Penn State Extension of Washington County

08/31/2026

Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Beech Leaf Disease Nematodes-Explore beech leaf disease, an emerging threat to beech trees, and learn how the nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii is identified, spreads, and affects forest and landscape health.

About the Live Webinar-Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is an emerging and destructive threat to native and ornamental beech trees across North America. This webinar examines the tiny but powerful culprit—Litylenchus crenatae mccannii, a foliar nematode responsible for the disease—and explains how it is identified and diagnosed, how it spreads within and between trees, and what current research reveals about its biology, transmission, and host interactions. Participants will also gain insight into remaining knowledge gaps, the broader ecological impacts of BLD, and the management implications for forest health and landscape professionals working to protect beech resources.

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.

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.

When: September 4, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:15 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/pennsylvania-invasive-species-beech-leaf-disease-nematodes

08/30/2026

Opportunities with Non-Traditional Cheeses-Explore how non-traditional cheeses can diversify your product line, add value to your milk supply, and help your business reach new customers through expert insights and real-world examples.

About The Live Webinar-Looking to expand your cheese offerings and stand out in a competitive marketplace? Join Penn State Extension for an informative webinar exploring how non-traditional cheeses can create new opportunities for your business. Hear from a panel of experienced cheesemakers who have successfully incorporated unique varieties, including quark, Oaxaca, and other specialty cheeses, into their product lines. Panelists will share practical insights on product development, processing considerations, consumer demand, and effective marketing strategies. Whether you are considering expanding your current lineup or exploring new ways to add value to your milk supply, this webinar will provide real-world examples and ideas to help you diversify your products and reach new customers.

This event is being offered at no charge to participants.
Space is limited - preregistration is required.
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.

When: September 3, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/opportunities-with-non-traditional-cheeses

08/29/2026

AgWorks: Developing Your Leadership Philosophy-Strengthen your farm leadership skills by exploring effective leadership styles, employee development strategies, and a personal leadership philosophy for lasting success.

About the Live Webinar-Effective farm leadership goes beyond managing daily tasks—it requires the ability to inspire, support, and develop employees. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the differences between managing and leading, examine key leadership characteristics and styles, and identify approaches that foster employee engagement and accountability. Through guided activities and discussion, participants will also develop a personal leadership philosophy to strengthen their leadership skills, support employee growth, and contribute to the long-term success of their farm operation.

This webinar is open to everyone at no cost, thanks to an AgWorks grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. To help track grant reach and eligibility, participants will be asked questions about their farm or agribusiness during registration. Responses will remain confidential and will not be shared outside the project team.

As part of the AgWorks grant initiative, no-cost training and consultation services are available to qualifying small- to medium-sized farms and agribusinesses in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit AgWorks.

This event is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry through funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.
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.

When: September 2, 2026 (10:00 AM-12:00 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/agworks-developing-your-leadership-philosophy

08/28/2026

Equine First Aid-Learn the signs to determine when your horse has a health emergency, an overview of conducting routine health monitoring, proper leg wrapping techniques, and the essentials to have in a horse first aid kit.

About the In-Person Workshop-Being prepared for equine emergencies can make all the difference in a horse’s health and well-being. The "Equine First Aid" workshop equips horse owners with essential first aid skills to assess situations, provide care, and determine when veterinary attention is needed. Participants will gain hands-on experience in routine health monitoring and leg wrapping, ensuring they are ready to respond effectively in emergencies. Equine experts from Penn State will lead this four-hour workshop, joined by a local veterinarian who will be on-site to answer questions. Each participant will also receive a first aid kit as part of the program.

Space is limited - preregistration is required!

When: September 12, 2026 (1:00 PM-5:00 PM)

Where: The Stoneybrook Foundation
260 Mountain Trail Ln.
Acme, Pennsylvania 15610

Registration deadline: August 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

https://extension.psu.edu/equine-first-aid

08/27/2026

Home Food Preservation: Tomatoes and Salsa-Learn about today's recommended methods for home food preservation during this in-person event while dispelling food preservation myths and unsafe practices of the past.

About The In-Person Workshop-Join us for "Home Food Preservation: Tomatoes and Salsa," a hands-on workshop that explores the science behind today’s safest and most effective preservation methods. Our experts will guide you through canning, freezing, and drying techniques for tomatoes and salsa while debunking common myths and outdated practices. Whether you are new to food preservation or refining your skills, this two-hour session offers practical guidance to help you safely enjoy your homemade goods year-round.

Space is limited. Preregistration is required.

When: September 9, 2026 (5:30 PM-7:30 PM)

Where: Penn State Extension, Westmoreland County
214 Donohoe Rd., Ste. E
Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601

Registration deadline: September 4, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

https://extension.psu.edu/home-food-preservation-tomatoes-and-salsa

08/26/2026

Mental Wellness: Helping Employees Manage Stress-Build resilience and strengthen stress management skills with practical, evidence-based strategies that support mental well-being and foster a healthier workplace culture.

About the Live Webinar-Workplace stress and mental health challenges can affect employee well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. This one-hour session provides practical strategies to help employees build resilience, manage stress, and support mental well-being in the workplace. Designed specifically for workplace environments, the program explores evidence-based approaches that participants can apply in their daily lives to foster resilience, strengthen coping skills, and promote a healthier, more supportive work culture.

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.

When: September 1, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/mental-wellness-helping-employees-manage-stress

08/26/2026

AgWorks: Mentoring Programs to Improve Retention-Discover the value of mentoring to advance careers, strengthen leadership, and build engaged workplaces through best practices, SMART goals, and effective mentor–mentee relationships.

Reduce turnover and build careers through mentoring while fostering engagement and retention. Mentoring benefits both employees and mentors by supporting growth, strengthening workplace culture, and enhancing leadership effectiveness. Research shows that mentoring increases job satisfaction, improves interpersonal skills, and creates opportunities for advancement. This workshop will guide you in starting and sustaining effective mentoring relationships, with practical strategies for setting expectations and boundaries. An optional second hour includes mentor–mentee matching, conversation tools, and a Q&A using the mentoring strategies workbook.

This webinar is open to everyone at no cost, thanks to an AgWorks grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. To help track grant reach and eligibility, participants will be asked questions about their farm or agribusiness during registration. Responses will remain confidential and will not be shared outside the project team.

As part of the AgWorks grant initiative, no-cost training and consultation services are available to qualifying small- to medium-sized farms and agribusinesses in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit AgWorks.

This event is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry through funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.
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.

When: September 1, 2026 (10:00 AM-12:00 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/agworks-mentoring-programs-to-improve-retention

08/25/2026

📢📢Shoutout to Washington County 4-H Volunteer Emily Anestis, who was recently recognized by Pennsylvania 4-H. We truly appreciate all of our 4-H volunteers. Their dedication and leadership help "make the best better!"🍀🍀

It's time for our Pennsylvania 4-H Volunteer Spotlight! Each week, Pennsylvania 4-H highlights volunteers who are doing great work around the state.

Today, we are celebrating Emily Anestis of Washington County! She has been a 4-H volunteer for over 21 years.

As the organizational leader of the Crossroads 4-H Club, she creates a welcoming and supportive environment where members feel encouraged to grow. She strongly supports the 4-H motto, “Making the Best Better,” and continually motivates her members to increase their involvement through community service, volunteer hours, new projects, and active participation in 4-H events.

Giving back to the community is a priority for her and her club. The Crossroads 4 H Club maintains the gardens at the county fairgrounds, collects food for the local food bank, and participates in the Houston Pumpkin Festival. Their outstanding efforts have earned the club numerous recognitions for community service at the County Awards Banquet.

This year, the club is engaged in a meaningful service learning project in which members learned first aid and CPR and are now raising funds to purchase two AED machines for the Washington County Fairgrounds. The initiative, aptly named Project Shock and Save, exemplifies their commitment to community safety and education. In addition to her club leadership, she has served on the 4-H Program Development Committee and the Washington County Fair Market Livestock Committee, further demonstrating her dedication to the 4-H program and the broader community.

Emily's nominator says, "Emily benefits greatly from a strong support system of family and fellow leaders, and she reflects those strong family values by viewing her club as an extension of her own family...She is a true leader who is consistently dedicated to the youth in her 4-H program."

08/24/2026

Biting Pests: West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania-Explore the history, transmission, and impact of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania, along with mosquito activity patterns and practical strategies to prevent bites and reduce risk.

About the Live Webinar: West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common locally acquired arbovirus in the United States, first identified in Queens, New York, in 1999 before rapidly spreading across the continent. Pennsylvania reported its first cases in 2001, with the most recent outbreak season occurring in 2025. This presentation examines the transmission of WNV in Pennsylvania, reviews historical trends and surveillance data, and highlights the state’s WNV control program. Participants will also gain a foundational understanding of the virus, including mosquito vectors, signs and symptoms of infection, and practical strategies to reduce exposure and prevent mosquito bites.

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.

When: August 27, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/biting-pests-west-nile-virus-in-pennsylvania

08/23/2026

Water Explorations: Radium and Salinity in Groundwater-Explore how salt sources influence radium and metals in groundwater, and learn how water chemistry affects drinking water quality and contaminant movement in aquifers.

About the Live Webinar: Salt can enhance the flavor of food, but it can also affect the quality of drinking water. "Water Explorations: Radium and Salinity in Groundwater" explores how different sources of salt influence the movement of radium and other metals in aquifers and drinking water supplies. Participants will gain a better understanding of the relationship between salt and water chemistry, the factors that affect contaminant concentrations, and the implications for drinking water quality.

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.

When: August 26, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/water-explorations-radium-and-salinity-in-groundwater