Latest news with #PurdueExtension
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
As the Wabash Valley blooms, locals are urged to watch for invasive plants
VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – As people plant their gardens, they're reminded to keep an eye out for invasive plants. Plants become invasive due to not being native to the local environment and having no natural predators or pests. Tabby Flinn, a Natural Resources Educator with Purdue Extension in Vigo County, said invasive plants can take over an area, over-shade other plants to prevent sunlight, and even release chemicals to prevent other plants from growing around them. She shared a tip on how to spot invasive plants. 'Keep an eye on your plants. Ornamental plants are typically the ones we see that become invasive, so if you're noticing they're starting to spread really bad, you can mention that to your local invasives group and they can check it out,' said Flinn. People can reference Indiana's invasive species list to check if any are on their property. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Local uptick in solitary bees around the Wabash Valley
WABASH VALLEY (WTWO/WAWV) — With the warming temperatures and consistent rainfall, areas around the Wabash Valley have seen an uptick in solitary bees. Good news, solitary bees do not sting. 'People calm down, especially when they find out that solitary bees don't like to sting,' said Tabba Flinn with the Purdue Extension – Vigo County. Although, these specific types of insects do not produce honey. Rather, solitary bee's main purpose is to bring pollen from flower to flower and pollinate fruits and vegetable plants. 'Our solitary bees are really important pollinators. They're actually better at pollinating than our commercial honeybees are,' said Flinn. 'They're really important for our food systems in understanding their biology and when they're active.' Late spring, until early summer is the most active time period for solitary bees. This time of year, you may see colonies, or tunnels near your yard or garden. Good news, the bees are only active for another month before they migrate. Moving forward, if you have any questions or concerns about the bees, you can contact Purdue Extension – Vigo County anytime. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Purdue Extension holds Day of Giving celebration in Vigo County Fairgrounds
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— This evening, the Purdue Extension held its annual banquet and Purdue Day of Giving event at the Vigo County Fairgrounds. The event was held to highlight the programs that they offer to the community. Volunteers, 4-Hers, and community partners had tables set up where attendees could visit to learn more about the programs. Vigo County Purdue Extension Director Christie Jacob says this event is important to spread the word about the programs and where to get started. 'Sometimes it feels like we're kind of a hidden gem in Vigo County,' said Jacob. 'A lot of people don't realize everything that we do and all the programs that we offer. So, we thought that this would just be a good opportunity to share our story.' Those interested in these programs can visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
4-H growing locally and across the state
The number of kids signing up for 4-H this year is on the rise. It's a big year for Indiana as a whole with the number of people signing up for 4-H over the last four years increasing 27%. Daviess County Purdue Extension Youth Educator Wes Richardson says that right now the Daviess County enrollment appears to be about the same as the number of participants one year ago, but he expects that number to grow in the coming weeks. 'We are growing, but we are not growing at 27%. That's a lot,' he said. 'Right now, we have 264 kids signed up and that is about how many we had participate last year. However, it is early April and we will have a surge of registrations between now and May 15. Kids don't have to sign up by then to participate, but if they intend to show an animal at the 4-H fair, then they do have to be signed in and have their paperwork done by May 15. I still have kids that I know will show animals who have not yet signed up.' Richardson says it is also not unusual for kids to start turning their attention to 4-H in the spring as school activities begin to wind down. He anticipates that by the end of the year participation numbers will be closer to 300. 'We are getting ready to send out reminders to those people who have been involved in 4-H in the past,' he said. 'A lot of times kids that participate in stuff, know the rhythm. They know the meetings begin in April for their clubs and they wind up showing up for the meetings and do their online stuff later.' Richardson has been doing a lot of outreach this year in the schools where he combined some of his work as a youth educator with a message about 4-H participation. 'I've been going to Washington, Barr-Reeve and now WC working with Washington Community Schools, every fourth grader at Barr-Reeve and Washington Catholic. I'm working on getting to North Daviess. All of those kids have now had 4H put in front of them as an option.' Richardson says that kids wanting to get going on their 4-H plans for this year can sign up online at
