For the week of February 2, 2026
https://extension.psu.edu/franklin
UPCOMING WEBINARS AND EVENTS: Penn State Extension is pleased to continue providing quality education via various webinars and recordings. If you have difficulty registering online for these live webinars, please contact Penn State Extension’s customer service team at
1-877-345-0691. Most of these webinars will be recorded and available for later viewing as well. Continue searching our website, extension.psu.edu, for the latest offerings.
Happening Now – March 5, 2026 – Franklin County 4-H Berry Plant Sale – Franklin County 4-H is holding a berry plant sale, offering four varieties of strawberries, one variety of red raspberries, and one variety of black raspberries. New this year, we are offering two varieties of everbearing strawberry plants and one variety of blackberries. All orders are due by March 5, and pickup will be on April 24 from 9 AM – 4 PM or April 25, 9 AM – 3 PM. Proceeds support 4-H programming, which served over 4,000 youth in Franklin County last year. All berries are sold as bare root plants in bundles, 25 plants per bundle for strawberries, and 5 plants per bundle of raspberries and blackberries. For more information and to order, visit https://forms.gle/s35t1go3LQXJ52gR6 or contact the Franklin County Extension Office at 717-263-9226.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026. 8:30 am – Cumberland Valley Produce Auction Meeting – Growers are invited to attend a FREE Pumpkin Meeting at the Cumberland Valley Produce Auction on Tuesday, February 17, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. This event will feature education provided by Penn State Extension, vendors, and a grower panel focused on pumpkin production. Attendees can earn pesticide credits (2 PA Core, 4 PA Category 03, 18, PC) and enjoy a complimentary lunch. Register by calling Dwayne Shirk at 717-331-6552. The event will take place at the Cumberland Valley Produce Auction at 101 Springfield Road, Shippensburg, PA.
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 9:30 am – Making Hickory Syrup Workshop – Join Penn State Master Gardeners in the lower level of the Ag Heritage Building, located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA, and sweeten your winter by discovering the unique craft of hickory syrup making. This hands-on demonstration explores how the bark of hickory, a native tree species, can be processed to create a syrup similar to maple syrup, yet distinct in taste and texture. The workshop fee is $10. You can register online at https://extension.psu.edu/making-hickory-syrup or by calling 1-877-345-0691.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:00 am and 7:00 pm – Agronomic Pesticide Update – The Penn State Extension “Agronomic Pesticide Update” is a traditional recertification session offering Core (2 credits) and category (2 credits) credits for private, commercial, and public pesticide applicators. This 2+2 update provides crucial training in pest management decision-making, pest identification, pest life cycles, control alternatives, and the safe, proper, and legal use of pesticides, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. For online registration, go to https://extension.psu.edu/agronomic-pesticide-update or call 1-877-345-0691
Tuesdays, March 10 – 31, 2026, 12:00 to 1:00 pm – Plant Pathology 101 Webinar Series –
Step into the hidden world of plant pathogens through this engaging four-part webinar series. Designed for both professionals and gardeners, the series explores fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and other microscopic organisms that affect plant health. Each one-hour session, led by experts, combines scientific insight with practical knowledge to help participants recognize disease symptoms, understand pathogen biology, and apply effective management strategies. Featuring real-world examples from a variety of plants, the series offers valuable tools to better diagnose and manage plant diseases. Whether you are new to plant pathology or looking to refine your expertise, this program will deepen your understanding and strengthen your skills in plant health management. The registration fee is $20 for this webinar series. Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar. Register online at https://extension.psu.edu/plant-pathology-101.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Landscape Meeting
Landscape and turf care professionals have an opportunity to earn pesticide recertification credits while learning about research-based, best management practices for plant health care. This meeting is ideal for both experienced professionals and newcomers, offering practical and current information to enhance plant health and expand industry knowledge. Participants have the option to attend one, two, or all three sessions of this meeting:
1.9:00 am Lawn and Turf: “Insects Beneath Your Feet.”
2.10:00 am Ornamental and Shade Trees: “Troubled Trees: Spotting and Stopping Diseases in the Landscape.”
3.11:00 Core: “Backpack sprayer calibration: herbicide mixing + application.”
The registration fee is $15 and will take place at the Penn State Extension Office – Franklin County Ag Heritage Building, located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA. For more information and to register online, please visit https://extension.psu.edu/landscape-meeting/ or call 1-877-345-0691.
Join Us for the Franklin County 4H Spaghetti Dinner!
The Franklin County 4H Program invites the community to its annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Otterbein United Brethren in Christ Church in Greencastle. The meal is offered by donation, and all are welcome. RSVPs are encouraged to help with planning. RSVP by phone to 717-263-9226.
Dinner includes spaghetti (glutenfree available), meat and marinara sauce, salad, dinner roll, applesauce, dessert, and a drink. Guests can also take part in a Silent Auction featuring homemade baked goods—including cakes, pies, breads, and more.
Come celebrate Pennsylvania 4H Week and show your support for Franklin County 4H youth. All proceeds benefit local 4H members by funding scholarships for regional, state, and national events, providing educational opportunities, and supporting countywide 4H Roundup activities.
Bring your family, enjoy a delicious meal, and help make a difference for 4H youth in our community!
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Vegetable and Field Crops Pesticide Update – Join Penn State Extension for this joint meeting on vegetable and agronomic production. Earn pesticide recertification credits while learning about crop health and best management practices. This meeting will provide region-specific, research-based information to help optimize your operation. Participants have the option to attend one, two, or all three sessions of this meeting:
1.9:00 am Vegetables: “From Symptoms to Solutions: Tackling Vegetable Crop Diseases.”
2.10:00 am Core: “Pesticide Application Continuing Education.”
3.11:00 am Agronomy: “Integrated Winter Weed Management.”
The registration fee is $15 and will take place at the Penn State Extension Office – Franklin County Ag Heritage Building, located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA. For more information and to register online, please visit https://extension.psu.edu/vegetable-and-field-crops-pesticide-update or call 1-877-345-0691.
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