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 .   

Ouabache Land Conservancy's First Day Hike @ Atherton Island Natural Area - January 1, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Ouabache Land Conservancy invites everyone to welcome in the New Year with a First Day of the Year Hike to celebrate the winter beauty of Atherton Island Natural Area.  OLC Board member and Parke Trails Alliance Vice-President, Mike Fisher, will lead the hike on January 1st from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring binoculars for bird watching, and be ready to take in a winter morning hike's unique views and stillness during this moderately rugged to rugged 3-mile hike.  Meet at the AINA parking area, 6540 W County Rd. 800 S, Rosedale, IN 47874 (0.7 tenths of a mile east of US Hwy 41, near Lyford) for this family-friendly hike.

OLC is a non-profit land trust that serves the West Central Indiana counties of Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo.  For more information, to donate or join, and learn of future events please visit: www.ouabachelandconservancy.org, follow OLC on Facebook, or email ouabachelandconservancy@gmail.com

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.

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

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