Penn State Extension of Washington County

05/30/2026

We’re somehow just ONE WEEK out from our Penn State Master Gardeners of Washington County Annual Native Plant Sale on June 6! Make sure you get there early, folks line up early for the limited species! Visit their page for a species list!

05/29/2026

Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Japanese Stiltgrass

Explore the invasion history, ecology, and management of Japanese stiltgrass, one of the most challenging invasives in the Eastern United States, and gain insight into when and whether control is needed.

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is widely regarded as one of the most problematic invasive plants in the Eastern United States, yet its unique ecological traits also make it a particularly intriguing species. This session explores the invasion history, biology, and ecology of Japanese stiltgrass, with an emphasis on how these characteristics influence its spread and persistence. By building a clearer understanding of how, where, and why this species thrives, participants will gain valuable insight into effective—and in some cases selective—approaches to management and decision-making.

Pennsylvania has identified over 250 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals that significantly impact the environment and agricultural production—causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses each year. The Pennsylvania Invasive Species Webinar Series is dedicated to addressing this critical issue. Each session highlights timely topics related to invasive species in Pennsylvania and beyond, including species identification, management strategies, ecological impacts, or key concepts in invasion biology. The series is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. Whether you're a gardener, naturalist, land manager, educator, or simply curious about invasive species, these webinars provide a clear introduction to the issues at hand—no prior knowledge required. By raising awareness and sharing practical information, the series aims to empower communities and spotlight the ongoing efforts of state agencies and partners working to protect Pennsylvania's landscapes and resources.

Who is this for?
Conservation volunteer educators
Green industry professionals
Master Gardeners
Individuals interested in learning about invasive species

What will you learn?
The origin and invasion history of Japanese stiltgrass in the Eastern United States
Key biological and ecological traits that make stiltgrass so successful
The growth patterns and habitat preferences that influence its spread
Insights into when, where, and whether management is truly necessary

When: June 5, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:15 PM ET)
This event is being offered at no charge to participants.
Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar.
A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.

https://extension.psu.edu/pennsylvania-invasive-species-japanese-stiltgrass

05/28/2026

The first meeting of the Washington County 4-H Gardening Club is June 3rd at Firefly Gardens! It's not too late to enroll! Contact Clarissa at 724-207-2005 or [email protected] for more info!

05/26/2026

Do you have a favorite Farmers Market? Tag them below!

The "Farmers Market Manager Forum" provides a free space for market managers to connect, share best practices, and discuss challenges in improving their markets. This interactive forum encourages open discussion and peer learning, allowing participants to bring their questions, exchange insights, and gain valuable strategies to strengthen their markets. The event fosters collaboration and growth within the farmers market community.

The next live webinar is on Wednesday, May 27th. Find more information and register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/65834fd0-cdf5-4e5b-99d5-33a36c5f540f/summary

05/25/2026

☀️ Hosting a summer party? Keep the fun going by keeping food safe! Remember to keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and never leave food sitting out too long in the summer heat. Using coolers, ice packs, and clean serving utensils can help prevent foodborne illness and keep your guests healthy all season long. 🍉🌭🧊

Learn more from our article: https://extension.psu.edu/food-safety-at-summer-parties

05/24/2026

In honor of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, join us for a free webinar exploring the history of Lyme disease and how our understanding of this illness has evolved over time. Participants will learn how Lyme disease was first identified, examine its history around the world, and discover how decades of medical research have shaped today’s approaches to prevention and treatment. This session will provide valuable historical insight into Lyme disease and highlight how past discoveries continue to influence public health knowledge and response today.

May 26, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET)

Who is this for?
General audiences interested in learning more about Lyme disease
Public health professionals and educators
Students and lifelong learners interested in the history of ticks and tick-borne diseases

What will you learn?
How Lyme disease was discovered, including early descriptions in Europe and North America
The history of how the bacteria that causes Lyme disease was identified and how the disease spread
Key breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease
How scientific understanding of ticks and Lyme disease has changed over time

This event is being offered at no charge to participants.

Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar.

A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/0e43187a-0179-41c3-b96f-d190f246a7b8/summary

05/23/2026

You caught a fish? Now what? From the stream to your table, how you handle fish makes all the difference in safety and flavor. Simple steps like keeping your catch clean, cold, and properly cooked can help prevent illness and keep it tasting its best. Learn the right way to handle your catch: https://extension.psu.edu/proper-care-and-handling-of-fish-from-stream-to-table

05/22/2026

Don't forget! Tomorrow! May 23rd, 12:30-2:30. Donora in Bloom: A Garden Open House hosted by Penn State Master Gardeners of Washington County. More details here: https://web.cvent.com/event/672f4e97-a468-4fc0-8243-05273c26e617/summary

Have you registered for the Penn State Master Gardeners of Washington County open house at the Donora Demonstration Gardens?

May 23, 2026 (12:30 PM-2:30 PM)

Donora Demonstration Garden, Second St. and McKean Ave

Master Gardeners will be available throughout the gardens to discuss:
Native plants and pollinators
Vegetable and herb gardening
Sustainable landscape practices
Soil health and seasonal maintenance
Creative design ideas for home landscapes

This event is free of charge.

Visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/672f4e97-a468-4fc0-8243-05273c26e617/summary for more information and to register.

05/22/2026

The Washington County Penn State Extension office will be closed on Monday, May 25th, for Memorial Day.

05/20/2026

Tonight's event has been canceled due to rain.