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Featured Online Courses
Online Courses
Beekeeping 102: Organic Honey Bee Colony Management
Sections 6
Length 5 hours
Learn organic colony management practices like managing Varroa mites and other pests with IPM methods, and to keep honey bees healthy without hard chemicals.
$139.00
Online Courses
Ag101: Introduction to Agriculture
Sections 9
Length 11 hours
Learn the basics of farms and farming, including crops, livestock, and natural resources, common to Pennsylvania and other Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states.
$99.00
Online Courses
Landscaping Safety: Pesticides
Sections 6
Length 4 hours
Learn about pesticide labels, regulations, and application. Follow procedures for storage, spills, emergencies, and safety precautions. Earn PCH credits.
$19.00
Online Courses
Employee Landscape Training: Planting, Mulching, and Watering
Sections 2
Length 1 hour, 30 minutes
This course helps landscape businesses train beginner and seasonal employees to inspect and handle nursery stock, dig, edge, mulch, water, and stake trees. Earn PCH credits.
$19.00
Online Courses
Grant Writing: How to Find Funds and Write a Winning Proposal
Sections 4
Length 4 hours
Write a successful grant proposal. Learn about the grant review process, organizational missions, and public and private funding sources.
$99.00
Online Courses
Nutrition 101: Healthy Eating Guidelines and Meal Planning
Sections 6
Length 6 hours
In this online course, learn the basics of nutrition, and practical suggestions for creating healthy food choices to improve and maintain your health.
$69.00
Online Courses
Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
Sections 5
Length 3 hours
This online course for beginning landscapers and home gardeners covers pruning basics: how trees and shrubs grow, when and how to prune, and safety and tools.
$39.00
Online Courses
Growing Raspberries and Blackberries: From Planting to Harvest
Sections 3
Length 7 hours, 30 minutes
This course prepares you to grow berries, from choosing varieties, to planting, to handling pests and diseases. Growing can be rewarding and profitable.
$99.00
Online Courses
Private Wells and Water Systems Management
Sections 5
Length 4 hours
Learn how to identify the proper location, construction, maintenance, testing, and treatment of a water well, spring, or cistern
$39.00
Online Courses
Farmers Market Food Safety
Sections 7
Length 4 hours
Selling food at farmers' markets is popular and profitable. This online course teaches vendors and producers about food safety and preventing foodborne illness.
$39.00
Online Courses
Orchard Management: Site Planning and Preparation
Sections 4
Length 3 hours
This course is designed for beginning and next-generation commercial tree fruit growers. Learn to choose an appropriate orchard site, address climate considerations, and prepare for planting.
$89.00
Online Courses
Plant Health Diagnosis: Assessing Plant Diseases, Pests and Problems
Sections 4
Length 2 hours
Learn a process for diagnosing plant health problems, including signs and symptoms of diseases, pests and insects, and environment or management issues. Earn 4 Category 6, 7, 18, 23, or Private Category credits and a certificate of completion.
$39.00
Online Courses
Totally Veggies
Sections 6
Length 8 hours
Vegetables are crucial to your health. In this course, learn shopping and storage tips, cooking techniques, helpful videos and handouts, and easy recipes.
$39.00
Online Courses
Pond Management for Rural and Farm Pond Owners
Sections 6
Length 8 hours
Learn basic pond maintenance and how to address common pond issues including excessive plant and algae growth, nuisance wildlife, and fishery management.
$99.00
Online Courses
Woodland Stewardship: Management Practices for Landowners
Sections 8
Length 12 hours
Learn about forest ecosystems, management, and stewardship practices, as well as wildlife, water, tree identification and measurement, and legacy planning.
$99.00
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Frontiers in Forest Health: Managing Spongy Moth
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Cooking for Crowds: A Volunteer's Guide to Safe Food Handling
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Trending Topics
Extension offers the latest information and resources on topics impacting Pennsylvania today.
Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): Poultry Owners Should Be On High Alert.
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Develop Skills
Expert resources to develop competencies for the workforce, build your business, pursue a hobby, or follow your passion.
Spotted Lanternfly
Learn how to slow the spread of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly.
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Latest News
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News
6/12/2024
Inaugural ACAP Ag Conservation Con Recap
Highlights from the first Annual Conference, Presenters and ACAP Award Winners
$0.00
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News
6/20/2024
2024 Green Industry Current Issues for June
Pest and disease activity observed in June, 2024.
$0.00
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News
6/19/2024
Mexican Bean Beetle is Becoming Active in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Mexican bean beetles have been found laying eggs in Chester County, so learn to recognize them and the threat that they pose to soybeans.
$0.00
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News
6/18/2024
Learn About the Pork Industry, Share this Information with Your Community!
Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council to support up to $6,000 in scholarships for community members to attend Penn State's Pork 101 program in October 2024.
$0.00
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News
6/20/2024
2024 Green Industry Current Issues for June
Pest and disease activity observed in June, 2024.
$0.00
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News
6/17/2024
Weather Outlook for the Week of June 17, 2024
Hazy, hot, and humid weather will be the dominant headline for much of the upcoming week.
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Our Vision
We believe that all people should have access to science-based information.
Penn State Extension is a modern educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities. We provide access to face-to-face and online education to our customers—when they want it, where they want it, and how they want it—to help them address problems and take advantage of opportunities for improvement and innovation. Partnering with and funded by federal, state, and county governments, we have a long tradition of bringing unbiased support and education to the citizens of Pennsylvania. We make a difference locally through focused engagement, and more widely to customers connecting in the digital landscape.
You May Also Be Interested In...
Articles
Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide
Publication providing comprehensive details on the spotted lanternfly, including identification and life cycle; quarantine and distribution; host range, phenology, and damage; and management.
Articles
Roadside Guide to Clean Water
By Jennifer R Fetter
Recognizing good practices to protect water in your community.
Articles
Best Practices for Managing and Moderating Community Social Media Groups
By Sarah Cornelisse
This article discusses reasons people join local community social media groups and provides best practices for those who manage and moderate those groups.
Articles
Resources for Food Entrepreneurs
By Luke LaBorde, Ph.D.
Are you looking to start a new food business? Are you an existing business looking for information on how to maximize your profitability?
Articles
Beer and Spirits: Supplying the Craft Beverage Boom with Local Ingredients
By Heather E. Manzo, Maria L Graziani, Molly Berntsen, Rachel Hair, Thy Le An Ngo
Penn State Extension conducted research in 2017 to assess current and future production levels and supply chain actors and identify future potential for local and regional sourcing of ingredients
Articles
Mulching Landscape Trees
By David R. Jackson
Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to enhance landscape beauty, improve soil conditions, protect plants from foot traffic and lawn equipment, and suppress weeds.
Articles
How You Can Comply with the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Regulations
By Emelie Swackhamer
Some tips to help you avoid spreading Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and be in compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) regulations.
Articles
Tree-of-Heaven
By David R. Jackson, Art Gover, Sarah Wurzbacher
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is an invasive tree and noxious weed in PA. This article displays images to assist with identification and provides recommendations for control, including a management calendar and treatment and timing table.
Articles
Choosing a Qualified Pest Management or Lawn Care Company
By Sharon I Gripp
When you discover a pest problem in or around your home, such as the spotted lanternfly, the first step is to identify the pest.
Articles
Common Drinking Water Problems and Solutions
By Bryan Swistock, James Andrew Clark
A listing of symptoms in water (color, smell, taste), the common causes, and possible solutions to common drinking water problems.
Articles
Pennsylvania Native Plants for the Perennial Garden
By Constance Schmotzer
Herbaceous (nonwoody) perennial plants add year round interest to any landscape and are a popular choice of plants among gardeners.
Articles
Fruit and Vegetable Marketing for Small-Scale and Part-Time Growers
By Jayson K. Harper, Ph.D., James Dunn, Ph.D., Lynn Kime
Marketing is important to all farm enterprises, regardless of size.
Articles
Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification
Learn how to become a pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania.
Articles
8 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Own Dairy Farm
By Mathew M. Haan
Whatever your background and experience, there are some things you need to know before you start milking cows.
Featured Articles
Articles
Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide
Publication providing comprehensive details on the spotted lanternfly, including identification and life cycle; quarantine and distribution; host range, phenology, and damage; and management.
Articles
Roadside Guide to Clean Water
By Jennifer R Fetter
Recognizing good practices to protect water in your community.
Articles
Best Practices for Managing and Moderating Community Social Media Groups
By Sarah Cornelisse
This article discusses reasons people join local community social media groups and provides best practices for those who manage and moderate those groups.
Articles
Resources for Food Entrepreneurs
By Luke LaBorde, Ph.D.
Are you looking to start a new food business? Are you an existing business looking for information on how to maximize your profitability?
Articles
Beer and Spirits: Supplying the Craft Beverage Boom with Local Ingredients
By Heather E. Manzo, Maria L Graziani, Molly Berntsen, Rachel Hair, Thy Le An Ngo
Penn State Extension conducted research in 2017 to assess current and future production levels and supply chain actors and identify future potential for local and regional sourcing of ingredients
Articles
Mulching Landscape Trees
By David R. Jackson
Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to enhance landscape beauty, improve soil conditions, protect plants from foot traffic and lawn equipment, and suppress weeds.
Articles
How You Can Comply with the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Regulations
By Emelie Swackhamer
Some tips to help you avoid spreading Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and be in compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) regulations.
Articles
Tree-of-Heaven
By David R. Jackson, Art Gover, Sarah Wurzbacher
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is an invasive tree and noxious weed in PA. This article displays images to assist with identification and provides recommendations for control, including a management calendar and treatment and timing table.
Articles
Choosing a Qualified Pest Management or Lawn Care Company
By Sharon I Gripp
When you discover a pest problem in or around your home, such as the spotted lanternfly, the first step is to identify the pest.
Articles
Common Drinking Water Problems and Solutions
By Bryan Swistock, James Andrew Clark
A listing of symptoms in water (color, smell, taste), the common causes, and possible solutions to common drinking water problems.
Articles
Pennsylvania Native Plants for the Perennial Garden
By Constance Schmotzer
Herbaceous (nonwoody) perennial plants add year round interest to any landscape and are a popular choice of plants among gardeners.
Articles
Fruit and Vegetable Marketing for Small-Scale and Part-Time Growers
By Jayson K. Harper, Ph.D., James Dunn, Ph.D., Lynn Kime
Marketing is important to all farm enterprises, regardless of size.
Articles
Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification
Learn how to become a pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania.
Articles
8 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Own Dairy Farm
By Mathew M. Haan
Whatever your background and experience, there are some things you need to know before you start milking cows.
Upcoming Workshops
Workshops
Tastes of the Garden
When 09/05/2024
Length 2 hours per week for 4 weeks
Join us for a hands-on series that takes you from planting to preparing to tasting a variety of seasonal vegetables and herbs. Discover delicious ideas for using homegrown produce!
$60.00
Workshops
Manure Management
When Multiple Options Available
Length 3 hours
Explore manure regulations, spreader calibration, tarping and manure storage, when and where to spread, looking at overlaps and spreader safety.
$10.00
Workshops
Herds and Her: Empowering Women in Dairy
When 06/27/2024
Length 8 hours
Join fellow dairy women for a hands-on, boot-camp style workshop where women in the industry will gain practical knowledge to implement in their dairy operations.
$50.00
Workshops
Application of Biosecurity Practices for Small Flocks
When 07/24/2024
Length 2 hours
Join us to learn basic poultry biosecurity practices, access HPAI information, resources, and contacts, and apply tailored measures to your premises.
Free
Workshops
Twilight Pest Management Plot Tour
When 07/11/2024
Length 2 hours
Join us in this twilight workshop to discuss observations of pests and diseases, protocols for safely handling pesticides, and concerns for field and crop producers.
Free
Workshops
Landscape Pest Walk
When Multiple Options Available
Length 2 hours
Join our workshop for Green Industry professionals to take your landscaping skills to the next level. Earn Pennsylvania pesticide credits while learning about identifying insects, diseases, safe use of pesticides, and weed management.
$15.00
Workshops
Private Water Supply Education and Water Testing
When Multiple Options Available
Length 1 hour
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.
Free
Workshops
Let's Cook Charcuterie Boards
When Multiple Options Available
Length 2 hours
Learn to make charcuterie boards as a fun addition to any occasion with friends and family!
$30.00
Workshops
Walk with Watershed Stewards
When 06/27/2024
Length 1 hour, 30 minutes
Take a walk with Master Watershed Stewards, and learn about the watershed landscape you live in!
$5.00
Workshops
Farming for Success
When 08/01/2024
Length 6 hours, 45 minutes
Join us for an agronomic field day for farmers, industry representatives, and other agricultural professionals and earn CCA, NM, and MHB Credits.
$10.00
Workshops
LIFT (8 Weeks)
When Multiple Options Available
Get motivated, energized, and inspired while increasing your strength, flexibility, and enthusiasm! LIFT's group-based strength-training program can help you gain confidence and improve your body and life.
Starting at Free
Workshops
Home Food Preservation: Tomatoes and Salsa
When 08/07/2024
Length 2 hours
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.
$15.00
Workshops
Preventive Controls for Human Foods Certification Workshop
When Multiple Options Available
Length 2.5 days
This workshop provides certification to meet FDA requirements for the development and implementation of HACCP based systems as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations.
Starting at $600.00
Workshops
ServSafe®
When Multiple Options Available
Length 2 days
Upon successful completion, participants can receive their ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certificate, meeting the PA Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act.
$165.00
Workshops
Tree Climbing School
When 07/08/2024
Length 4 days
Learn the fundamentals of tree maintenance and how to safely climb trees in this three-day in-person course.
$450.00
What our customers are saying
Everything we do is centered around animal welfare and food safety. However, we needed the science. It's all that partnership and education. I've learned so much through the years working with extension. It's been a great thing.
Frank Connett
Manager of Flock Services at Kreider Farms
Management of forest invasives has been a very large problem for me, and I've managed to keep on top of it, but I found the resources offered by extension have been very valuable in that. It is very helpful because if you talk to the professionals who do it, you get a very different view point and in many cases you could be wasting thousands of dollars in doing the wrong thing, or the right thing at the wrong time. I found that having the resources from extension has aided me in many ways.
John Hoover
Bald Eagle Tree Farm
The extension programs have given me reference making me a much better steward of our property and a better understanding of how the ecosystem fits together. Since I've been managing it, we've seen a return of fishers and beavers to our stream so we are getting back pieces to the ecosystem that have been missing.
Susan Shoemaker-Benedict
Beartown Family Limited Partnership
Penn State has been an integral part of the business since I’ve been here. We do about 3.5 million pounds of fresh sausage a year. We’ve relied on Penn State many times because we do not have the budget to have a full-time person here that deals with food safety or research and development.
Len Caric
President/CEO Uncle Charley’s Sausage Co.
We work very closely with Penn State Extension, and that has been instrumental in developing best practices and new processes and technologies, both in the orchard and the packhouse.
Danijel Lolic
Rice Fruit Company
I really appreciate the instructors from Penn State Extension mostly because they serve as a really good resource. They're well-spoken and very clear. They'll take subject matter and dumb it down–so to speak–so that on every level, you understand it.
Ester Betley
Dining with Diabetes Participant
Penn State Extension and the University have provided us uncounted resources when it comes to the education of our employees.
Byron Shaffer
Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at Kreider Farms
Volunteers are the backbone of extension
Join a highly engaged team that supports Master Gardener; Master Watershed Steward; 4-H; and Nutrition, Health, and Wellness programs.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities
Pennsylvania 4-H: Transforming kids throughdoing
4-H is the state's largest youth development organization, with clubs in rural communities, small towns, and big cities–including a club near you. Members tackle projects that build life skills, explore careers, and help young people find their passion in life.
Learn more about Pennsylvania 4-H
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