2025 Purdue Extension Master Gardener State Conference – Poster Presentations

South Central Indiana Master Gardener Association (SCIMGA)
Chris Waterfall, Rocky Lortz, Kathy Lee, Karen Nissen

We transformed our community donations process from member nominations to an application process that engages the public and increases direct EMG conversations with community organizations; we made over 70 contacts to promote gardening projects and EMG involvement. Our grant application includes the opportunity to have an EMG consult with the project, and all three of our 2025 grantees chose this option, resulting in three new partnerships for SCIMGA. Our new Scholarship program (students) and Gardener Growth Fund (for our organization members) supports individual growth and learning. The poster will highlight the 2024-2025 successes and lessons learned by the SCIMGA Gives Committee that increased community interaction, engagement and partnerships, and educational opportunities.

Grant County Master Gardeners
Laura Bates, Barbara Boyd, Sue Cortner, Deb Cunningham, Jeanie Gordon, Beth Ann Guido, Karen Hoffman, Sue Isaacs, Barbara Jones, Wynoka Lewis, Chris Mayer, Gaile Norkus, Charlene Powell, Yvonne Riffil, Lou Rae Rumple, Janine Smith, Penny Stewart, and Avery & Vergie Thomas.

Each year since 2016, the Grant County EMG has planted and maintained the Children’s Garden in Matter Park, Marion, IN. Keeping with the Master Gardener motto, “Helping Others Grow”, we hope to instill the enjoyment, excitement and rewards of gardening in children through the different child centered themes used over the years.

The reception of this special garden by the public has been amazing by both children and adults. We have met local visitors in addition to those across and out of state; many are repeat visitors of all ages including those with special needs. Our Little Free Library, located in the garden, chalkboards, photo booth, scavenger hunts, and recently installed concrete pathway are popular additions that help lure visitors in. We have been fortunate and grateful for the partnerships developed with the Marion Parks and Recreation Department, Marion Public Library, Atlas Foundry, YMCA Day Campers and supportive visitors as this garden would not be possible without their help.

Hancock County Master Gardener Association
Teresa Bowlby, Vicki Snarr, and Marybeth Sears

The purpose of this project is to expand knowledge and awareness of soil health within the community. Our primary goal is to establish a dedicated working group focused on educating the public about the importance of healthy soils and sustainable practices. Key partners include Purdue Extension, the USDA, the Soil and Water Conservation District
(SWCD), Urban Soil Health, the Vernon Township Trustee’s Office, and the Hancock County Public Library. These organizations provide essential support and expertise to strengthen outreach and educational efforts.

Through this initiative, Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) have deepened their understanding of soil science and its critical role in gardening and environmental stewardship. Educational programs, such as vermiculture demonstrations, have inspired many community members to begin composting at home. Gardeners are now better informed about the effects of soil amendments, leading to more cost-effective and sustainable gardening practices. Overall, the project has increased public awareness of soil health and the value of soil testing, fostering a more informed and environmentally conscious community

Harrison County Master Gardeners
Karen Schwartz, Jayne Schalk, Holli Castetter, Ken Tingler, Carla Webb, Ashley Black, Anna Hart, Deb Zimmerman, Brandi Pirtle, Katie Shirley, Erica Kennedy, Karen Schwartz, Martha Wiser-Partin, Katie Shirley, George Voorhees, Annetta Price, Megan Bradford, Anna Hart, Maryland Austin, Kim Tate, Darrell Voelker

The purpose of Outdoor Gardens - Accessible All the Time is to provide a round the clock opportunity for people of all ages to access our gardens, night or day. In pursuit of this goal Harrison County Master Gardeners has created 3 specific educational opportunities that people can view on their own schedule. This is a vital component of reaching out to our nature-deprived society. The 3 gardens are: Pollinators at the Pool, Mini Botanical Garden at the Harrison County Fairgrounds, and Streetside planters throughout historic downtown Corydon. This poster will highlight the projects’ impacts as literally thousands of people have viewed our gardens while attending festivals, the county fair, swimming or just accessing adjacent facilities. Harrison County Master Gardeners Outdoor Gardens provide a valuable asset to our community and its well-being.

Master Gardeners of Montgomery County
Priscilla Zachary, Anita Arnold, Sandy Ball, Karen & Byron Thada, Ellen Ball, Lelane Luttrell, Andria & Sean Grady, Sheri Bethard, Cindy Bupp, Debbie Retzloff

The purpose of the garden is to teach the 2nd & 3rd grade students how plants grow, especially those providing food (vegetables). Our goal is to help those students with food insecurity by growing fresh vegetables for them to take home and share with their families. Any produce left over after the students have selected what they want is donated to local food pantries. Local businesses helping us with plants and supplies are Pro-Green Nursery, Home Depot and the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation, providing space for the approximate 30x60 ft garden. In 2023 & 2024 we provided approximately 1800 pounds of fresh veggies to the food pantries. This does not include the approximately 900 pounds going to the students who worked in the garden during the Summer Garden Program. In 2024, 248 of the 348 students at Nicholson were on SNAP or reduced lunch program.

Noble County Master Gardeners
Bruce Kennedy, Jeff Hatcher, Daniel Collar

This program offers residents the opportunity to participate in gardening classes within the facility and contribute to the donation garden. When the correctional facility transitioned into a re-entry center, a collaboration between the Master Gardeners, Purdue Extension, and the Indiana Department of Correction at Chain O’ Lakes State Park made it possible for the men to enroll in the official Master Gardener course alongside community members. Over the course of 15 weeks, participants gained valuable knowledge in gardening while also building meaningful relationships, earning trust, and taking steps toward successful reintegration into the community.

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association
Karen Assenza, Kenita Ball, Susan Cooper, Jerry Dennis, Jim Gass, Rob Geiss, Luan Greubel, Janice Kidder, Elizabeth Maurer, Diane Mason, Donna Wagner, Rita Wedig, and Jim Willem

The Community Engagement initiative of SWIMGA (Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association) establishes and supports gardens that are eventually maintained by local
residents, with a focus on education, access, and sustainability. Led by the Youth Education and Diversity Committee and supported by the Community Diversity Advisory Board, this program partners with schools, shelters, and neighborhood centers to co-create gardens using accessible, low-cost methods like no-till composting, raised beds, and pollinator plantings.

The goal is to empower communities to grow their own food and beauty, while fostering environmental awareness and connection. SWIMGA provides education, materials, and early maintenance support, while encouraging long-term community ownership.

Over three years, five community gardens have been launched, four of which are still active. Requests for new projects have increased 200%, reflecting growing demand for sustainable, community-led green spaces.

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association
Karen Assenza, Erin Atkinson, Bev Brown, Marita Cohen, Carol Fallen, Becky Gold, Brenda Halter, Debbie Kanet, Amy Kehler, Denise Lynch, Roger Lynch, Mary Rick, Jeff Taylor, Lisa Taylor, Dana Tang, Margo Walker, Rita Wedig

The Caze Elementary Courtyard Garden is a long-standing partnership between SWIMGA and Caze Elementary School that brings hands-on garden education directly into the school day. The purpose is to provide interactive, curriculum-aligned learning experiences that connect students with nature, science, history, and sustainability.

Through seasonal planting events, pollinator education, and the culturally significant Three Sisters Garden Program, SWIMGA volunteers support learning across all grade levels.

The program reaches 300 to 400 students annually, with all 450 students often participating during whole-school plantings. It fosters environmental awareness, student engagement, and a lasting connection to the natural world’s growing minds alongside the garden.

This is a post-conference submission from the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association.