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 .   

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

Landscape Design with Native Plants in Indiana webinar – February 12, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

FREE Central Chapter of INPS invites you to learn about ornamental landscape design with native plants.

Please join us online on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 7-8 p.m. EST to hear an introduction and broad overview on designing with native plants. You of course know many of the benefits of natives, but you may learn some things about design concepts, plant combinations, maintenance, and common pitfalls to avoid when using native plants in an ornamental landscape.

Our guest speaker is M.J. Meneley, a professional landscape architect in Indianapolis with Guidon, a full-service architecture and engineering firm. M.J. earned his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Ball State University in 1996 and has completed a variety of projects all over the United States. Currently registered in Indiana, Florida and Montana, M.J.’s projects include residential, higher education, hospitality, healthcare, parks and recreation, streetscapes, and more. Registration is required to gain access to Zoom link. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/landscape-design-with-native-plants-in-indiana-tickets-1979245295960

Wabash Valley Audubon Society February Crow Show Program – February 18, 6:30 – 7:30 pm 

FREE The Wabash Valley Audubon Society will host retired educator Mike Lunsford for Mr. Hitchcock's Crow Show, a presentation about legendary director Alfred Hitchcock's classic film, The Birds at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 18^th at Arts Illiana, 23 N. 6^th St., Terre Haute.  Lunsford will discuss how "The Master of Suspense" adapted Daphne du Maurier's original story to film and how he was able to bend the film's action to convey the themes and plot devices that made him an icon. There's no prerequisite to this film discussion, but a love for birds and Hitchcock will help!

Everyone is also invited to come early or stay late for The Crow Show exhibit in the gallery.  Light refreshments will be served.  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.

Elm Zigzag Sawfly Impact webinar, February 18, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

FREE Join Purdue Exotic Forest Pest Specialist, Bob Bruner for his final winter webinar on February 18th, from 6pm to 7pm EST.  The presentation will cover one of the newest invasive species confirmed in Indiana, the elm zigzag sawfly, as well as go over a brief history of the challenges faced by American elms throughout history.  Register at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ctZ7NXrfGNreSTY

Bi-State Homesteading Conference - February 20, 10 am – 3:00 pm

The Bi-State Homesteading Conference will take place Friday, February 20^th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Beef House Restaurant’s Oak Room, offering hands-on, research-based education for individuals interested in homesteading, food production, and sustainable living.

The cost to attend is $35, which includes lunch and is payable by cash or check at the door. Please register by February 16^th at https://go.illinois.edu/BiStateHomesteading .  See attachment for details.

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.