Briefs: Health committee to meet

The Lake County Board's health and community services committee will meet today to discuss funding for the work force development department and other issues. The meeting is set for 1 p.m. at the county government center, 18 N. County St., Waukegan.

Learn about rain gardens

The Upper Des Plaines River Ecosystem Partnership will host a free workshop on rain gardens from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Forest Lake Community Center, 23489 N. East Road, Lake Zurich. A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped depression planted with native flowers and grasses that are naturally adapted to variable wetness conditions. They absorb storm water and reduce runoff. Volunteers will plant a rain garden following a brief presentation. Experts will be available to answer questions and provide information on site planning, native plant selection, and maintenance of rain gardens. For more information, call Jill Hughes (847) 561-2294.

Get out on the farm

The Liberty Prairie Conservancy will sponsor a backyard farm party from 1 to 3 p.m. June 22. The event will feature a seed-spitting contest, egg toss, sack race, ice cream sundaes, watermelon and lemonade. The party is a way to provide the public with a chance to learn about Casey Farm, located near Libertyville. Directions will be given to those who call to register. Register online at www.libertyprairie.org or call (847) 548-5989, ext. 33. The fee is $20 ($15 for Liberty Prairie Conservancy members), free for children under 6.