Purdue Extension ANR

SOIL TESTING AVAILABLE

Soil testing is recommended every 3 – 5 years.  The Purdue Extension Vermillion County Office will take your garden soil samples (they must be dry) for nutrient & pH analysis and send them to a soils lab for fertilizer recommendations for $12.  For $5 more an organic matter analysis will be completed. Soil sample bags, sample forms, and instructions can be picked up at the Office.  For details, call 765-492-5330 or email cox119@purdue.edu .   

Statewide Virtual Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training - Applications due January 14

Applications for the 2026 Statewide Virtual Purdue EMG Basic Training are being accepted through January 14^th. Specific information can be found here: https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener/events/2026-statewide-virtual-purdue-extension-master-gardener-basic-training/ and on the attached flier.

If you (or someone you know) are interested, visit the above webpage and contact one of the 13 county hosting Purdue Extension Master Gardener Coordinators to request an application and more information about registration.  Then upon graduation, you can elect to volunteer in Parke-Vermillion Counties if you so choose.

 Registration for the Bi-State Garden Conference has been extended, so you can still register ASAP at http://go.illinois.edu/BiStateGarden

Bi-State Garden Conference – January 16

Everyone is invited to join Purdue University Extension and University of Illinois Extension for the annual Bi-State Garden Conference at The Beef House Restaurant’s Banquet Hall, Covington, on Friday, January 16^th.  University experts will share valuable knowledge to get this year's growing season off on the right track.  The conference begins at 10:00 a.m. ET and includes:

• From the Ground Up: Better Turf through Soil Science – Justin Curley, Purdue Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator

• Native Alternatives for the Home Landscape – Karen Mitchell, Purdue Extension Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist

• Creating Resilient Landscapes: Rain Gardens – Maddy Craft, Illinois Extension & Illinois -Indiana Sea Grant Outreach Associate

The conference includes a Beef House lunch and concludes at 2:30 p.m. ET. The registration fee is $35 (includes lunch) and is payable at the door with cash or check. For more information and to pre-register (preferably by Jan. 12) visit https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_555n0W7DczYIhnM?Q_CHL=qr

 All Bugs Go to Kevin, Dobbs Park Nature Center – January 21, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

FREE The Wabash Valley Audubon Society will host Kevin Wiener, the administrator and creator of the popular Facebook group "All Bugs Go to Kevin", on Wednesday, January 21^st at 6:30 pm in the Dobbs Park Nature Center, 5170 East Poplar St., Terre Haute.  Kevin is a passionate arthropod ambassador who uses his photography and presentation skills to educate others about the wonderful world of “bugs”.

Spending more than 12 years in the pest management industry, Kevin became a leader in the field and realized that almost all “bugs” were NOT pests.  As the “All Bugs Go to Kevin” group grew, so did his desire to educate on a much larger scale through online content (www.allbugsgotokevin.com), in-person events, podcasts, publications, and more.  For this free program, prepare to delve into the fascinating world of arachnids. Kevin will conduct a captivating show-and-tell of live specimens and a fun game designed to boost your knowledge about these often-misunderstood arthropods.

The Wabash Valley Audubon Society serves Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties. To learn more about the Wabash Valley Audubon Society like their Facebook page or visit their website at www.wabashvalleyaudubonsociety.org.

2026 Eagles in Flight Weekend, Turkey Run State Park – January 23 – 25 (Friends of Turkey Run & Shades State Park auction goes live on Jan. 12, see: 32auctions.com/EIF26)

For details see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-eagles-in-flight-weekend-tickets-1978177261440

Beekeeping 101, Ivy Tech Community College, Terre Haute Main Campus – January 24, 9 am – 3 pm

The Beekeeping Clubs of Western Indiana are hosting Beekeeping 101 at the Ivy Tech Community College, 8000 Education Dr., Terre Haute. This is a class for beginning beekeepers and anyone interested in becoming a beekeeper.  The class will cover basic beekeeping techniques and will include hive management and pest control.  There will be something for all levels of beekeepers. Registration includes a lunch, door prizes and the opportunity to win a complete bee hive. Cost is $25/person or $40/couple or $10 for everyone under 18.  Limited space, register here: https://clay-county-beekeepers-club.square.site/ Pre-registration is required. More info: email Leslie claybeekeepers@gmail.com or 812-249-5671.

Building Better Boards, Vermillion Co. Fairgrounds 4-H Community Building  – January 31, 9 am – Noon

FREE Do you serve on a board? Do you know your responsibilities as a board member? If you are interested in learning more about being a better board member, please plan to join Purdue Extension Vermillion County and the Vermillion County Extension Board for the Building Better Boards workshop on Saturday, January 31st, from 9:00 AM to Noon in the 4-H Community Building, Vermillion County Fairgrounds, Cayuga. Thank you to International Paper for sponsoring this workshop to offset the fees for the Real Colors personality assessment!  See attachment for details.

Registration is required by January 23^rd and should be completed at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7NyeR3TVd0yZtWu

Virtual Tree Planting Workshop - February 12, 1:00 – 3:00 pm ET

FREE The presentation covers the planning, planting, and maintenance of your tree planting. Foresters from the IDNR and Purdue will be available to answer your questions during and after the presentation.  The workshop is free, but registration is required by Friday, February 6^th. To register, send jaspernursery@dnr.in.gov your name, number of attendees and your email address. Before the workshop, all registered attendees will receive an email with log-in information.  If you have any questions, please contact the Jasper-Pulaski State Tree Nursery at jaspernursery@dnr.in.gov or 219-843-4827.

Virtual Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner course – February 18 – April 1

This course provides forest landowners access to 8 videos and 3 online learning sessions (Feb 18, Mar 11, Apr 1, 6:30 – 8:30 pm EST) designed to introduce participants to the biology and management of forests, and the resources and professional assistance they can access to help them form their property management goals and pursue their objectives. Topics covered include tree ID, forest history and biology, management planning, management practices, wildlife management, timber sales, forest economics, and resources and assistance for forest landowners.  The fee to participate is only $15. Advanced registration is required by February 13^th.  For more information and to register scroll to February 18 at https://ag.purdue.edu/department/fnr/about/fnr-ext-events.html