Purdue Extension - Monroe County

08/25/2026

This evening the Monroe County Council welcomed Autumn Ulmet, Correll Patnode, and Kip Harmon to share an update regarding exciting plans our 4-H youth have made for the coming year, as well as a testimony of the amazing experiences they have had as delegates of national 4-H trips. They broke the news tonight that Monroe Co will be organizing a delegation of 15(!) people to attend Citizenship Washington Focus at Ignite by 4-H in Washington D.C. — more details to come!
Thank you to our amazing council members for welcoming Autumn and Correll. 🍀🏛️

08/18/2026

As much as we enjoy seeing all of you, it may be best to wait a few days. The Waste Reduction District is in process of replacing the roof on our building and the parking lot is closed. So you may want to call instead (812) 349-2575. However, if you find it necessary to come in you may park at the Recycling Center just behind us and walk over. You will need to use the side door. We apologize for the short inconvenience.

08/13/2026

08/10/2026

🌾 Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Children’s Farm Festival at Peden Farm!
Young learners will explore farm life and agricultural history through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to meet farm animals.
📅 PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN
Thursday, September 24, 2026
📅 1ST GRADE
Friday, September 25, 2026
📍 Peden Farm
6191 N. Maple Grove Road, Bloomington
REGISTER YOUR CLASS OR GROUP:
bit.ly/peden2026
Please register students for the day designated for their grade level. This two-day schedule also helps MCCSC and RBB coordinate available buses and drivers.
We can’t wait to welcome your classes to the farm! 🚜🐄🌽

08/06/2026

Join us for this year’s "From the Ground Up" (formerly Fall Fling) in which we focus on Vegetable Gardening. Register at the link!

Topics will include:
Soil Health
Natural Pest Control
Container Gardening with New Technology
Flowers for Vegetable Gardening
and more!

Logistics
DATE
Saturday, September 26th, 2026

TIME
Doors Open: 8:30 a.m.
Program: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

LOCATION
Ivy Tech Community College, Shreve Hall
200 Daniels Way
Bloomington, Indiana

FEE
$20.00 - Early Bird Registration before August 29th

$25.00 - Standard Registration

CONTACT
[email protected]

From the Ground Up is a program about local gardening issues and opportunities. We also hope to grow interest in the master gardener program. It’s open to anyone in the community for a nominal fee.

07/31/2026

⚾ One week from today, the Indiana State Fair throws out the first pitch! Before you head to the fairgrounds, make part of your game plan and visit our Indiana State Fair webpage for daily schedules, activities, demonstrations and everything happening with Purdue Extension and Indiana 4-H: https://extension.purdue.edu/indiana-state-fair/index.html

07/28/2026

🥫 12 FOOD ITEMS = 🎟️ 1 FREE STATE FAIR TICKET!
From now through Friday, July 31, Purdue Extension - Monroe Countyand Monroe County 4-H are participating in the Indiana State Fair’s FAIRs Care Food Drive. Every item collected will benefit Community Kitchen of Monroe County. 💚
Feeding America estimates that 22,580 Monroe County residents—about 1 in 6 people—experienced food insecurity last year. At 16.1%, Monroe County’s estimated rate was higher than both Indiana’s 15.1% rate and the national rate of 14.3%.
HOW IT WORKS
🥫 Donate 12 unopened, unexpired nonperishable food items.
🎟️ Receive one free 2026 Indiana State Fair admission ticket for every 12 qualifying items donated.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Limit: 10 tickets or 120 items per family.
📍 Purdue Extension–Monroe County
3400 S. Walnut St., Bloomington
🕗 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Final drop-off: 4 p.m. Friday, July 31
COMMUNITY KITCHEN’S PREFERRED ITEMS
🥫 Canned and packaged foods: fruits, vegetables, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, tuna, chicken, broth, fruit cups, dried fruit, and salad dressing
🍝 Meals and pantry staples: short pasta, pasta or rice meal helpers, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, small bread mixes, cooking oil, and spices
🥣 Breakfast foods and snacks: cereal, instant oatmeal, snack crackers, and granola or cereal bars
🧃 Beverage and kitchen supplies: powdered drink mixes and powdered coffee creamer
Each retail can, box, bag, jar, or pouch counts as one item. A case of 12 cans counts as 12 items; a box containing 12 granola bars counts as one box.
Donations of any size are welcome—even if you bring fewer than 12 items or do not need a ticket. Tickets are available while supplies last.
Help us turn 250 State Fair tickets into at least 3,000 food items for Community Kitchen! 🤝
Questions? Call 812-349-2575.