Purdue Extension-Lake County

—Stirring up something magical!
Learn more about our Sourdough for Beginners classes - 219-755-3240

Getting ready to start our second sourdough basics workshop!

There are still a few spots available in our June workshops.

Don’t delay - contact [email protected]

🌱 Urban farming is doing more than growing food — it’s growing stronger communities across Indiana! From hands-on learning opportunities for students to increasing access to fresh produce, these programs are making a real impact. We’re proud to see the amazing work happening right here in Northwest Indiana highlighted by Purdue Extension.

A special shoutout to Faith CDC, West Side Leadership Academy in Gary Community School Corporation, and Harrison Elementary in East Chicago for helping inspire the next generation through urban agriculture, education, and community partnerships! 🌿🍅

Read more here: https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2026/05/more-than-community-gardens-how-urban-farming-is-expanding-in-indiana.html.

More than community gardens: How urban farming is expanding in Indiana As more Indiana residents move to cities and suburbs, they have found ways to stay connected to agriculture — raising chickens, growing small pots of tomatoes and contributing to community-managed gardens in their new settings. Purdue Extension agriculture and natural resources (ANR) educators are...

📌 Good news! We currently have openings for our June 18 Sourdough Basics Workshop.

The workshop will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Purdue Extension's Lake County office. The fee is $30/person.

To register, please contact Diana Cook at [email protected] or 219-755-3240.

Please let us know if you’d like to reserve a spot!

📢 SAVE THE DATE 📢

Mark your calendars for the Building Stronger Boards workshop coming to Valparaiso, Indiana on September 10, 2026!

This full-day workshop will focus on strengthening board leadership, improving board effectiveness, and increasing the service capacity of boards and non-profit organizations. Participants will explore the nine steps of the Board Development Cycle and gain valuable tools to help create stronger, more engaged communities.

📅 Date: September 10, 2026
📍 Location: Valparaiso, IN
💲 Cost: $100 per person (includes lunch and training materials)

Registration details will be shared soon!

For more information, contact Lupe Valtierra at [email protected] or 219-755-3240.

Do you have concerns about falling?

A Matter of Balance is here to help! This program will teach you how to:

☑View falls as controllable
☑Set goals for increasing activity levels
☑Make changes to reduce fall risk at home
☑Exercise to increase strength and balance

Thanks to a generous grant from Lake County Indiana Health Department, this program is available at no cost to Lake County, Indiana residents!

Program Dates: Tuesdays - June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 2026 (Eight session series)
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Purdue Extension's Lake County office

Register by contacting Diana Cook, [email protected] or 219-755-3240.

Seating is limited - reach out soon!

*Update - Sourdough Basics Workshops

We appreciate the enthusiasm for our sourdough basics workshops!

We have a few seats available for the June 18 workshop.

To register, please email: [email protected]

🎉🌷 Don’t miss it!
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 9, is the 25th Annual Lake County Master Gardeners Plant Sale at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Crown Point IN in the Industrial Building! 🌱🪴
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
✨ Shop flowers, vegetables, perennials, hanging baskets, shrubs, native plants, herbs, and houseplants!
💚 Come find something beautiful for your garden and support a great local event!

Tomorrow is the day!

Our 25th annual plant sale starts at 9 a.m. We will be there until 2 p.m.