Penn State Extension Lancaster County

Our office will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

Ready for food preservation season?

Get your pressure canner gauge tested — a free service provided by Extension. Bring the dial gauge canner lid or gauge only. Weighted gauges do not need to be tested.

Drop off your dial gauge to be tested at Good's Stores in

Ephrata, Quarryville, & Schaefferstown:
Dropoff by June 16 and pickup on or after June 18
Dropoff by June 23 and pickup on or after June 25

East Earl:
Dropoff by June 17 and pickup on or after June 19
Dropoff by June 24 and pickup on or after June 26

Bring your dial gauge for in-person testing at Good's Stores in

Ephrata & Schaefferstown on June 17 from 1:00-3:00 PM
East Earl on June 25 from 1:00-3:00 PM

You can also schedule an appointment to have your dial gauge tested at the Lancaster Extension office by calling the office at 717-394-6851.

Farming for Success is an agronomic field day featuring crop research, best practices, and expert insights, with opportunities to explore field plots and connect with industry professionals and sponsors.

Join Penn State Extension and ag industry reps & professionals at the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

June 25, 2026
9:00 AM to 3:45 PM
SEAREC
1446 Auction Road, Manheim, PA 17545

Register online at:
extension.psu.edu/farming-for-success

Join us for a monthly open house at the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Manheim. Each month we will explore different topics, with a focus on sustainability and getting the whole family involved in the garden.

All events are free!

extension.psu.edu/open-house-series

An Evening in the Garden
Wednesday, July 8
6 to 8 PM
Explore vibrant flower trials, native blooms, and pollinator habitats and shop our combination planter sale.

Pollinators at Bees, Bugs, and Blooms
Saturday, August 15
9 AM to 1 PM
Tour pollinator gardens, explore native plants, and shop straight-species pollinator plants.

Preparing for Winter with Native Plants
Saturday, September 12
9 AM to 12 Noon
Explore native plants, winter sowing, and garden preparation. Learn practical tips for seasonal garden care.



Photo credit: Christa Shoreman

Upcoming ServSafe Class & Exam in Lancaster:

July 14, 21, and 28 (Evening)
Register by July 7

The ServSafe Food Safety Manager Course, conducted by Penn State Extension, is for individuals preparing for the food protection certification exam. Completing the ServSafe Manager Course and passing the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Examination with a 70% or higher meets this requirement.

Training meets the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act.

Register online at: extension.psu.edu/servsafe

Did you know there is a summer conservation camp for youth ages 14 to 16 in Lancaster County? Check out this unique opportunity!

Lancaster County Youth Conservation School
July 19-24, 2026

lancasterconservation.org/youth-conservation-school

What is the Lancaster County Youth Conservation School ? It's an action-packed overnight field school combining conservation education with real-world experience led by experts in the field and experienced volunteers. If you know a teen from the ages of 14 to 16, apply today!
Learn more at www.lancasterconservation.org.

The Lancaster Extension Office will be closed on Monday, June 8, 2026 while staff attend an off-site meeting.

We will reopen on Tuesday, June 9 and respond to email and phone messages as we return to the office.

Visit us online at extension.psu.edu for educational content.

Strawberry Disease Identification for Commercial Growers

July 7, 2026
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Penn State SEAREC
1446 Auction Road
Manheim, PA 17545

Join Penn State Extension for a hands-on workshop designed to help commercial growers accurately identify strawberry diseases in the field. Using real plant samples, participants will learn to recognize key diagnostic features and distinguish among common issues affecting crop health and yield.

Each attendee will receive a hand lens and a disease photo guide to support continued learning beyond the session. Build confidence in your diagnostic skills while exploring free tools and resources available to support effective disease identification and management.

Register online at:
extension.psu.edu/strawberry-disease-identification-for-commercial-growers

This program includes outdoor activities; please dress appropriately for the weather.

Penn State Extension is hiring!

Master Gardener Coordinator - Lancaster County
Part-Time (24 hours per week)

This individual will coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Lancaster County and lead local Master Gardener volunteers to provide education on sustainable horticulture practices to the residents of the county.

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience managing volunteers, horticulture background, environmental science, related education or experience in adult or non-formal education.

To learn more and to apply, click the link below:

https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PSU_Staff/job/Lancaster-County/Lancaster-Master-Gardener-Coordinator--Part-Time_REQ_0000077629-1

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Farm Family Day for Dairy Farmers
(Family, Employees, and Industry)

June 16, 2026
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Smucker Dairy
New Holland, PA

Farm families are the backbone of agriculture, and farming together is one of its greatest rewards. Penn State Extension invites families to Smucker Dairy for a day of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and practical farm safety education designed to help keep every member of the family safe around all areas of the farm.

Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with dairy industry professionals and equipment companies, explore the latest technologies for dairy producers, and learn about current parlor recommendations and design considerations from a Penn State agricultural engineer and White Horse Construction.

Bring the whole family for a day focused on safety, innovation, and the future of farming.

Register online at:
extension.psu.edu/farm-family-day