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 $15.  For $10 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 .   

 2026 INDIANA MASTER NATURALISTS SCHEDULE/REGISTRATION 

Parke Co. Ag Outlook Breakfast – February 24, 8:30 – 11:00 am

FREE Breakfast and program featuring ISDA Hardwoods Program Manager, Chris Gonso will discuss timber values and trends, plus a weather outlook, and updates from the FSA Office.  Please RSVP to the Parke County Extension Office at 765-569-3176 or klanzone@purdue.edu .

Indiana Horticulture & Small Farm Conference – March 3 - 5

Join us as we merge two popular Purdue Extension events into one dynamic conference. Designed for specialty crop growers and small farmers region-wide, featuring premier educational sessions.

Event Location: Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E Main St., Danville, IN 46122.  More info here: https://indianahortconference.org/

Indiana Flower & Patio Show, March 14 – 22

Visit the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Plant Info to Go Booth.  More info at https://www.indianaflowerandpatioshow.com/

Ouabache Land Conservancy’s 16^th Annual Celebration at Terre Haute Brewing Co., March 24, 5:00 – 8:30 pm

$60 For details see: https://ouabachelandconservancy.org/events

Wednesdays in the Wild Hike @ Atherton Island Natural Area, March 25, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

FREE RSVP REQUIRED For details see: https://ouabachelandconservancy.org/events

Learn-N-Burn Grassland Rx Fire Workshop – March 28, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm 

Do you have CRP fields or other native warm-season grass stands on your property?  Interested in learning about prescribed fire and other grassland management tools?  This workshop will cover CRP and Mid-Contract Management options, including herbicide, interseeding, and disking, as well as prescribed fire planning, safety, equipment and a demonstration burn (weather permitting).  Cost is $25 (cash or check at the door) with lunch included.  Classroom/lunch will be at the Montezuma Community Center, 800 N Jackson St., Montezuma, IN 47862. Register by calling or emailing the Vermillion County Extension Office at 765-492-5330 or  cox119@purdue.edu.  Flier attached with more details.

Talking Trash & Turning it into Compost – March 30, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

FREE Clinton Public Library (313 S. 4^th St.).  Learn how to maintain your pile’s heat; and about different types of compost bins and recipes for success.  To register email or call: vp_resourcetech@iaswcd.org .  See attachment for more details.

West Central Indiana Master Naturalist Workshop starts April 9th

The West Central Indiana Master Naturalist Workshop starts on Thursday, April 9^th and will continue for a total of ten afternoon classes, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, on Thursdays through June 11^th.  The Indiana Master Naturalist program is sponsored by Indiana Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Purdue Extension, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources with the mission to bring together natural resources specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife, and promote volunteer service within the State of Indiana.  For more information about the Indiana Master Naturalist program see www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/6321.htm .

The West Central IMN Workshop will rotate between Parke (Turkey Run State Park Nature Center), Vigo (Dobbs Park) and Vermillion (Clinton Public Library) Counties.  Classes include the following general topics: botany, zoology, people and natural resources, water resources, geology, and an elective class.  See the attached “Announcing 2026 West Central IMN Workshop” pdf for details and the registration form.

This course is open to all adults that have an interest and would like to learn more about Indiana’s natural resources and no previous naturalist experience is required.  There is a registration fee of $60 per person and a discount for couples ($90 per couple sharing materials), which covers the costs of all books, materials, and other fees.  However, the Turkey Run State Park entry fee (or a 2026 State Park Pass) is required for the classes held there.  The number of participants is limited and will be taken on a first-come first-served basis.  The deadline for registration is April 1^st.

Victory Races: Marathon, ½ Marathon & 5K Races at Vermillion Rise Mega Park – April 11

This is a fundraiser for Vermillion Trails Alliance.  For details/registration information see: https://www.vermilliontrailsalliance.com/victoryraces