Penn State Extension of Greene County

06/02/2026

Join us to learn how you can take positive steps to help you live better now and protect your memory and thinking as you get older.

"Building Brain-Healthy Habits" is an educational program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association® that offers research-backed guidance on brain health and the importance of taking action to protect your brain at every age. Participants gain practical, evidence-informed strategies to support cognitive well-being across the lifespan and learn how everyday choices can play a meaningful role in maintaining brain health.

June 9, 2026 (10:00 AM-11:00 AM ET)

Research shows there are everyday habits you can build today to help protect your memory and thinking in the future, even reducing your risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia. Changing one habit has a ripple effect on others. Even small actions add up to big improvements.

Who is this for?
Individuals of any age who are seeking information on ways to age well. The program is not designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

What will you learn?
Healthy habits for your brain, like exercising and eating right
Why brain health matters at every age
How to build a personalized action plan for brain-healthy habits

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://web.cvent.com/event/d4619340-054a-44b5-a4c0-ddae0544b278/summary

05/31/2026

Private Water Supply Education and Water Testing

Learn to test, safeguard, and treat your well or spring water. Discover inspection and upkeep tips to protect your family, property, and our shared groundwater.

Do you live in one of the more than one million homes and farms in Pennsylvania that get their drinking water from a private well or spring? Do you know what is in your drinking water and how to keep it safe for you and your family? Would you like to have your water tested for free? The "Private Water Supply Education and Water Testing" event is designed for people who manage a private drinking water supply. We'll cover how to test and protect your well or spring, and when water treatment might make sense. We will also discuss well and spring system inspection and maintenance, so you know how to protect your family, your property, and the groundwater we share. This event is for Pennsylvania residents who use a private water supply (well, spring, or cistern) at their primary residence.

The free one-hour workshop provides a complimentary water test for private water supply users.

Participants must meet the following requirements to qualify for free water testing:
Register and attend the live educational event.
Reside at a primary residence (not a camp or summer home) with a private water supply, such as a well, spring, or cistern.
Only one test is permitted per household. Water testing supplies will be distributed to participants after attending the event. Using a pre-paid mailer, participants must return their water samples by a specified date.

The following parameters will be tested: bacteria, pH, nitrate, manganese, lead, copper, barium, sodium, and arsenic. All these tests are related to potential health risks and can only be detected through water testing. A Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-accredited laboratory will do all testing.

This event is free to participants and made possible through grant funding.

Space is limited - preregistration is required.

When: June 24, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/private-water-supply-education-and-water-testing

05/29/2026

The upcoming Penn State Master Gardeners of Greene County Tiny Tim program at the Flenniken Public Library is fast approaching! Have you registered?

June is fast approaching! The deadline to sign up next week, Tuesday June 2nd!

We have a few spots left, call now to reserve yours!

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

Build lifesaving skills to support farmers and agricultural communities. Learn to recognize su***de warning signs, start caring conversations, and connect someone to help with QPR.

"QPR Gatekeeper Training for Farming Communities" is a two-hour, evidence-based su***de prevention workshop focused on strengthening mental health support for farmers, their families, and agricultural workers in both rural and urban settings. This training equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to recognize the warning signs of su***de, engage in supportive conversations, and connect individuals to help using the three simple steps: Question, Persuade, Refer. Similar to how CPR prepares individuals to respond in a medical emergency, QPR empowers community members—regardless of background—to take action when someone may be in crisis. By building practical skills and fostering connections across diverse agricultural communities, this program helps create a stronger, more responsive network of support.

WHEN: June 5, 2026 (1:00 PM-3:00 PM ET)
Register By: June 4, 2026
This event is free of charge.

Who is this for?
Family members
Agricultural professionals
Community members
Social service agencies
First responders
Faith-based organizations

What will you learn?
How to recognize the warning signs of su***de
How to ask direct questions about someone’s well-being
How to engage in supportive, nonjudgmental conversations
How to apply the QPR method: Question, Persuade, Refer
How to connect individuals to appropriate mental health resources
How to respond confidently in a potential mental health crisis
This event is being offered at no charge to participants.

Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar.
The recording link will not be available after the webinar.

Learn more and register: https://web.cvent.com/event/0a095de2-2d93-4200-b5df-f0169085b572/summary

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

05/20/2026

Tonight's event has been canceled due to rain.