored by Lake County Public Library in cooperation with Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.  Pre-register at 219-769-3541 X317, www.lakeco.lib.in.us 

July 16 - 19:  Statewide.  Plan to attend the 2008 Midwest Regional Master Gardener Conference to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and hosted by the local Master Gardeners Association of the Milwaukee area (Southeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners - SEWMG).  The theme of the conference is "Gardening through the Continuum of Life" and will be an exciting look at gardening through all ages and phases of life.  Participants can get more information and register at http://sewmg.encumpus.com/

July 17:  Highland.  A Master Gardener will discuss plant selection, hazards, care, and the fun involved in shade gardening.  This program is co-sponsored with the Highland Redevelopment commission.  7 pm, pre-register at 219-838-2394, Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St, www.lakeco.lib.in.us/highland.htm

July 17:  Lake County, West Lafayette.  Purdue Master Gardeners are invited to sign up for "Master Gardeners in Bloom", a round-trip motor coach bus trip to Chicago.  We will explore the use of bedding plants in public gardens and community beautification projects and learn more about the nationwide "America in Bloom" (AIB) program, tour the display gardens of Ball Seed Company, AIB plantings in downtown Chicago, and the Lurie Garden at Chicago's Millennium Park.  The Lake County Extension Office is a potential site for pick up, so you will not have to drive to West Lafayette.  Get more information at www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/info/

July 19:  Lowell.  Bring your Gardening Friends and Family to a Garden Walk with Wayne Gruber.  8 am, free, Gardens on the Prairie, 3242 W 169th Ave, 219-690-0911, www.gardensontheprairie.com

July 19:  Valparaiso.  Join us in celebrating Ten Years of Natural Inspiration at Taltree.  A fun-filled day for the entire family with a Kids Fest, music, tours and hikes, food and much more.  Free, 10 am-4 pm, 219-462-0025, Taltree Arboretum and Gardens, 450 W 100 N, www.taltree.org