Public Activities
2021 HCMGA Education Series: “Your Homegrown Nature Preserve”
Our mission is to increase knowledge and awareness about the threat that invasive plant species have on our environment. Through this knowledge, we hope to motivate everyone to take action to make their home landscapes a welcoming place for plants and animals that foster a healthier world.
Every 4th Wednesday of the month, the Hancock County Master Gardeners Association of Indiana host Community Educational Programs. Join us from at 6:30 PM EST on Zoom.
Register for the events online at: Zoom Registration. Please call the Purdue Extension Hancock County Office at 317-462-1113 with any questions.
January 27, 2021: Supporting Monarchs in a Changing World
Presented by Kirsten Carlson, BS in Biology from Indiana University and a MS in Secondary Science Education from IU. Kirsten also has her MS certification in Special Education.
February 24, 2021: Identifying Invasive Plants
Presented by Mary Welz, Specialist: Indiana Invasive Initiative, and Joe Whitfield, Master Gardener Association member and Greenfield Parks Dept. employee.
March 24, 2021: Eradicating Invasive Plants
Presented by Mary Welz, Specialist: Indiana Invasive Initiative, and Joe Whitfield, Master Gardener Association member and Greenfield Parks Dept. employee.
March 27, 2021: Weed Wrangle Field Trip in Thornwood Nature Preserve
In-person, outside, weed wrangle at Thornfield Nature preserve. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
See more information about Thornwood Nature Preserve here.
April 10, 2021: Ephemeral Walk in Thornwood Nature Preserve
In-person, outside, fieldtrip to Thornfield Nature preserve, led by Elaine Whitefield, Master Gardener Association Member and Joe Whitfield, Master Gardener Association member and Greenfield Parks Dept. employee. 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See more information about Thornwood Nature Preserve here.
April 24, 2021: Ephemeral Walk in Thornwood Nature Preserve
In-person, outside, fieldtrip to Thornfield Nature preserve, led by Elaine Whitefield, Master Gardener Association Member and Joe Whitfield, Master Gardener Association member and Greenfield Parks Dept. employee. 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See more information about Thornwood Nature Preserve here.
April 28, 2021: Alternative Plants I
Presented by Mary Welz, Specialist: Indiana Invasive Initiative, and Elaine Whitfield, Master Gardener Association member.
May 26, 2021: Alternative Plants II
Presented by Mary Welz, Specialist: Indiana Invasive Initiative, and Elaine Whitfield, Master Gardener Association member.
June 23, 2021: Rain Gardens
Presented by Lais McCartney, ANR Educator and Artis Kingston, Master Gardener Association Member.
Helping Others Grow.
Annual Spring Plant Sale
See the event page here for details.
Extension Gardens
The Hancock County Master Gardener Association maintains demonstration gardens on the grounds of the Hancock County Purdue Extension Service at 802 North Apple Street in Greenfield.
The gardens have been designed as a self-guided learning experience for members of the association and the public as well. The gardens that are self-guided are the Pollinator garden, the Nature area, and the Foundation garden (starting at the front door of the Extension Office).
Plants in the gardens are marked with steel plant markers that bear the name of the plant as well as a number. In each garden is an information box containing plant information sheets that list the names of the plants in that garden and their characteristics.
Matching the number on the plant marker with the number on the plant list sheets will assist you in identifying a plant. Additional information such as botanical name, light requirements, bloom times, etc. is also listed for that plant on the sheets. If you enjoy plants and gardens stop by and view our gardens and learn about the plants that reside in them. Viewing can be done during daylight hours, seven days a week.
Wild Flower Walk
Take a hike through Greenfield’s Thornwood Preserve consisting of 40 acres of pristine native plants and trees. The property was donated by Herb and Judy Brown and was recently opened to the public. Below a group of Master Gardeners enjoy a spring wildflower walk to identify the many native species and remove invasive plants.
