County Highlights

Adams County

Botanical Illustrations

This workshop, organized by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Adams County, was part of a series held in the Demonstration Gardens. "Botanical Illustrations" focused on the structures of the plant or flower that the participant chose to illustrate. Participants learned what to look for to create the illustration then picked a flower or plant and reviewed the identification features before starting the drawing. Ten of the 13 participants replied to the Master Gardeners' survey. All reported learning something new about the plant they chose. A total of 80% learned about plants that they may incorporate into their garden, and 50% had never visited the Demonstration Gardens before. These gardens provide a visual lab for all programs. Increasing the number of visitors to the gardens and providing education that connects nongardeners to the plant world is one of the team’s goals for the Demonstration Gardens.

• 61 Active Master Gardeners
• 4 Master Gardeners Trained
• 4,557.6 Total Hours Volunteered
• $142,652 Value of Volunteer Time
• 54 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 31 Gardening Articles Published
• 325 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated

Allegheny County

Design Team Creates a Destination Garden

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Allegheny County created the South Park Learning Garden. Situated on the South Park Theater site, the garden earned second place in the 2024 statewide Search for Excellence Awards. The design has been in the works for several years and considers all aspects of use, audience, and environment. Doug Oster, a local radio and TV gardener, had an opportunity to meet the garden chairpersons Joan Kugler and Marilyn Germansky and feature the garden in one of his episodes. The garden was also highlighted by Andy Arnheim, a local business owner and public access TV host for the Bethel Park area. The garden is enjoyed by theatre patrons and park visitors daily.

• 185 Active Master Gardeners
• 12 Master Gardeners Trained
• 12,695 Total Hours Volunteered
• $397,354 Value of Volunteer Time
• 81 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 23 Gardening Articles Published
• 12 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 19 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Armstrong County

Arbor Day Tree Seedling Giveaway

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Armstrong County proudly celebrated Arbor Day with their annual Tree Seedling Giveaway, providing the community with 300 free Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) tree seedlings and educational resources. This initiative not only promotes the beauty of planting trees that bloom in early spring but also supports local ecosystems. Eastern redbuds are among the first trees to flower, producing beautiful blossoms that provide nectar and pollen—a vital early food source for bees. By planting these trees, community members contribute to a greener environment and help sustain our pollinators.

• 35 Active Master Gardeners
• 2 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,624 Total Hours Volunteered
• $50,831 Value of Volunteer Time
• 13 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 11 Community Partners
• 450 Plants/Seedlings Donated
• 7 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Beaver County

Discovering Demo Gardens

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Beaver County hosted an inaugural Demonstration Garden Tour in July. The 2-day event attracted nearly 100 participants from seven counties in Pennsylvania and Ohio and showcased nine of the program's ten demo gardens. The Master Gardeners of Beaver County maintain a surprisingly large amount of Demo Garden space: one volunteer for every 400 square feet! The education-focused tour featured publications, activities, and guided walks centered around each garden's theme, from native pollinator plants to vegetables and garden pests, historical plants, and more. Supported by local business partners and Beaver County Recreation and Tourism, the tour generated notable, positive economic impact: attendees dined at local restaurants or food trucks and shopped in Beaver between tour stops, and at least one couple stayed at a local bed and breakfast. With overwhelmingly positive results, the tour will now repeat every 2 years.

• 77 Active Master Gardeners
• 14 Master Gardeners Trained
• 7,559 Total Hours Volunteered
• $236,597 Value of Volunteer Time
• 10 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 30 Gardening Articles Published
• 10 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 800 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated

Bedford County

Second-Grade Seed Lesson

The Penn State Master Gardeners of Bedford County were welcomed back to five Bedford County elementary schools in the spring with a new lesson about seeds for second-grade students. Master Gardeners had previously presented the Poison Prevention Program to first graders at the schools and were invited to return with additional programs. Master Gardeners developed the Second-Grade Seed lesson, prepared visuals, and taught the lesson in 24 classrooms. In total, 429 second-grade students learned about parts of a seed, germination requirements, and plant growth needs. Hands-on activities included dissecting bean seeds and planting marigold seeds in peat pellets. The students observed the seed germination process and then watched the marigolds growing in their classrooms. The students later took their marigolds home to beautify their own gardens and to attract pollinators.

• 28 Active Master Gardeners
• 11 Master Gardeners Trained
• 2,610 Total Hours Volunteered
• $81,693 Value of Volunteer Time
• 39 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 11 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 6 Community Partners
• 5,499 Seed Packets Donated
• 9 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Berks County

Seed to Supper Success

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Berks County had a successful first Seed to Supper program. Twelve county residents participated in the program in 2024. Participants met at the Calvary Baptist Church Community Center for the initial six classes and then met two more times over the rest of the growing season to follow the garden's progress. Classes were taught and supported by 20 Master Gardeners. Raised bed gardens were established on the church property and cared for by class participants and Master Gardeners. The class members harvested and used the vegetables according to the knowledge they gained during the Seed to Supper sessions. The Seed to Supper program received financial and material donations from six local businesses. Participants received tools, seeds, plants, pots, soil, and a custom tote bag.

• 116 Active Master Gardeners
• 22 Master Gardeners Trained
• 12,064 Total Hours Volunteered
• $377,603 Value of Volunteer Time
• 48 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 20 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 1,699 Social Media Followers
• 446 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 87 Seed Packets Donated

Blair County

Roaring Spring Seed Library: Sow, Grow, Harvest

The Penn State Master Gardeners of Blair County collaborated with the Roaring Spring Community Library to distribute 15,600 seed packets to more than 700 patrons and an additional 700 packs of seeds to attendees at various events around the county. Volunteers contributed nearly 600 hours of volunteer time sorting and packing seeds, filling orders, and maintaining records. A recent addition to the Seed Library is the Community Seed Exchange, which distributed 2,600 packets of seeds from annual flowers, heirloom vegetables, and native plants. The Master Gardeners hosted two Seed Harvesting Workshops to educate participants on effective methods for cleaning, separating, and packing collected seeds. Additionally, the Winter Sowing Workshops taught attendees how to successfully germinate native wildflower seeds, completing the cycle of seed stewardship.

• 20 Active Master Gardeners
• 9 Master Gardeners Trained
• 2,749 Total Hours Volunteered
• $86,044 Value of Volunteer Time
• 28 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 14 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 8 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 18,900 Seed Packets Donated

Bradford/Sullivan Counties

Demonstration Garden Revitalized!

The Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program in Bradford and Sullivan Counties has almost doubled in size over the past 2 years. This exciting increase has allowed for the revitalization of a once-beautiful demonstration garden. Originally installed nearly two decades ago, the Pollinator Preference Demo Garden began as part of a Penn State research project focusing on pollinators and plant species. Unfortunately, as volunteer numbers declined, the garden fell into neglect and became overgrown. This year, a dedicated group of volunteers worked diligently through all four seasons to observe how the area is used, identify plant species, manage weeds, and develop new design plans. They have done a phenomenal job, and the locals are noticing! The Master Gardeners are excited to continue cultivating a native pollinator garden for all to learn from!

• 10 Active Master Gardeners
• 6 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,277.4 Total Hours Volunteered
• $38,418 Value of Volunteer Time
• 24 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 22 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 21 Community Partners
• 5 Educational Demonstration Gardens

Bucks County

Revitalized Arboretum Committee

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Bucks County reformed their Arboretum Committee in 2023. Since then, they have hosted educational planting events, including training the public in how to plant and care for bare root trees. The primary site of the new trees is the Wrightstown Grange Fairgrounds, where the committee has ambitious plans to establish a new arboretum. The committee also continues to care for trees throughout Bucks County and is excited to use all of their sites for public education and training as their scope expands.

• 204 Active Master Gardeners
• 11,127 Total Hours Volunteered
• $348,275 Value of Volunteer Time
• 46 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 14 Gardening Articles Published
• 52 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 52 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 33 Community Partners
• 2,300 Social Media Followers

Butler County

Exploring the Outdoors with the Ehrman Crest Garden Club

"This was the best day of my life!" exclaimed one student after the first meeting of the Ehrman Crest Elementary School Garden Club. Each school year, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County teach 20 fourth-grade students during the afterschool club. Volunteers seek to expose students to new experiences and teach different horticultural topics. In its ninth year of educational programming, the Garden Club focuses on seasonal activities like autumn leaves, planting bulbs for spring, winter birding, and spring pollinators. The monthly educational lesson incorporates an outdoor activity, a literary element, and a craft or planting project to enhance learning. The immersive experience provided by the Garden Club resonates with students who eagerly participate in activities, cherish projects, and recommend club participation to siblings and friends in future years.

• 105 Active Master Gardeners
• 17 Master Gardeners Trained
• 5,714 Total Hours Volunteered
• $178,848 Value of Volunteer Time
• 24 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 25 Gardening Articles Published
• 8 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 9 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Cambria County

Scavenger Hunt in the Garden!

Every Wednesday in July, the Cambria County Child Development Center in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, in conjunction with United Way, provided free lunches every Wednesday in July 2024 to children up to age 18. On the last lunch day of the month, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Cambria County invited the children and their families to their demonstration garden, which is on the same property as the center. Everyone was able to explore the garden as they wished, and the children received a book for taking part in a scavenger hunt looking for items in the garden, such as flowers, bees, and garden tools. The Master Gardeners answered diverse questions about the vegetables and flowers as well as the bees, butterflies, and other insects pollinating the garden. A total of 68 children and their parents and guardians enjoyed visiting the garden that day!

• 35 Active Master Gardeners
• 6 Master Gardeners Trained
• 2,433 Total Hours Volunteered
• $76,153 Value of Volunteer Time
• 24 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 12 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 13 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 5 Community Partners

Carbon County

"It's Time to Plant" Workshop

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Carbon County presented their annual "It's Time to Plant!" spring workshop, which was attended by 15 participants. The workshop included talks on succulents and hydroponics and discussed houseplant propagation techniques. Attendees were provided with houseplant samples to take home to practice what they had learned. There was also a talk on kitchen herb gardens, after which, the attendees planted and took home their own starter herb gardens. Participants were highly satisfied with the sessions, evaluating their experiences at 9.46 out of 10, on average. One participant noted, "I learned lots of new techniques to put into practice at home."

• 12 Active Master Gardeners
• 6 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,166 Total Hours Volunteered
• $36,496 Value of Volunteer Time
• 5 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 3 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 709 Social Media Followers
• 55 Seed Packets Donated
• 150 Plants/Seedlings Donated
• 6 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Centre County

Pollinators! the Musical

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Centre County were honored to accept the 2024 David Gibby Search for Excellence award (Innovative Programs) for producing, writing, directing, and performing the play POLLINATORS! The Musical. Through relatable, humorous, and scientifically accurate stories and songs, audiences learned about pollinators' critical roles in our ecosystem, their unique lifestyles and habitat needs, how to identify them, and responsible practices that communities can use to protect them. Designed to appeal to all ages, audiences ranged from top pollinator researchers across the globe to local children, teachers, and families. This year, the musical puppet show was performed for every second- and third-grade class in the State College Area School District, and it is planned to be an annual recurring event for students in the future. Over 2,000 students and teachers celebrated pollinators with the Master Gardeners of Centre County in 2024.

• 94 Active Master Gardeners
• 6 Master Gardeners Trained
• 9,273 Total Hours Volunteered
• $290,245 Value of Volunteer Time
• 109 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 12 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 21 Community Partners
• 12 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Chester County

Wellness Garden Replaces Weeds

A team of Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Chester County collaborated with Penn Medicine's Chester County Hospital to revitalize a neglected garden and transform it into a serene healing space. Inspired by a local nurse who is also a Master Gardener, the project aimed to restore the garden that had fallen into disrepair during the pandemic. The Master Gardeners transformed the barren landscape into a low-maintenance sanctuary for hospital staff and patients and their families featuring native plants, raised herb beds, a calming water feature, and an outdoor classroom for workshops. Their careful plant selection was based on growth habits and maintenance needs. After months of planning, they planted a diverse array of native perennials, grasses, trees, shrubs, and herbs and incorporated pathways and seating areas. This garden now serves as a testament to nature's healing power and complements other wellness gardens throughout Penn Medicine facilities in the state.

• 80 Active Master Gardeners
• 25 Master Gardeners Trained
• 5,079 Total Hours Volunteered
• $158,973 Value of Volunteer Time
• 23 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 22 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 20 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 4,000 Social Media Followers
• 15 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Clarion County

Master Gardeners Nurture Young Minds and Enhance Community Park

For the second time, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Clarion County partnered with the Wildflower Garden Club to provide educational experiences for 17 YMCA preschoolers at the Horticulture Resource Center. During their 4 hours together, children enjoyed hands-on learning through vermiculture lessons, explored the monarch butterfly's migration path, and experienced the joy of harvesting potatoes and carrots from the garden. Thanks to an America250PA grant, the Master Gardeners' Horticultural Resource Center and demonstration garden at the county park received significant improvements, including a fresh coat of paint, new shade screens, and three lush sensory garden beds. These enhancements create a more inviting space where community members of all ages can connect with nature and learn sustainable gardening practices.

• 15 Active Master Gardeners
• 3 Master Gardeners Trained
• 772 Total Hours Volunteered
• $24,163 Value of Volunteer Time
• 3 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 4 Community Partners
• 200 Plants/Seedlings Donated
• 2 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Clearfield County

Fairgoers Discover the Hidden World of Insects

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Clearfield County staffed an information table at the 164th Clearfield County Fair for 10 days during the month of July. The interactive display featured the "Is It an Insect?" Entomology Wheel activity and Insect Magna Tag Quiz. The display also included colorful posters depicting insect characteristics and a Riker mount for participants to see examples of different insects. Numerous gardening fact sheets and spotted lanternfly materials were available for fairgoers to read and take home. Popular items at the table included informative handouts, children's packets, stickers, and scrape cards. In total, about 365 adults and 260 youth stopped by to engage in our activities and conversation. During the event, Master Gardeners were able to participate in many lively discussions with fairgoers of all ages, further enhancing environmental awareness within the Clearfield Community.

• 11 Active Master Gardeners
• 2 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,000 Total Hours Volunteered
• $31,300 Value of Volunteer Time
• 15 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 10 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 22 Community Partners
• 15 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Clinton County

Over 300 Pounds of Nutritious Produce

In the summer of 2023, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Clinton County were contacted to help plan a school and community garden at Sugar Valley Rural Charter School (SVRCS) that would help teach students how to grow vegetables. Community members met to plan and design the garden, and the Clinton County Conservation District wrote a grant to fund the project. In November, the community built seven raised beds with the help of metal shop students who built the bed brackets. In spring 2024, Master Gardeners taught local high school students the Seed to Supper curriculum, supervised students as they planted the gardens, and guided community members on successful summer maintenance. As the fresh vegetables and herbs were harvested, the cafeteria staff used them to prepare meals for summer school students. Over 300 pounds of produce were harvested as a result of this exciting collaboration!

• 17 Active Master Gardeners
• 2 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,082.2 Total Hours Volunteered
• $33,872 Value of Volunteer Time
• 7 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 38 Gardening Articles Published
• 300 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated

Columbia County

Ag Awareness Day

Many years ago, the Central Columbia Chapter of FFA and the Columbia County Farm Bureau started Rural Safety Day as an educational event. After the pandemic, the name was changed to Ag Awareness Day to broaden the educational scope beyond farm safety. The event has allowed various agricultural organizations to come together to advocate and educate both young children and adults about the importance of agriculture. During Ag Awareness Day 2024, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Columbia County hosted numerous educational displays with hands-on activities. They educated attendees about invasive plants, ticks, the spotted lanternfly, pollinators, and beneficial versus harmful insects. Previously, the event attracted ~300 participants (vendors and attendees). By 2024, the number ballooned to over 700 participants. "Involving the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners has really helped expand our multigenerational education outreach!" exclaimed Kristie Good, Central Columbia FFA advisor.

• 27 Active Master Gardeners
• 7 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,989.3 Total Hours Volunteered
• $62,265 Value of Volunteer Time
• 25 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 66 Gardening Articles Published

Crawford County

Award-Winning Ag Literacy Shines

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Crawford County won second place in the 2024 David Gibby Search for Excellence Awards—Youth Programming Category for their involvement with the Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Program. The program involved reading to 22 classes of first and second graders across six schools in partnership with the Friends of the Farm Bureau. The book of the year, "Anywhere Farm," was read to the classes, followed by a hands-on activity of growing lettuce seeds in small plastic bags with cotton balls lightly dipped in water to facilitate germination. The bags were hung in the classroom windows using clothespins, and the seeds sprouted within just 3 days. After the reading session, additional activities were provided for the teachers to engage the students further. The Master Gardener Program generously donated the book to the classroom libraries, and both the children and the Master Gardeners thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

• 55 Active Master Gardeners
• 6 Master Gardeners Trained
• 3,587 Total Hours Volunteered
• $112,273 Value of Volunteer Time
• 8 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 6 Community Partners
• 4,500 Seed Packets Donated
• 3 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Cumberland County

Demonstration Gardens at the Historic Craigshead House

In partnership with Craighead House in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Cumberland County engaged over 225 county residents through garden tours, a perennial plant exchange, "A Talk in the Garden" program series, and the annual Falconry Day. Cumberland County residents adopted best practices for creating pollinator-friendly gardens, increasing the use of perennial and native plants, and managing invasive species. They learned the connections between beneficial insects and vegetable gardening yields, as well as how to grow and harvest 10 historically significant culinary herbs steeped in rich traditions. The 2024 Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve Land Ethics Award for Best Community Effort was presented to Craighead House for "promoting the use and enjoyment of native plants in the garden." The three distinctive native plant gardens serve as teaching demonstration gardens where Penn State Master Gardeners offer talks, tours, and workshops, educating the community on the importance of native plants to insects and wildlife.

• 103 Active Master Gardeners
• 9,915.9 Total Hours Volunteered
• $310,368 Value of Volunteer Time
• 62 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 45 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 58 Community Partners
• 10 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 521.5 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated

Dauphin County

Speakers Series

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Dauphin County hosted eight presentations at the Olewine Nature Center in collaboration with Dauphin County's Wildwood Park. Presentations covered pertinent and exciting topics for today's home gardener, ranging from climate-smart gardening to native ferns, groundcovers, and filler plants; gardening for the five senses; and small-space vegetable gardening. Through this series, the Master Gardeners engaged with 1,500+ people, virtually or in person. Out of 339 attendees who took the post-event survey, 82% reported a higher level of knowledge about the topic after the presentation, and 85% said "yes" to implementing a change in their horticultural practice based on what they learned. One attendee shared this was the "best horticulture lecture I've heard in YEARS!!" Another expressed that the presentation was "EXCEPTIONAL" and "I am very motivated to work on this in my gardens!" The Speakers Series comprises Home Gardening Series, Spring Symposium, and Veggie Series.

• 98 Active Master Gardeners
• 11 Master Gardeners Trained
• 6,630.2 Total Hours Volunteered
• $207,525 Value of Volunteer Time
• 82 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 39 Community Partners
• 727.5 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 900 Seed Packets Donated

Delaware County

Rose Tree Park Demonstration Gardens

In June, Delaware County Parks and Recreation contacted Penn State Master Gardeners of Delaware County about planning, planting, and helping to maintain four raised bed gardens at the entrance to Rose Tree Park, a multi-purpose county park. They were excited, as these gardens were their first offsite demonstration gardens. Their enthusiasm was tempered a bit by the aggressive timeline—the county needed to have the beds planted for the start of the summer concert season and their Juneteenth celebration! However, a committee of Master Gardeners quickly designed and purchased plants for the raised beds and coordinated planting sessions. During the growing season, the committee helped the county maintain this garden by monitoring the plants for health, deadheading, pruning, and weeding. These gardens allow them to educate park visitors on how to create beautiful four-season planters for their own yards and to increase awareness of the Master Gardener Program.

• 103 Active Master Gardeners
• 33 Master Gardeners Trained
• 14,116 Total Hours Volunteered
• $441,831 Value of Volunteer Time
• 71 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 44 Community Partners
• 1,100 Social Media Followers
• 1,640 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 250 Seed Packets Donated
• 1,500 Plants/Seedlings Donated

Elk/Cameron Counties

Helping Others With Food Security and Sustainability

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Elk and Cameron Counties collaborated with the Ridgway Public Library and the St. Mary's Public Library to help educate the community about their food supply. Through 18 different learning sessions and over 300 attendees, the community was able to learn about soil, seed saving, proper tree pruning, garden skills, and more. The Master Gardeners also shared content and skills at the Elk County Fair, supporting the local community's needs. In collaboration with the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, two classes were held about site planning, seed saving, and soil for residents in Cameron County who were interested in improving their home gardening experiences. Through these types of presentations, many attendees were able to gain knowledge to help with their own food security and sustainability.

• 15 Active Master Gardeners
• 1 Master Gardeners Trained
• 372 Total Hours Volunteered
• $11,643 Value of Volunteer Time
• 20 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 8 Gardening Articles Published
• 3 Community Partners
• 8 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Erie County

Blossoming Friendships: Club Erie's Garden Project

Club Erie participates in the BEST Garden project, spearheaded by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Erie County. It provides gardening knowledge and a sense of community to adults with intellectual disabilities. This project, in collaboration with the Bayfront East Side Taskforce (BEST) Community Garden and Club Erie—a community-based service through the Barber National Institute—aims to help the participants acquire, maintain, and improve their life and social skills. The partnership introduces Club Erie clients and staff to gardening basics in a friendly atmosphere. Weekly sessions include tours of raised beds, plant care discussions, and hands-on activities. Attendance ranges from 6 to 20 clients, with positive feedback highlighting it as a favorite activity. In 2024, the program was honored at the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Everyday Lives Conference and awarded first place in the David Gibby Search for Excellence Special Needs category at the State Master Gardener Conference.

• 108 Active Master Gardeners
• 32 Master Gardeners Trained
• 9,997 Total Hours Volunteered
• $312,906 Value of Volunteer Time
• 46 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 17 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 6,547 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 26 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Fayette County

Master Gardeners Grow Garden Impact

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Fayette County have been expanding the impact of their Connellsville Demonstration Garden beyond the garden's borders. In 2024 alone, the garden donated over 250 pounds of produce to area residents. Because grow-your-own cut flowers has been a rapidly growing topic, they also added a beautiful new cutting garden featuring organically grown zinnias, celosias, nigella, snapdragons, and sunflowers. Master Gardeners then partnered with the Yough Catholic Community to donate over 70 vases of colorful, fresh-cut flowers to parishioners unable to attend in-person services. Karen Tweardy, the parish secretary, noted the profound appreciation of the recipients, stating, "Each vase from the Master Gardeners was beautiful and appreciated so much by our homebound community."

• 43 Active Master Gardeners
• 11 Master Gardeners Trained
• 3,410 Total Hours Volunteered
• $106,733 Value of Volunteer Time
• 6 Gardening Articles Published
• 250 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 200 Plants/Seedlings Donated
• 26 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Forest County

Partnering With Libraries to Grow Learning Opportunities

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Forest County partnered with two county libraries, the Marienville Area Library and the Sarah Stewart Bovard Memorial Library, in Tionesta, Pennsylvania. Together, they provide educational opportunities for the public. Recognizing that libraries are the central hub of activity in each community, the Master Gardeners collaborated with the library staff to provide four presentations. The topics ranged from winter sowing to forcing bulbs. The participants enjoyed the hands-on nature of each presentation. They also appreciated learning something new and taking home evidence of their learning. After hosting 10 participants for the winter sowing presentation, Kat McDaniels, the Sarah Stewart Bovard Library librarian, said, "We are very appreciative of the event and look forward to more."

• 3 Active Master Gardeners
• 1 Master Gardeners Trained
• 216 Total Hours Volunteered
• $6,761 Value of Volunteer Time
• 4 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 2 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 200 Seed Packets Donated
• 4 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Franklin County

From Evergreen to Arrangement Workshops

During the 2023 holiday season, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Franklin County shared their expertise in three workshops on evergreen plant identification. Two of these workshops were open to the public. They quickly reached full capacity, accommodating 40 participants! The third workshop was held exclusively for SpiriTrust Lutheran Retirement Community residents in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with approximately 15 participants. The workshops focused on using evergreens to create wreaths and centerpieces. Participants began by learning about different evergreen plant species and their horticultural characteristics. They then applied this knowledge of the plants to craft stunning wreaths and centerpieces, using basic pruning and floral arrangement techniques. Several participants commented that this experience inspired them to add more evergreen plants to their home landscapes, demonstrating once again how Master Gardener workshops build community connections, preserve cultural traditions, and equip participants with practical skills that beautify and inspire.

• 47 Active Master Gardeners
• 15 Master Gardeners Trained
• 5,961.4 Total Hours Volunteered
• $186,592 Value of Volunteer Time
• 20 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 17 Gardening Articles Published
• 220.5 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated

Fulton County

Booth Wins at Fulton County Fair

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Fulton County once again demonstrated their commitment to environmental education. They won first place for their booth at the Fulton County Fair. This year, the Master Gardeners invited the "WoodMobile" from Pennsylvania's Department of Forestry to collaborate on the topic of Pennsylvania hardwoods. The resulting children's program taught 20 children and adults about the oak tree and its importance in nature, both as a habitat and its role in pollinator life. Examples of tree bark and leaves were provided. Children had the opportunity to include their name on a leaf and attach it to a demonstration oak tree. The activities were well received, winning first place for the Master Gardeners innovative booth.

• 19 Active Master Gardeners
• 4 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1029.5 Total Hours Volunteered
• $32,223 Value of Volunteer Time
• 23 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 4 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 100 Seed Packets Donated

Greene County

Three Firsts

The Penn State Master Gardeners of Greene County have previously set up educational displays at the Greene County Fair. But this year marked a new milestone— they held an active information table for the first time. Since 2024 was their first year in the spotted lanternfly quarantine zone, they took a more active role to provide educational materials and answer questions. They also partnered with the Jacktown Fairboard to have a tabling event. They used a colorful spin-the-wheel activity to educate youth and adults on the stages of the spotted lanternfly, mosquitoes, and ticks, reaching over 350 people. Two children were so eager to learn that they came back repeatedly until they could identify all the insects on the wheel!

• 21 Active Master Gardeners
• 1,045 Total Hours Volunteered
• $32,709 Value of Volunteer Time
• 11 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 9 Community Partners
• 300 Seed Packets Donated
• 410 Plants/Seedlings Donated
• 7 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Huntingdon County

Ticks and Ag in the Classroom

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Huntingdon County participated in the annual Ag in the Classroom event at the Huntingdon County Fairgrounds, delivering 13 educational sessions, each lasting 15 minutes, to 182 fourth-grade students and 29 adults. Their interactive presentations focused on ticks and explored habitats, the life cycle, and ways to avoid or remove them. Using laminated illustrations, volunteers demonstrated where ticks commonly attach to dogs and humans, while black sesame seeds helped visualize the pests' tiny size. Students actively engaged with the presenters, asking many questions throughout each session. Following the event, educational materials were emailed directly to teachers, ensuring that resources remained available for classroom discussions without risking lost paper handouts. Through hands-on educational outreach like this tick awareness program, Penn State Master Gardeners continue building community resilience against public health threats while inspiring elementary students to become more aware of their natural environment.

• 18 Active Master Gardeners
• 925 Total Hours Volunteered
• $28,953 Value of Volunteer Time
• 9 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 14 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 8 Community Partners
• 4 Educational Demonstration Gardens

Indiana County

Fresh From the Fair: Friends, Foes, and Flowerpots

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Indiana County engaged the community with creative, education-focused displays at the annual Indiana County Fair. The group selected two themes, "What's Bugging You?" and "Hypertufa," to appeal to a broad audience. Before the fair, Master Gardeners held a hypertufa workshop, where members learned to create unique stone-like containers and stepping stones using Portland cement, sand, and peat moss. The hypertufa pots were then displayed at the fair booth filled with fall flowers on custom-built stands, attracting over 1,300 visitors, including nearly 200 children. Attendees learned about insect identification and hypertufa-making, while children were especially interested in the parasitized tomato hornworm on display. The exhibit provided a memorable educational experience on beneficial and harmful insects and creative gardening techniques.

• 44 Active Master Gardeners
• 3 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,865 Total Hours Volunteered
• $58,375 Value of Volunteer Time
• 5 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 5 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 5 Community Partners
• 3 Educational Demonstration Gardens

Jefferson County

Spotted Lanternfly Briefing for Visitors at Local Fair

In June, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Jefferson County were invited to participate in the Kids Fair Day during the Sykesville Ag and Youth Fair. A total of 75 children and 70 adults visited the display during the 3-hour event. An interactive insect wheel was used to educate children and adults about the invasive spotted lanternfly. Master Gardeners guided children and adults in identifying the life stages of this invasive pest and provided examples to help them learn to recognize, manage, and contain future infestations. Fair Organizer Maria Zaffuto stated, "We are excited to welcome the Master Gardeners to our fair and look forward to an ongoing partnership to provide gardening education to support the community."

• 9 Active Master Gardeners
• 1 Master Gardeners Trained
• 438 Total Hours Volunteered
• $13,709 Value of Volunteer Time
• 4 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 10 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 6 Community Partners
• 4 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Lackawanna County

Home Garden Vegetable Trials Lead to Vegetable Donations

For the second year, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Lackawanna County grew peppers at Abington Community Garden as part of the statewide Home Garden Vegetable Trials. During the 2024 growing season, Master Gardeners received two additional plots needing care and renovation. In addition to growing 520 pounds of produce, they provided workshops on growing tomatoes, strawbale gardening, and cover crops for home gardeners. They also joined garden happy hours and cleanup days, answering questions and connecting with fellow community gardeners. The produce was combined with produce from two other Master Gardener projects in Clarks Summit, totaling 718 pounds donated to the Neighborhood Food Pantry at the Gathering Place. Anne Armezzani, a board member at The Gathering Place, exclaimed, "This is such a worthwhile project and has been a blessing to so many people in the area. The Neighborhood Food Pantry at the Gathering Place thanks you all so much!!"

• 35 Active Master Gardeners
• 12 Master Gardeners Trained
• 3,173.6 Total Hours Volunteered
• $99,334 Value of Volunteer Time
• 37 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 19 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 2,155 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 3,000 Seed Packets Donated

Lancaster County

Increasing Access to Fresh, Local Produce

Moved by the 2023 Lancaster Hunger Mapping Study, Penn State Extension Master Gardener Susan Hynicker noted, "There's no reason we should have food insecurity here. We have some of the best farmland in the country!" This began a conversation with the Central PA Food Bank and the 2024 launch of an "Adopt-a-Pantry" pilot initiative. The program connects major community gardens and Master Gardeners with local food pantries to donate surplus produce. The first collection was modest—a few cucumbers, flowers, and herbs. End-of-season totals reached 2,300 pounds. CPFB's Rebecca Fisher noted, "Because of this program, thousands of pounds of nutrient-dense vegetables were distributed to pantries in areas with the highest food insecurity rates in Lancaster County." Master Gardener Megan Hedman, who served as a liaison, said, "Master Gardeners were so generous in donating their time, effort, and produce. These combined efforts made a real difference in our community. We look forward to building this program next year."

• 110 Active Master Gardeners
• 15 Master Gardeners Trained
• 9,595.4 Total Hours Volunteered
• $300,336 Value of Volunteer Time
• 64 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 28 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 2,384 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 1,500 Seed Packets Donated

Lawrence County

Beauty and Habitat Downtown

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Lawrence County hosted a "Garden Bed Preparation" class in May. They educated community members on developing lawn space into a garden. The heart of downtown New Castle, Pennsylvania, is a green oasis, and the gardens surrounding the New Castle Public Library have been a long-term project for the Master Gardeners. Collaboration with the library has created a perfect educational area by converting an underused exterior nook. Guests of the library, including children, came to plant seeds in the spring. Cheery roses, salvia, sunflowers, and other annuals filled the spaces throughout the summer. Bees and butterflies flittered from flower to flower. The community has been rewarded with visiting pollinators, moments of observation for library patrons, and smiles from motorists driving past. Master Gardeners look forward to continued collaboration and fun learning by creating beauty and habitat at the New Castle Public Library for years to come.

• 39 Active Master Gardeners
• 4 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,520 Total Hours Volunteered
• $47,576 Value of Volunteer Time
• 10 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 8 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 4 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 5 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Lebanon County

Lebanon Area Fair

During the 2024 Lebanon Area Fair, 24 dedicated Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Lebanon County set up an engaging community outreach booth that attracted over 2,500 visitors. The booth featured captivating displays on monarch butterflies and alternative gardening methods, sparking curiosity and conversation among visitors. The highlight of the week was Kids Day, where 200 children participated in fun, hands-on activities. Kids had the chance to craft their own bee or ladybug headbands, promoting creativity and a deeper appreciation for pollinators. This engaging event not only educated the community but also inspired young minds to connect with nature and gardening.

• 71 Active Master Gardeners
• 5,826.9 Total Hours Volunteered
• $181,217 Value of Volunteer Time
• 7 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 4 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 526 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated

Lehigh/Northampton Counties

Home Gardener Conference

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Lehigh and Northampton Counties hosted a Home Gardener Conference at the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus with 152 attendees. The conference started with a keynote presentation on landscape restoration using native plants. The attendees had their choice of three different talks during each of three sessions. Topics included houseplants, pruning, invasive plants, small-space gardening, plants for wet areas, and others. Vendors were present with gardening-related items for sale. The event also included a native plant sale run by the Master Gardeners. Attendees also took home over 100 books and other door prizes that were donated. Attendees rated the conference a 4.65 out of 5.0, with many favorable comments such as, "As a houseplant lover, I learned so much in this class!," "Excellent presenter. My favorite course," and "Great stuff! Can't wait to try it out. Many new ways I didn't know about."

• 125 Active Master Gardeners
• 29 Master Gardeners Trained
• 9,200 Total Hours Volunteered
• $287,960 Value of Volunteer Time
• 87 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 31 Community Partners
• 817 Social Media Followers
• 1,895 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 220 Seed Packets Donated
• 23 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Luzerne County

Earth Day at Nesbitt Park

On April 19, for the 15th year in a row, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Luzerne County were part of the Wilkes-Barre Riverfront Parks Committee Earth Day program. More than 300 fourth and fifth graders from local elementary schools visited hands-on learning stations in Nesbitt Park. Master Gardeners covered three stations. At the tree station, students learned about the strength of wood and the many benefits of trees. In the "Life in a Log" station, students investigated rotting logs to discover fungi, arthropods, and other signs of decomposition. At the vermicompost station, some students held worms for the first time and enjoyed searching for worms and cocoons. The students were full of excitement and asked many questions about the Susquehanna River, insects, and the sycamore trees in the park. Through dedicated educational outreach like the Earth Day program, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners continue to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards while building important community connections.

• 51 Active Master Gardeners
• 2,107.5 Total Hours Volunteered
• $65,965 Value of Volunteer Time
• 20 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 18 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 18 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 1,000 Seed Packets Donated

Lycoming County

Seed to Supper All Summer Long!

During spring 2024, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Lycoming County hosted the Seed to Supper program at the West End Christian Community Center (WECCC) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The multiweek gardening class was well received by a small group of adults and their children. This initiative also involved planning and constructing the first beds at the newly established WECCC community garden. Throughout the summer, the Master Gardeners continued their educational efforts at WECCC after the Seed to Supper classes concluded. As the community garden flourished, the volunteers provided guidance, answered gardening queries, and assisted in resolving issues as they arose. Additionally, they conducted weekly sessions for children at WECCC's summer day camp. Each Monday, the young campers delved into various garden and nature topics as they engaged in crafts and activities led by the Master Gardeners.

• 54 Active Master Gardeners
• 3,691.4 Total Hours Volunteered
• $115,541 Value of Volunteer Time
• 16 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 8 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 75 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 200 Seed Packets Donated

Mckean County

Expanding Outreach

In 2024, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of McKean County hosted educational programs to engage the community in gardening and environmental stewardship. At the Crook Farm Heritage Garden, they conducted two workshops, teaching 60 elementary students how to propagate seeds, care for seedlings, and identify common weeds and pests. Students also toured the heritage garden, reinforcing their learning. During the summer, Master Gardeners held a Sand Zen Garden workshop for a local ladies' group, introducing them to the relaxing and creative aspects of gardening. In partnership with Kane Middle School, they also helped install a pollinator garden behind the school, serving as an educational tool on the importance of pollinators. Their outreach extended through the Garden Hotline, answering 102 questions at the office and at local events over the year. Finally, their annual plant sale had an enthusiastic turnout, demonstrating strong community support for gardening initiatives.

• 20 Active Master Gardeners
• 735 Total Hours Volunteered
• $23,005 Value of Volunteer Time
• 5 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 300 Seed Packets Donated
• 5 Gardening Articles Published
• 7 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 5 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Mercer County

Sensory Plant Demo Garden

This year, a flower container garden demonstration was conducted for 16 participants at the Northwest Pennsylvania Keystone Blind Association. Some participants were fully blind, while others had partial vision. Plants with various textures and shapes were provided for tactile and sensory engagement. Participants began by feeling the planter's textured design and experiencing the soil's scent and feel. The theme for the event was "Spillers, Thrillers, and Fillers." The planter featured a central papyrus plant, surrounded by variegated pink impatiens, cascading light-yellow petunias, mountain mint as a spiller, and parsley as filler. Participants enthusiastically engaged with the activity, exploring the sensory characteristics of the plants and the container. They tried clipped and cleaned parsley from a leftover plant. The event concluded with a raffle, and one participant won the planted container. Through this sensory-rich demonstration, Master Gardeners made gardening accessible to visually impaired community members, fostering inclusivity and demonstrating that working with plants can be a rewarding, multisensory experience.

• 35 Active Master Gardeners
• 4 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,527 Total Hours Volunteered
• $47,795 Value of Volunteer Time
• 2 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 5 Community Partners
• 16 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 5 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Mifflin/Juniata Counties

Youth Programming Success

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Juniata County introduced a Children's Demonstration Garden at the Juniata County Library! At the opening event, 10 children helped plant a vegetable and herb garden. Four additional events were held over the summer. In August, they partnered with Extension Nutrition Education Adviser Clarissa Beaver to host a "Make Your Own Pizza" event where the children got to harvest the vegetables that they had planted and use them as pizza toppings! In Mifflin County, Master Gardeners participated in the Poison Prevention Program for the third time. They reached 386 first-grade students at four public elementary schools and three private schools. Many teachers expressed how much their students enjoyed the program and that they looked forward to having the Master Gardeners come back to do the program for years to come.

• 22 Active Master Gardeners
• 4 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,313 Total Hours Volunteered
• $41,096 Value of Volunteer Time
• 23 Gardening Articles Published
• 9 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Monroe County

Sow, Grow, Pollinate: A Children's Gardening Adventure

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Monroe County, in partnership with Middle Smithfield Township Community Center, held an event titled, "Sow, Grow, and Pollinate: A Children's Gardening Adventure." The event's purpose was to engage and educate children on different gardening components in a fun way. At this interactive event, 25 participants and their families explored various stations to learn about seed starting, plant anatomy, pollinators, and composting. Children got their hands dirty by creating terrariums and making flower prints on cotton material. Highlights of the day were the demonstration of a honey bee hive, where children could observe honey bees busily working inside the hive, and a vermicomposting display showing worms creating soil nutrients. One grandmother who brought her grandchildren to the event said, "This event was so well done, and the kids loved it!" Soon after, that grandmother enrolled in the basic training classes to become a Master Gardener.

• 50 Active Master Gardeners
• 8 Master Gardeners Trained
• 3,088 Total Hours Volunteered
• $96,654 Value of Volunteer Time
• 21 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 10 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 18 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 1,010 Social Media Followers
• 150 Seed Packets Donated
• 400 Plants/Seedlings Donated

Montgomery County

Come for the Plants, Stay for the Learning

Every May, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Montgomery County host a plant sale to support various programs and outreach efforts in the county. This year, the community was invited to "Come for the Plants and Stay for the Learning." Shoppers could explore a diverse selection of thousands of plants, including Master Gardener- and nursery-grown natives, annuals, perennials, vegetables, and herbs. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in complimentary educational sessions, referred to as "Garden Talks," which covered topics such as "Practical Tips for Healthy Soil," "The Value of Perennial Herbs," and "The Basics of Container Gardening." To enhance the experience for families, a children's program featured activities like a scavenger hunt, seed planting, and gardening crafts, allowing parents to enjoy the sale while their children engaged in fun, educational experiences.

• 91 Active Master Gardeners
• 8,626 Total Hours Volunteered
• $269,994 Value of Volunteer Time
• 190 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 5 Gardening Articles Published
• 8 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 47 Community Partners
• 757 Social Media Followers
• 10 Community Gardens Provided with Educational Programming

Montour County

Thomas Beaver Free Library Pollinator Garden

Members of the Board of Directors of the Thomas Beaver Free Library in Danville, Pennsylvania, requested help from the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners to develop a pollinator garden behind the library. Master Gardener Michelle Walczak worked with members of the library to evaluate the site and develop a plan. The garden is approximately 400 square feet and includes native plants that bloom at various times from spring to fall. With the help of 13 adults and children from the Danville Rotary Club and library board, the Master Gardeners planted the garden in May. Kathleen McQuiston, library director, stated, "We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with Michelle from the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners [of] Montour County on the pollinator garden. Not only did the group teach us about the plants, they also helped us understand the importance of the different pollinators. The garden is beautiful beyond our wildest dreams."

• 9 Active Master Gardeners
• 3 Master Gardeners Trained
• 887.2 Total Hours Volunteered
• $27,769 Value of Volunteer Time
• 8 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 8 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 8 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 175 Plants/Seedlings Donated

Northumberland County

Second Saturday Gardening Series Webinars

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Northumberland County prepared and presented "Second Saturday Gardening Series" webinars during the fall and winter months. The Second Saturday Gardening Series is a monthly series designed to bring garden enthusiasts together to share experiences and offer advice while learning helpful tips from our Master Gardener experts! The webinars are for home gardeners, beginning gardeners, intermediate gardeners, and other Master Gardeners. The series covers noxious versus native plants and gives participants options for replacing invasive plants in their gardens with native plants. The webinars also cover winter habitat and sowing, lasagna gardening, and tips to protect our pollinators. The online format allows Master Gardeners to continue educational outreach regardless of inclement weather or geographical boundaries. The webinars have successfully reached up to 175 registrants in nine states. Each webinar is recorded and made available on-demand, further extending the series' educational impact in Pennsylvania.

• 9 Active Master Gardeners
• 1 Master Gardeners Trained
• 680.9 Total Hours Volunteered
• $21,312 Value of Volunteer Time
• 15 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 6 Gardening Articles Published
• 6 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 5 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Perry County

Insects in Your Garden

At Youth Ag Day in May, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Perry County, in conjunction with the Perry County Pomona Grange and local FFA chapter, conducted a presentation to over 475 fourthgrade students and teachers from all four county school districts. The subject was Good Bugs/Bad Bugs, which the children learned to refer to as "beneficial" and "not so beneficial!" In this hands-on experience, children learned about insects that they are likely to encounter in a garden and simple ways to encourage the "good" ones, who may pollinate plants or prey upon pest insects. They also learned that all bugs, even the not-so-good ones, serve a function in our gardens!

• 16 Active Master Gardeners
• 982.5 Total Hours Volunteered
• $30,752 Value of Volunteer Time
• 17 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 6 Youth Camps Provided with Educational Programming
• 5 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 10 Community Partners
• 1,645 Total Square Footage of Demonstration Gardens
• 383 Social Media Followers
• 100 Plants/Seedlings Donated

Philadelphia County

Philadelphia Arboretum Garden Attracts People and Pollinators

The Pollinator Garden at Awbury Arboretum, maintained by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Philadelphia County, offers a peaceful oasis of blooms and biodiversity to the residents of northwest Philadelphia. The garden helps educate families and visitors of all ages, exemplifying the importance of diverse and mostly native plants to support pollinating insects and wildlife. In 2024, the Master Gardeners expanded and improved the garden to make it more welcoming and accessible. Volunteers widened, mulched, and edged paths with natural and recycled materials and repaired and refinished a broken bench and arbor. Overgrown areas were reclaimed, providing visitors with access to beautiful flowers year-round. New plant labels educate visitors on what makes the plants special, inspiring future gardeners. The garden showcases the beauty of plants native to southeastern Pennsylvania, demonstrating that gardeners do not need to sacrifice beautiful blooms to create habitat for pollinators and other wildlife in the city.

• 90 Active Master Gardeners
• 25 Master Gardeners Trained
• 5,037 Total Hours Volunteered
• $157,658 Value of Volunteer Time
• 38 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 39 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 1,274 Social Media Followers
• 200 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 600 Seed Packets Donated
• 205 Plants/Seedlings Donated

Pike County

Courthouse Project—Phase 2

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Pike County completed phase 2 of a transformative demonstration garden at the Pike County Courthouse in downtown Milford, Pennsylvania. This popular spot now features seven raised beds using locally sourced bluestone to complement the stately flagpole garden installed in phase 1. This collaborative effort— encouraged by county commissioners, supported by local gardening centers, and funded by the Pike County Bar Association, private donors, and Master Gardeners themselves—showcases 68 different native plant species. Visitors can explore specialized gardens, including evergreen, herb, ornamental grass, pollinator, and bulb gardens—all designed to demonstrate plants ideal for residential landscapes. By featuring plants that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, the Master Gardeners promote sustainable gardening practices that enhance local ecosystems while providing attractive, adaptable options for residential gardens.

• 19 Active Master Gardeners
• 715 Total Hours Volunteered
• $22,380 Value of Volunteer Time
• 4 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 8 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 5 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 4 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 475 Social Media Followers
• 100 Seed Packets Donated

Potter County

Community Garden Grows

In 2024, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Potter County continued to partner with the Potter County Community Garden and increased the space to include 32 raised beds, of which 4 are accessible to people who use wheelchairs. The Coudersport High School FFA chapter donated starter plants at the beginning of the growing season to use throughout the planting locations. Master Gardeners also installed a new pollinator garden, an area for container gardening, a compost plot, a storage shed, and a market shed, where produce is shared with the community. Master Gardeners educated participants during the "Spring into Gardening" workshop series, which included topics such as "Soils and Composting," "Planting Your Garden," and "Caring for Your Growing Garden." A total of 88 participants attended the workshops.

• 13 Active Master Gardeners
• 7 Master Gardeners Trained
• 597 Total Hours Volunteered
• $18,686 Value of Volunteer Time
• 7 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 7 Gardening Articles Published
• 1,228 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 5 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Schuylkill County

Annual Spring Series Workshop

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Schuylkill County conducted their 11th Annual Spring Series Workshop, presenting five classes to almost 20 participants. The classes that are taught each year are chosen from comment sheets from students as well as hotline clients from the previous year. The 2024 classes included crop rotation, new vegetable cultivars, monarchs and milkweed, seed starting, plant propagation, and indoor plant cultivation. The final exercise was a hands-on propagation-by-cutting workshop for all attendees. After completion, all participants were able to take home a new house plant to enjoy, as well as seeds and planting instructions.

• 50 Active Master Gardeners
• 12 Master Gardeners Trained
• 3,019.8 Total Hours Volunteered
• $94,519 Value of Volunteer Time
• 20 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 6 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 15 Community Partners

Snyder/Union Counties

Creating a Buzz at the West End Fair Kids Day

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Snyder and Union Counties provided pollinator education for Kids Day at the West End Fair. Over 50 children attended the pollinator education booth. Dale Moyer, a recently graduated Master Gardener, led the project as a trainee working toward his 50 volunteer hours. Dale traveled to a rural setting in Union County to bring education to a venue that the Master Gardeners had not been able to attend for several years. Most children were aware that bees can pollinate, but they also learned about over five other types of pollinators, such as birds, butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies.

• 7 Active Master Gardeners
• 4 Master Gardeners Trained
• 453 Total Hours Volunteered
• $14,178 Value of Volunteer Time
• 40 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 10 Educational Demonstration Gardens

Somerset County

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Participants Plant Vegetable Garden

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Somerset County's Seed to Supper Team taught residents at a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility how to grow their own vegetables. Following a year of planning with staff members, a garden consisting of two raised beds was installed by the staff under the guidance of Master Gardeners. After soil testing, gardeners added soil and organic matter. The 22 residents participated in Seed to Supper presentations and applied basic gardening skills to lay out the garden space. Two teams then identified the vegetables they wanted to plant and the best location to plant them in each of the raised beds. In the second week, the residents planted seeds, tomatoes, and pepper plants and constructed trellises for each bed. Throughout the summer, the local extension Nutrition Links educator used the vegetables as they ripened to prepare healthy snacks for the residents.

• 22 Active Master Gardeners
• 11 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,778 Total Hours Volunteered
• $55,651 Value of Volunteer Time
• 9 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 9 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays
• 12 Seed Packets Donated
• 20 Plants/Seedlings Donated
• 7 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Susquehanna County

Spring Garden Day Clinic Grows

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Susquehanna County hosted the Spring Garden Day Clinic in April. The full-day program included six educational sessions led by Master Gardeners and guest presenters. Interest in the annual event grew, with the audience doubling to nearly 60 attendees from six counties. Participants gleaned inspiration from topics including edible landscape design principles, the importance of native plants, and topiaries for beginners. A presentation by the Susquehanna County Conservation District shared valuable information on deer ticks. Everyone got their hands dirty making seed tapes and seed bombs to take home. Interviews with attendees were recorded for the Master Gardener podcast "Digging for Answers," and Master Gardeners were on hand to answer home garden and landscape questions throughout the day.

• 43 Active Master Gardeners
• 9 Master Gardeners Trained
• 4,055.9 Total Hours Volunteered
• $126,949 Value of Volunteer Time
• 54 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 925 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 2,000 Seed Packets Donated
• 9 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Tioga County

Plethora of Partnerships!

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Tioga County have made significant strides in cultivating strategic partnerships that align with our organizational goals. By fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships with these strong community partners, we have enhanced collaboration, expanded our reach, and leveraged collective expertise throughout the last several years. This year, Master Gardeners presented educational programming for a new lifelong learning organization called the Kelsey Academy, assisted with educational outreach at a newly created Honey Harvest Festival hosted by various beekeeping groups and the youth environmental stewardship program "This is My Quest," and participated in the local Special Olympics Day in Tioga County. These partnerships not only contribute to the success of our current goals to educate our community but also position us for sustainable growth and innovation in the future.

• 16 Active Master Gardeners
• 7 Master Gardeners Trained
• 888.3 Total Hours Volunteered
• $27,803 Value of Volunteer Time
• 27 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 17 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 26 Community Partners
• 11 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Venango County

Seventh Street Gardeners

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Venango County assisted in the planning and planting of several small native shrubs and perennial gardens at Seventh Street Elementary School in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Master Gardener Yvonne Paranick assisted with planning and implementing educational programs for the staff and students that covered plant maintenance and pruning techniques. This is a highly visible public project that they hope will showcase the value of growing native plants to the wider community. During the planting event, Ty Ryen, a forester and certified arborist with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, also gave instructions on how to correctly plant a tree.

• 28 Active Master Gardeners
• 4 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,132 Total Hours Volunteered
• $35,431 Value of Volunteer Time
• 40 Gardening Articles Published
• 8 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 5 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 5 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Warren County

Spreading the Good News About Native Plants

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Warren County are teaching the public about the importance of growing native plants. In 2024, the Master Gardeners hosted a guest speaker, Jonathan Townsend from the Royal Fern Nursery, to discuss the benefits of incorporating native plants into landscapes. The event was held at the Warren Public Library, where over 40 people attended. Two weeks later, the Master Gardeners sold native plants at their annual plant sale and provided customers with extensive information about planting and caring for their plants. In the summer, they displayed native plants at the Warren Farmers Market, and the public had the opportunity to learn about the benefits of native plants. At a final educational event, the Master Gardeners featured a native plant display at the Warren County Fair, complete with an interactive "Native Plant Trivia" spinning wheel game. The prize for correctly answering the trivia questions was a pollinator sticker!

• 20 Active Master Gardeners
• 6 Master Gardeners Trained
• 1,738 Total Hours Volunteered
• $54,399 Value of Volunteer Time
• 13 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 7 Schools Provided with Educational Programming
• 2 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 8 Spotted Lanternfly Educational Displays

Washington County

Master Gardeners Revive Poison Prevention Program

In spring 2024, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Washington County revived the Poison Prevention Program. Master Gardeners taught 520 children and 30 adults about pest identification, household chemical dangers, and safe pest management. They visited seven schools, with plans to expand to every school in the county. Students participated in interactive educational sessions that emphasized safe storage and warning labels like "caution," "warning," and "poison." At the end of the sessions, participants were given Mr. Yuk stickers to take home and label toxic items. "We hope that children recognize dangerous substances and understand why they need to stay away from them," said Master Gardener Cathy Witsberger. Susan Crawford, a first-grade teacher, praised the program: "You have no idea the lives you might be saving." This initiative supports the Poison Prevention program's goals to reduce accidental poisonings, promote safe pest management, and foster safer homes and communities.

• 60 Active Master Gardeners
• 9 Master Gardeners Trained
• 3,925 Total Hours Volunteered
• $122,853 Value of Volunteer Time
• 27 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 8 Educational Demonstration Gardens
• 2,400 Social Media Followers
• 950 Seed Packets Donated

Wayne County

Correctional Facility Garden Project

Last spring, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Wayne County initiated a project to revive a 12-bed raised garden at the Wayne County Correctional Facility. Volunteers solicited seedling donations from local greenhouses and plant swaps. From May to the end of the growing season, volunteers worked with selected inmates and security guards, taking soil samples and planting annual and perennial vegetables, flowers, and fruits. Inmates cultivated the beds, and Master Gardeners visited weekly, walked through the beds with inmates, and shared knowledge and tips. Harvested produce was incorporated into meals for inmates and staff. Volunteers also gave a composting workshop, built a three-bin compost system with the inmates, and discussed the benefits of cover crops while planting in the fall. A security officer was inspired to enroll in the Wayne County Master Gardening Class of 2025. Plans for "garden clubs" and garden expansion to garner more inmate participation are in progress.

• 33 Active Master Gardeners
• 3 Master Gardeners Trained
• 698 Total Hours Volunteered
• $21,847 Value of Volunteer Time
• 40 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 218 Social Media Followers
• 75 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 300 Seed Packets Donated
• 50 Plants/Seedlings Donated

Westmoreland County

Pollinator Lane: A Garden Adventure for Kids

The newest children's garden for the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Westmoreland County is fondly known as Pollinator Lane. Pollinator Lane boasts a variety of native species and cultivars that provide habitat for pollinators, sensory plants, and unique species, such as the dwarf banana plant. Children are encouraged to walk into the garden to observe the pollinators and participate in interactive spaces. Activities include painting scales on the garden's rock snake, discovering the fairy garden wagon, becoming a monarch butterfly, and getting a book from the Little Free Library. This year, Pollinator Lane was the highlight of several programs for the public, including a Children's Gardening Party. Eighteen youth and their families participated. One grandfather stated that his grandchildren really enjoyed the program, and "they asked if we could do another on bugs with a special interest in bees and spotted lanternflies!"

• 143 Active Master Gardeners
• 19 Master Gardeners Trained
• 9,731 Total Hours Volunteered
• $304,580 Value of Volunteer Time
• 78 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 42 Displays at County and Regional Events
• 463 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated
• 37 Schools Provided with Educational Programming

Wyoming County

Master Gardeners Encourage "Think Spring!"

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Wyoming County hosted their first "Think Spring!" gardening seminar in April at Keystone College. The half-day program offered presentations by four Master Gardeners designed to provide inspiration and instruction for home gardeners of all experience levels. Nearly 50 participants from five counties attended to learn how to build and maintain a healthy compost system, receive tips for growing dahlias, get guidance for constructing raised garden beds, and explore strategies for companion planting in vegetable gardens. Attendees received a folder of horticultural information, garden seed packs, and dahlia tubers. Completed program evaluations found that 75% had not attended a Master Gardener event in the past, and 100% would recommend the gardening seminar to others. Feedback was enthusiastic, including, "Please do more of these in-person seminars; it was excellent!"

• 17 Active Master Gardeners
• 3 Master Gardeners Trained
• 602.6 Total Hours Volunteered
• $18,861 Value of Volunteer Time
• 26 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 1,810 Seed Packets Donated

York County

Community Impact of Demonstration Gardens

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of York County manage a 50-bed demonstration garden in conjunction with the York County Parks Department at Rudy Park. Included among the beds are thriving vegetable gardens, native plant and pollinator habitat gardens, herb gardens, children's gardens, fruit trees, and more, each labeled with signage offering passive education to the 350,000 visitors to Rudy Park each year. In 2024, 35 Master Gardeners spent over 2,500 hours planting, weeding, watering, pruning, and harvesting the demonstration garden. This hard work led to a fruitful harvest—4,790.5 pounds of produce were donated to seven local food banks. Master Gardeners hosted two public events at the demonstration gardens and increased the number of community partners participating. The Native Plant Sale and Rudy Park Open House combined hosted 24 community organizations and 500 members of the public.

• 139 Active Master Gardeners
• 15 Master Gardeners Trained
• 8,322.1 Total Hours Volunteered
• $260,794 Value of Volunteer Time
• 40 Educational Outreach Presentations
• 4,300 Social Media Followers
• 4,790.5 Pounds of Fresh Produce Donated