Penn State Extension Lancaster County

09/21/2026

Another week in September, another week with TWO community fairs...
Ephrata and West Lampeter!

Many of our 4-H members show their animals, as well as sewing, art, woodworking, baking, and other food projects - and our Extension educators serve as judges in their areas of expertise!

Look for fair schedules when available:

Aug 24-29 Elizabethtown Fair etownfair.com
Sept 15-19 Denver Fair thedenverfair.com
Sept 16-18 Solanco Fair solancofair.org
Sept 22-26 Ephrata Fair ephratafair.org
Sept 23-25 West Lampeter Fair westlampeterfair.com
Sept 30-Oct 3 New Holland Fair newhollandfair.org
Oct 5-9 Manheim Farm Show manheimfarmshow.org

Learn more about Penn State Extension:
extension.psu.edu/about-us

Learn more about Lancaster County 4-H:
extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties/lancaster

09/18/2026

Join a live webinar with Penn State Dickinson Law Professor of Teaching, Lara Fowler on September 25: "Understanding the Basics of Data Centers & Transmission Impacts on Agriculture."
https://aglaw.psu.edu/event/understanding-the-basics-of-data-centers-transmission-impacts-on-agriculture

Mark your calendar! On September 25th with Penn State Dickinson Law Professor of Teaching, Lara Fowler, "Understanding the Basics of Data Centers & Transmission Impacts on Agriculture."

Learn more about this free webinar at the link in our bio or here:
https://aglaw.psu.edu/event/understanding-the-basics-of-data-centers-transmission-impacts-on-agriculture/

PA attorneys can receive 1 substantive CLE credit at no charge!

09/17/2026

Mental Health First Aid for Adults Working with Youth is designed to teach adults who regularly interact with young people how to provide initial support to youth experiencing a mental health or addiction challenges and assist them in finding the help and care they need.

Classes will be held via live, interactive webinar:

October 8 & 15, 2026
5:45 PM to 9 PM
Register by September 24

Register online now at:
extension.psu.edu/mental-health-first-aid-adults-working-with-youth

09/16/2026

Advice from the Woods: Ask Our Experts (Webinar)

September 30, 2026
12:00 to 1:00 PM

Submit your question in advance, after registering here:
extension.psu.edu/advice-from-the-woods-ask-our-experts

Join a panel of Forestry and Wildlife Extension educators and faculty as they tackle participant-submitted and frequently asked questions and scenarios. This is your chance to meet experts and hear a multi-perspective discussion of real-world issues, helping you navigate the complex factors involved in solving problems.

Forestry-related questions and issues can be complex. They may involve ecosystem science, historical practices, economic factors, insect and disease epidemiology, herbicide applications, family dynamics, and even neighbor relations—all at once.

An extension expert will facilitate the panel, pitching your questions or topics to the group and keeping the discussion moving. When possible, the conversation will be kept general enough to benefit a wide audience of forest landowners and enthusiasts in Pennsylvania and the broader region.

09/15/2026

Backyard Poultry: Best Practices and Local Ordinances

Join Penn State Extension educators for this live webinar to learn and ask questions!

Choose from two options:
September 30, 2026 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
October 1, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM

Learn the essentials of raising and regulating backyard poultry in urban and residential settings. This webinar will explore basic flock requirements, common challenges, and the role Pennsylvania municipalities may play in regulating backyard poultry.

Participants will gain practical tools for understanding the perspectives of flock owners, neighbors, community residents, and local officials to help prevent conflicts and support successful poultry management.

Register online at:
extension.psu.edu/backyard-poultry-best-practices-and-local-ordinances

09/14/2026

Looks like beautiful weather in the forecast for this week with TWO fairs in Lancaster County, near and dear to many hearts: Denver & Solanco!

Get out and make some memories at your local fair!

Many of our 4-H members show their animals, as well as sewing, art, woodworking, baking, and other food projects - and our Extension educators serve as judges in their areas of expertise!

Look for fair schedules when available:

Aug 24-29 Elizabethtown Fair etownfair.com
Sept 15-19 Denver Fair thedenverfair.com
Sept 16-18 Solanco Fair solancofair.org
Sept 22-26 Ephrata Fair ephratafair.org
Sept 23-25 West Lampeter Fair westlampeterfair.com
Sept 30-Oct 3 New Holland Fair newhollandfair.org
Oct 5-9 Manheim Farm Show manheimfarmshow.org

Learn more about Penn State Extension:
extension.psu.edu/about-us

Learn more about Lancaster County 4-H:
extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties/lancaster

09/11/2026

Fall Flower Trials Open House

September 25, 2026
9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Guided tour at 10:00 AM

Greenhouse growers, retail garden centers, and landscape professionals are invited to explore the latest plant varieties submitted by breeders for evaluation.

Tour the trials up close to compare an assortment of vibrant annuals and resilient perennials, including selections ideal for fall outdoor decorating and seasonal displays.

Discover new plants, merchandising ideas, and inspiration to help enhance fall offerings and support year-end sales.

Register online at:
extension.psu.edu/fall-flower-trials-open-house

09/09/2026

Don't miss our last open house of this season at SEAREC on Saturday, September 12 at the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Manheim.

Online registration closes tomorrow night, September 10, but you can still join us as a walk-in registrant on Saturday!

extension.psu.edu/open-house-series

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

09/09/2026

Each year, Penn State Master Gardeners from all over Pennsylvania and staff from Penn State work together in reverence and community to maintain the grounds of the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville in Somerset County.

On this 25th anniversary of the tragic events that day, we remember the brave men and women of Flight 93 and all of those who lost their lives, the first responders, and the local community.

"As part of their annual day of service at Flight 93 National Memorial, about 150 Master Gardener volunteers, Penn State Extension educators, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences staff and National Park Service employees gathered in August to w**d, prune and prepare the memorial grounds ahead of the 25th annual remembrance of Sept. 11."

09/05/2026

Let's Cook with Penn State Extension in Lancaster!

Our upcoming workshops will help you boost your creativity in the kitchen...

Let's Cook with Herbs and Spices
October 28, 2026
1:00 to 3:00 PM

Discover how herbs and spices can transform everyday meals into flavorful, healthy dishes. This in-person class introduces the fundamentals of cooking with herbs and spices while highlighting how they support a healthy eating pattern that tastes great. Participants will explore shopping and storage tips, practical cooking techniques, and simple ways to bring more flavor and variety to the table.

Register online by October 21 at:
extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-with-herbs-and-spices

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Let's Cook Charcuterie
November 11, 2026
6:00 to 8:00 PM

Do you love to entertain or want to add variety to your meals? In this hands-on class, join Penn State Extension educators to learn the basics of crafting a visually appealing and delicious charcuterie board. Practice making condiments from scratch and assembling a board that can serve as a fun family meal or an impressive appetizer.

Register online by November 4 at:
extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-charcuterie-boards