Ag. and Natural Resources

The Washington County Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Extension program serves the community as a research based, unbiased information source on a variety of topics including: crops, agriculture business, livestock, natural resources, horticulture, small farms, urban agriculture, pesticide use, and land conservation. Washington County's ANR Extension Educator partners with Purdue University Specialists and industry experts to provide relevant and proven best management practices to address individual client's needs. Contact the Purdue Extension - Washington County office to learn more!

Contact Us

Danielle Walker
ANR Educator
Purdue Extension - Washington County
dhowellw@purdue.edu
(812)883-4601

MEET YOUR EDUCATOR

Danielle Walker

ANR Educator

dhowellw@purdue.edu

8128834601

Danielle Walker is a lifelong resident of Washington County, who is now proud to serve the agriculture community as the Ag. & Natural Resources Extension Educator. She is a graduate of Purdue University with Bachelor's Degrees in Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education. Her Master's Degree is also from Purdue University in Youth Development and Agricultural Education. Prior to starting her Extension career in 2012, she taught for six years as the Ag. Science & Business Instructor and FFA Advisor at Scottsburg High School. As an Extension Educator, her programming focus is livestock production with an emphasis in beef cattle. She and her family raise a flock of Katahdin hair sheep on their farm in eastern Washington County.

Purdue Extension in Scott and Washington Counties partner to offer the 14-week Extension Master Gardener (EMG) training in the fall of even years. Training topics include: Plant Science, Soil & Plant Nutrition, Invasive Species, Plant Disease Diagnosis, Insect ID & Control, Weed ID & Control, Animal Pests, Pesticide Safety & Alternatives, Herbaceous Ornamentals, Woody Ornamentals, Plant Propagation, Vegetable Gardening, Fruit Gardening, Lawn Care, and more. Sessions are taught by university and industry experts and experienced local gardeners. The next training will be fall 2024 - check back for more information!

Good Earth Master Gardeners:
The Good Earth Master Gardeners (GEMG) is the Purdue Extension Master Gardener organization in Washington County whose members have used their passion for gardening to serve others. A few of the GEMG activities and events are the annual Washington County Garden Tour, Plant Sale, and beautiful tulip and petunia plantings around the County Courthouse and Salem Square. In addition, the GEMG partner with Purdue Extension to provide unique educational opportunities for others interested in gardening and related topics. GEMG are not only committed to their activities, but also to their personal continuing education. To be a Master Gardener, individuals must complete the 40-hour Purdue Extension Master Gardener Training, six hours of annual continuing education, and 12 hours of annual volunteer work.

In 2023, the GEMG's had 471 hours of volunteer service, 131 hours of continuing education, and 1,390 educational contacts.

2024 GEMG Officers:
James Williams - President
Samantha Ries - Vice President
Suzanne Bundy - Secretary
Brenda Gregory - Treasurer
Dolly Bricker - Historian

Facebook Page: Good Earth Master Gardeners

Extension Master Gardeners report hours at: https://www.purdue.edu/mg-volunteer/login/php

The Purdue Extension - Washington County office has the following available to assist community members with their agriculture, natural resources, and horticulture needs:

Cattle Chute & Scale - Must be a dues paying member of the Washington County Cattlemen's Association. Contact the Extension office at 812-883-4601 to reserve the chute/scale.
Forage/Hay Probe
Measuring Wheel
Microscope and Fecal Sample Supplies - Must be a dues paying member of the Washington County Goat Association or Washington County Sheep Association. Watch for more information coming soon about the use of the microscope and supplies!
Soil Probe
Sweep Net
Tattoo Kit - Must be a dues paying member of the Washington County Goat Association.

Private and Commercial Applicators may search their PARP and CCH records on the Office of Indiana State Chemist website at: https://inplants.oisc.purdue.edu/USAPlantsIN/PesticideApplicator/ApplicationExternalSearch.aspx

Upcoming PARP Events in Indiana: https://ppp.purdue.edu/private-applicators/recertification-parp/parp-events/

Obtaining a Private Applicator License: https://ppp.purdue.edu/private-applicators/certification/

Obtaining a Commercial Applicator License: https://oisc.purdue.edu/pesticide/exam_dates_and_sign_up.html

2024 Washington County "Becoming a Licensed Applicator"