Vermillion County
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Phillip Cox is the Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator in Vermillion County. He is on the Indiana Small Farm Conference team and has served on the Trade Show subcommittee for the past several years. He also coordinates programming that includes such topics as pesticide safety, native plants, invasive species, gardening, natural resources, farming, wildlife management, and forestry.
Contact Us
Purdue Extension
Extension Educator - Vermillion County
cox119@purdue.edu
765-492-5330
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
Let’s Talk about Birds!, March 9, 5:30 pm
FREE Join expert birder Alan Bruner, at the Clinton Public Library, to learn about our local bird population, including American Bald Eagles!
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/
Garden Fair at the Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, March 21, 9 am – 3 pm
FREE For details see: https://extension.purdue.edu/county/putnam/garden-fair.html
Bird Expedition to Ecuador, March 23, 6:00 pm
FREE Join expert birder Ben Cvengros, at the Clinton Public Library, as he shares about some of the 400+ species he observed during a recent 16-day trip to Ecuador and the Amazon!
Ouabache Land Conservancy’s 16th 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 below with more details.
Talking Trash & Turning it into Compost – March 30, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
FREE Clinton Public Library (313 S. 4th 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 9th and will continue for a total of ten afternoon classes, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, on Thursdays through June 11th. 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 1st.
April in Paris (IL), April 9, 8:30 CST
$30 Edgar County Master Gardeners are hosting the April in Paris Garden Seminar again! The event will offer four speakers, vendors, and breakfast.
Robb Sparks of Sparks Floral Co - "Daylilies - The Indestructible Plant For the Home Garden"
Chris Lueking, University of Illinois Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator - "Backyard Greenhouses"
Mauri Ditzler, Ditzler Orchard - "Strawberries: Nature Always Wins But Don't Let That Keep You from Trying"
Jennifer Fishburn, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator - "Planting for Late Summer & Fall Colors in the Garden"
Register at go.illinois.edu/aprilinparis
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