Penn State Extension of Washington County

Penn State Extension of Washington County Penn State Extension connects you to expert researchers dedicated to solving real-world challenges.

ServSafe® Review and ExamRecertify your ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certification and review essential food safety...
06/04/2026

ServSafe® Review and Exam

Recertify your ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certification and review essential food safety practices to meet PDA requirements at our Penn State Extension Allegheny County office in McKeesport on June 29, 2026.

Strengthen your food safety expertise with this one-day ServSafe® Review and Exam, designed for individuals renewing their ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification. Participants will revisit essential food safety principles through a focused review session before completing the certification exam. First-time examinees are encouraged to prepare by enrolling in one of our full ServSafe® workshops to ensure readiness and success.

Who is this for?
• Individuals recertifying in the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certification
• Those needing recertification to meet Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture food safety requirements
• Restaurant managers seeking recertification
• Food service managers seeking recertification

What will you learn?
A review of:
• Core food safety principles and best practices
• Safe methods for purchasing, preparing, handling, and storing food
• Foodborne microorganisms, allergens, and prevention strategies
• Proper hygiene and sanitation practices
• Pest management techniques
• Maintaining a safe and compliant facility

Space is limited. Preregistration is required.

Find more information at https://extension.psu.edu/servsafe-review-and-exam

Join us to learn how you can take positive steps to help you live better now and protect your memory and thinking as you...
06/02/2026

Join us to learn how you can take positive steps to help you live better now and protect your memory and thinking as you get older.

"Building Brain-Healthy Habits" is an educational program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association® that offers research-backed guidance on brain health and the importance of taking action to protect your brain at every age. Participants gain practical, evidence-informed strategies to support cognitive well-being across the lifespan and learn how everyday choices can play a meaningful role in maintaining brain health.

June 9, 2026 (10:00 AM-11:00 AM ET)

Research shows there are everyday habits you can build today to help protect your memory and thinking in the future, even reducing your risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia. Changing one habit has a ripple effect on others. Even small actions add up to big improvements.

Who is this for?
Individuals of any age who are seeking information on ways to age well. The program is not designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

What will you learn?
Healthy habits for your brain, like exercising and eating right
Why brain health matters at every age
How to build a personalized action plan for brain-healthy habits

This event is being offered at no charge to participants.

Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar.

A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.

https://web.cvent.com/event/d4619340-054a-44b5-a4c0-ddae0544b278/summary

Generous buyers and private donors contribute to the 4-H/FFA Scholarship fund every year at The Washington County Agricu...
06/01/2026

Generous buyers and private donors contribute to the 4-H/FFA Scholarship fund every year at The Washington County Agricultural Fair, Inc., and the West Alexander Fair. Now we need 4-H and FFA members to apply! The deadline is just one month away on July 1st. Recipients and requirements have been updated. Please scan the QR code for more information, and reach out to 4-H Educator Sheila Hackinson at [email protected] or your FFA Advisor with any questions you may have.

Private Water Supply Education and Water TestingLearn to test, safeguard, and treat your well or spring water. Discover ...
05/31/2026

Private Water Supply Education and Water Testing

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.

Do you live in one of the more than one million homes and farms in Pennsylvania that get their drinking water from a private well or spring? Do you know what is in your drinking water and how to keep it safe for you and your family? Would you like to have your water tested for free? The "Private Water Supply Education and Water Testing" event is designed for people who manage a private drinking water supply. We'll cover how to test and protect your well or spring, and when water treatment might make sense. We will also discuss well and spring system inspection and maintenance, so you know how to protect your family, your property, and the groundwater we share. This event is for Pennsylvania residents who use a private water supply (well, spring, or cistern) at their primary residence.

The free one-hour workshop provides a complimentary water test for private water supply users.

Participants must meet the following requirements to qualify for free water testing:
Register and attend the live educational event.
Reside at a primary residence (not a camp or summer home) with a private water supply, such as a well, spring, or cistern.
Only one test is permitted per household. Water testing supplies will be distributed to participants after attending the event. Using a pre-paid mailer, participants must return their water samples by a specified date.

The following parameters will be tested: bacteria, pH, nitrate, manganese, lead, copper, barium, sodium, and arsenic. All these tests are related to potential health risks and can only be detected through water testing. A Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-accredited laboratory will do all testing.

This event is free to participants and made possible through grant funding.

Space is limited - preregistration is required.

When: June 24, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:00 PM ET)

https://extension.psu.edu/private-water-supply-education-and-water-testing

We’re somehow just ONE WEEK out from our Penn State Master Gardeners of Washington County Annual Native Plant Sale on Ju...
05/30/2026

We’re somehow just ONE WEEK out from our Penn State Master Gardeners of Washington County Annual Native Plant Sale on June 6! Make sure you get there early, folks line up early for the limited species! Visit their page for a species list!

Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Japanese StiltgrassExplore the invasion history, ecology, and management of Japanese stil...
05/29/2026

Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Japanese Stiltgrass

Explore the invasion history, ecology, and management of Japanese stiltgrass, one of the most challenging invasives in the Eastern United States, and gain insight into when and whether control is needed.

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is widely regarded as one of the most problematic invasive plants in the Eastern United States, yet its unique ecological traits also make it a particularly intriguing species. This session explores the invasion history, biology, and ecology of Japanese stiltgrass, with an emphasis on how these characteristics influence its spread and persistence. By building a clearer understanding of how, where, and why this species thrives, participants will gain valuable insight into effective—and in some cases selective—approaches to management and decision-making.

Pennsylvania has identified over 250 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals that significantly impact the environment and agricultural production—causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses each year. The Pennsylvania Invasive Species Webinar Series is dedicated to addressing this critical issue. Each session highlights timely topics related to invasive species in Pennsylvania and beyond, including species identification, management strategies, ecological impacts, or key concepts in invasion biology. The series is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. Whether you're a gardener, naturalist, land manager, educator, or simply curious about invasive species, these webinars provide a clear introduction to the issues at hand—no prior knowledge required. By raising awareness and sharing practical information, the series aims to empower communities and spotlight the ongoing efforts of state agencies and partners working to protect Pennsylvania's landscapes and resources.

Who is this for?
Conservation volunteer educators
Green industry professionals
Master Gardeners
Individuals interested in learning about invasive species

What will you learn?
The origin and invasion history of Japanese stiltgrass in the Eastern United States
Key biological and ecological traits that make stiltgrass so successful
The growth patterns and habitat preferences that influence its spread
Insights into when, where, and whether management is truly necessary

When: June 5, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:15 PM ET)
This event is being offered at no charge to participants.
Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar.
A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.

https://extension.psu.edu/pennsylvania-invasive-species-japanese-stiltgrass

The first meeting of the Washington County 4-H Gardening Club is June 3rd at Firefly Gardens! It's not too late to enro...
05/28/2026

The first meeting of the Washington County 4-H Gardening Club is June 3rd at Firefly Gardens! It's not too late to enroll! Contact Clarissa at 724-207-2005 or [email protected] for more info!

Do you have a favorite Farmers Market? Tag them below!The "Farmers Market Manager Forum" provides a free space for mark...
05/26/2026

Do you have a favorite Farmers Market? Tag them below!

The "Farmers Market Manager Forum" provides a free space for market managers to connect, share best practices, and discuss challenges in improving their markets. This interactive forum encourages open discussion and peer learning, allowing participants to bring their questions, exchange insights, and gain valuable strategies to strengthen their markets. The event fosters collaboration and growth within the farmers market community.

The next live webinar is on Wednesday, May 27th. Find more information and register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/65834fd0-cdf5-4e5b-99d5-33a36c5f540f/summary

05/25/2026

☀️ Hosting a summer party? Keep the fun going by keeping food safe! Remember to keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and never leave food sitting out too long in the summer heat. Using coolers, ice packs, and clean serving utensils can help prevent foodborne illness and keep your guests healthy all season long. 🍉🌭🧊

Learn more from our article: https://extension.psu.edu/food-safety-at-summer-parties

Address

95 West Beau Street, Suite 100
Washington, PA
15301

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+17242072010

Website

https://policy.psu.edu/policies/ad85, https://ai.extension.psu.edu/, https://extens

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