Purdue Extension-Lake County

Only 4 Days Until the Lake County Fair! 🎡🎉

The countdown is on! We can't wait to see everyone at the Lake County Fair, happening August 7–16! 💚🍀

Be sure to stop by the Purdue Extension Booth in the Industrial Building throughout the fair! We'll have live demonstrations every day where you can learn something new, ask questions, and discover the many programs Purdue Extension has to offer. 🌱🤖🍽️ From learning about pollinator gardens, to discovering how to cook with fresh herbs, to seeing robotics in action, and much more, there's something for everyone!

🍀 Be sure to check out all of the 4-H exhibits at the fair! From the amazing projects displayed in the 4-H Building to the livestock and animal exhibits in the barns, there's something for everyone to enjoy while celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of our Lake County 4-H members.

We look forward to seeing you at the fair! 🎠🌽

We were excited to welcome some special guests to the Extension Office yesterday! 😃 Students from Purdue Northwest visited alongside Professors Veera Gnaneswar Gude and Xiuling Wang for a day full of hands-on learning and discovery.

During their visit, students made their own sourdough starter, took a spin on our smoothie bike 🚲🥤, explored worm composting and hydroponics 🌱, and toured our demonstration garden and high tunnel. They even had the chance to fly a drone 🚁 and experiment with robots 🤖.

Just another exciting day at the Extension Office! 💛🖤

Canning season is here! Learn, preserve, and enjoy safely.

Learn the basics of boiling water bath canning through education and a hands-on workshop. This workshop will focus on the preservation of jam and jelly products. Participants will prepare and process a recipe to take home after the workshop.

Date: August 25. 2026
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM CT
Location: Purdue Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point
Workshop fee: $30

To register, contact: Purdue Extension, 219-755-3240, [email protected]

Register for the August 20, 2026 ServSafe Class & Exam by visiting https://cvent.me/aRP2n3
For questions, contact: Linda Curley, Health and Human Sciences educator, [email protected] or 219-755-3240

Recent Cyclospora concerns have many people wondering how to safely wash fresh produce. 🥬Dr. Amanda Deering, Purdue Extension food safety specialist and Food Science professor, shares tips on washing fresh fruits and vegetables, including why plain running water is the recommended choice, in this WTHR-TV story: https://www.wthr.com/article/money/whats-the-deal/how-to-wash-produce-during-cyclospora-concerns-whats-the-deal-allison-gormly/531-e7f13360-c47e-4a7d-9bed-cd2c7a53adb9

Recent foodborne illness outbreaks are a reminder of the importance of food safety training. Health and Human Sciences offers ServSafe training for food service professionals. Developed by the National Restaurant Association, ServSafe helps restaurants and other retail food handlers meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration food safety requirements. Learn more and find a training near you: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/servsafe/

We had some very special guests stop by the Purdue Extension office during a meeting today! 🌱

Lake County Commissioner Mike Repay and his daughter had the opportunity to learn about our new hydroponic growing tower, see how it produces fresh greens indoors, and even sample some of the leafy greens we're growing.

It's always a pleasure to share innovative gardening and agriculture practices with our community and inspire curiosity about growing fresh, healthy food. Thank you for stopping by—we loved having you!

We’re at the Whiting Public Library for the Sourdough Basics & Fermentation Workshop!

If you’re interested in joining us for a sourdough basics workshop, we’re offering a workshop on
July 20 at Purdue Extension in Lake County. Register by calling the office at 219-755-3240.