Let’s get together!

Bios for our 2024 Symposium speaker.  Outlines of each presentation are below as well.

• Jo Ellen Myers Sharp: ENGAGING, DELIGHTFUL, KNOWLEDGEABLE,

FUNNY. These are just a few words used to describe Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp. As “The Hoosier Gardener,” JoEllen travels the United States, presenting a diverse array of topics to experienced and novice gardeners, new homeowners, and curious individuals. She is longtime, self-identified hort-a-holic known for her practical, down-to-earth advice and humorous delivery. “My eyes are too big for my yard,” she says. “You just can’t ever have enough plants.”

• Mary Cutler: Mary Cutler is the naturalist for Tippecanoe County Parks and Recreation Department, a position created in 1988, which she has held since then. She has administered two nature centers, developed environmental education programs, and overseen habitat improvement projects within the county park properties. She was named the 2021 Lifetime Achievement recipient of the Chase S. Osborn Award for Wildlife Conservation presented by the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Department.

• Brad Clayton: Brad Clayton, Education Manager at Clayton Garden Center and Watershed Conservationist for The Watershed Foundation, holds a degree in Plant and Soil Sciences from Oklahoma State University. With a background in agronomy and horticulture, Brad's diverse experience includes many roles, which are too numerous to mention here.  He has also held various leadership positions in conservation organizations. His unique perspective bridges gaps between the public and conservation practices, showcased through roles such as associate supervisor for the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District and chairman of the Arrow Head Resource Conservation and Development Council.  He also serves as the North Central Region Director of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Council.

• John Woodmansee: John is the Purdue Extension Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator for Whitley County and has years of experience helping farmers and gardeners improve their operations. He is a 27-year Extension Educator with Purdue Extension and has been in Whitley County since 2014.

• Kim Jewell: Kim Jewell joined the Whitley County Master Gardeners after completing the class in Dec. 2010. She lives with her husband, Steve and their furry children in Columbia City, IN. She enjoys growing vegetables and flowers and enhancing her landscape.

Outlines for Presentations

Click on the pop out button in upper right corner of image below to open in a new window.  Outline can then be printed if a hardcopy is desired.