Purdue Extension Master Gardener Impacts

The Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program provides a learning framework for participants to increase their horticultural knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. In turn, participants share knowledge and provide leadership in educational gardening activities within their communities.

This is a snapshot of the impact the Purdue Extension Master Gardener program had in 2025.

Here are some of the ways the Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program impacts Indiana communities.

•  More than 402 Purdue Extension Master Gardener volunteers reported 23,120+ volunteer hours working in 66 educational demonstration gardens and donated 74,135 pounds of produce to local food banks to help fight food insecurity.
• Purdue Extension Master Gardener associations awarded $43,700 in college scholarships to students studying horticulture, agriculture, and related majors.
• Purdue Extension Master Gardeners reported several changes in gardening practices, including:
  • Using more pollinator plants and practices to protect pollinators
  • Choosing the right plant species for the right locations in their gardens and landscapes
  •  Removing or replacing invasive species from their landscapes and gardens
• “LaPorte County Purdue EMG volunteers collectively bring hundreds of years of gardening experience and generously share their time and talents,” said Vicki Znavor, association president. “This year reflects truly impactful work aligned with our mission to ‘Help Others Grow.’ We are proud to serve so many individuals and organizations across LaPorte County.”

The 2025 Garden Show welcomed more than 500 visitors and featured expert speakers covering edible plants, herbs, and trees and shrubs, along with engaging children’s activities, a beautiful fairy garden, and more than 40 vendors.

A highlight was the association’s collaboration with Paladin Head Start, where Master Gardeners taught more than 100 preschoolers about plants. Volunteers installed grow lights, planted seeds with students and supported the children’s gardens throughout the summer. Educators appreciated the added classroom enthusiasm, and students were thrilled to watch their seeds sprout and grow, building early curiosity and confidence in gardening and healthy foods.

In addition to operating a garden hotline to answer community horticultural questions, members presented educational programs for numerous organizations, facilitated activities at community events, and staffed information booths at the Beach Garden Walk, Sunflower Fair and the Home Builders Association show. They continued stewardship of the Pioneer Garden at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds and supported Friendship Botanic Gardens, where thousands of visitors benefit from volunteer eforts each year. The association also awarded $2,358 in community grants to five local organizations for projects including prairie plant signage, children’s gardens and neighborhood produce programs.

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