Upcoming Events

Learn how soils work. Gain soil test interpretation skills. Learn management practices to address issues identified in your soil test and build soil health. Who Should Attend: New and aspiring farmers who wish to delve into the relationship between soil properties and crop productivity and new farmers who wish to develop a plan to optimize their soil management. February 8, 15, 29, 2012

You are invited to participate in the 4-H Day with the Lady Lions on Sunday, February 26, 2012. The Lady Lions will be hosting the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Time 2pm

Beginning the week of February 27, 2012, Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. for a six week session. You can increase your strength, improve your bone density, improve your balance, and energy, and you will look and feel better!

Beginning the week of February 27, 2012, Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. for six weeks. You can increase your strength, improve your bone density, improve your balance, and energy, and you will look and feel better!

Designed for dairy producers and their dairy employees and milkers.

This course addresses production management issues that are typical for traditional crop and livestock producers. The course has an intense focus on production planning. Successful completion of this course meets the production training requirements for Farm Service Agency borrowers.

Beginning the week of February 28, 2012, Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. for six weeks. You can increase your strength, improve your bone density, improve your balance, and energy, and you will look and feel better!

Join some of the world’s leading bioenergy scientists and researchers as we explore the emerging discoveries and new trends that are likely to shape the bioeconomy in the coming years. The emerging Short Rotation Woody Crops and Perennial Grasses bioenergy sector will be the focus of this one-day event, and attendees will have opportunities to interact with students and professors in a wide range of relevant subjects.

Join us for a series of informal conference calls to hear researchers share information and to discuss strategies for improving your dairy farm profits from the comfort and convenience of your home or office.

Designed for dairy producers and their dairy employees and milkers.

This is an all day program that offers a variety of classes for the home gardener. Topics presented this year: raised beds, vegetable gardening, bluebirds, native plants, and landscape design.

The 2012 Woodland Owners Conference will provide information to woodland owners to learn about and gain practical skills they can use in caring for their woodlots. Topics for this year’s conference include: Wildlife Habitat Improvement: Providing Cover, Small Woodlot Forestry, Communicating With Neighboring Woodland Owners to Accomplish Objectives, Mitigating Creek Damage: Steps to Stay Out of Trouble, and Forest Health Update 2012

Welcome to the 2012 Professional Pest Manager’s School. With 30 category and 10 core credit offerings, we believe the school will help you keep up with changes in regulations and product information. Credit for MD applicators is being sought.

The Strawberry / Bramble School 2012 covers everything you wanted to know about strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry production in one intensive day. The school features growers who will share their experiences in plasticulture and day-neutral strawberry production.

This eight-part webinar course is designed to create a foundation of beekeeping knowledge in order to confidently help beginners manage honeybees.

Designed for dairy producers and their dairy employees and milkers.

Vernal ponds are a significant component of Pennsylvania's natural heritage and provide critical habitat for a unique set of species adapted to seasonal wet and dry periods such as salamanders, frogs, and fairy shrimp.

Whether it’s growing and drying herbs, making jams or jellies, baking bread and cakes, or packaging gourmet dinners for one, food-related businesses are becoming increasingly popular as a way to earn a living (or to supplement your income). The cook’s creative flair may be combined with business practicality in a way that other enterprises may lack.

This short course prepares professionals to take the certified pesticide applicator's examinations, specifically for Core and Categories: 06 - Ornamental & Shade Trees; 07 - Lawn & Turf; and 23 - Parks & Schools Pest Control.

Living On A Few Acres is an introduction to small-scale agricultural production for those considering starting a business in farming. Penn State Extension experts provide instruction in fruit, vegetable and meat production.

Living On A Few Acres is an introduction to small-scale agricultural production for those considering starting a business in farming. Penn State Extension experts provide instruction in fruit, vegetable and meat production.

Today, homeowners and agencies understand the best tree care comes from trained and knowledgeable arborists. The green industry has responded to this demand for trained professionals by creating certification programs. Presently the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certifies thousands of arborists and Landscape & Nurserymen Associations certify horticulturalists. These numbers grow each year.

Join us for a series of informal conference calls to hear researchers share information and to discuss strategies for improving your dairy farm profits from the comfort and convenience of your home or office.

This workshop gives participants the information they need to start a small food-based business, including finding the contacts and resources needed to make their business dream a reality.

Pesticide Credits: 2 Core & 2 Category 1

Living On A Few Acres is an introduction to small-scale agricultural production for those considering starting a farming business. Penn State Extension educators provide instruction in fruit, vegetable and meat production.

Join us for a series of informal conference calls to hear researchers share information and to discuss strategies for improving your dairy farm profits from the comfort and convenience of your home or office.

The Penn State Extension Crop Management Team is holding an online webinar series focusing on pest management principles and practices. Each one-hour webinar in the series will cover two topics and offer 1 core pesticide recertificaiton credit and 1 category credit. The webinar series will be held each Monday, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., starting March 19 through April 9.

Including All Children

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Central Susquehanna Turf & Ornamental is being provided to promote horticultural improvement, professionalism, and camaraderie in Central Pennsylvania. It is hoped that this conference is just one small step in encouraging the further study of horticulture, arboriculture, and turf science within the industry.

Bioenergy is arguably the premier renewable, sustainable energy source in the world today. However, concerns about air quality from biomass and biofuels emissions makes this a controversial subject, especially for densely populated areas. How much is known about bioenergy emissions and their health impacts? Join us for this one day short course as experts discuss the current status of the science, and its implications for policy and economic development.

Penn State Crop Management Team will provide a training session that is designed for entry level scouts (i.e., non-CCAs with limited or no crop scouting experience, or as a refresher) who will be working for crop consultants, industry agronomists, or ag service providers throughout Pennsylvania or neighboring states. This school will provide crop scouts with an overview of the fundamentals necessary for scouting in corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and small grains. Some sessions will be hands-on. Each participant receives an Agronomy Scout handbook and a magnifying hand lens.

The National 4-H Conference is the premier youth development event for youth 4-H members (15-19 yrs.) who are actively engaged in 4-H programs across the U.S. and its territories. March 24-29, 2012

Operation: Military Kids will be holding its 4th Annual Family Fun Fair in recognition of April’s Month of the Military Child. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, March 25th at Penn State’s Snider Ag. Arena. Event time is 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. This free event is a kick-off celebration in recognition of April’s Month of the Military Child and is open to military families and the general public. We are inviting community organizations to be a part of this celebration. Last year we had over 400 people attend and hope to have number grow even higher this year!

2 core + 2 category pesticide update credits will be available. There is no registration fee and you do not need to register ahead of time.

2 core + 2 category pesticide update credits will be available. There is no registration fee and you do not need to register ahead of time.

Fees Due : 4-H Educational Materials Fee $10.00 4-H Horse Member Fee $25.00 (only if joining horse program)

This one-day workshop is designed specifically (but not exclusively) for smaller landscapes. These small lots are a big deal, for the vast majority of Pennsylvania’s landowners have less than 10 acres. This land, wooded or not, can provide benefits.

This one-day workshop is designed specifically (but not exclusively) for smaller landscapes. These small lots are a big deal, for the vast majority of Pennsylvania’s landowners have less than 10 acres. This land, wooded or not, can provide benefits.

Pennsylvania Pork Producer Skillathon Contest Lebanon Expo Center 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon PA 17042 Saturday, April 7, 2012

This course is designed to help participants answer the question “Is starting an agricultural business right for me?”

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Helping Children Make Transitions Between Activities

Come and join us at the Halifax Fire Company, Halifax, PA for our 8th Annual 4-H Benefit Auction.

A "Field Day" for learning and fun on Saturday, April 21, 2012, (9:30 AM - 3:00 PM) at Rock Springs (Ag Progress Days Site) near Penn State. This state event is open to all 4-H'ers (ages 7 -18) interested in or currently taking 4-H wildlife or forestry projects. 4-H adult volunteers and parents are also welcome to attend. Three program options offered concurrently at the event.

Open the Door…Let’s Explore!: Creating Nurturing Outdoor Spaces for Children

4-H Capital Days is a program designed to educate youth about the political process and enhance their citizenship and leadership skills.

Capital Area Beekeeper's Association presents Part 1 of the Beekeeper's 25th Annual Short Course

Capital Area Beekeeper's Association presents Part 2 of the Beekeeper's 25th Annual Short Course

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The idea for the County Council Awards program was conceived in 2006 by the 4-H State Council. In an effort to get Pennsylvania counties involved and persuade more of them to develop or enhance existing county programs, it was decided that there would be cash prizes awarded to the top three County Councils. Awards would be given based on standards set by state level faculty and staff in leadership development with 3rd place receiving $200.00, 2nd place receiving $300.00 and 1st place receiving $500.00. County Councils provide cohesion on the county level among the clubs and offer strong programming for the teen youth on all levels of the leadership ladder.

4-H Members can bring their animals to get tagged and weighed.

Logical Consequences

Dauphin County 4-H will once again be featured at a Harrisburg Senators Game. This event also serves as a fundraiser for the 4-H Program Development Fund!

4-H Members can bring their animals to get tagged and weighed.

4-H Members can bring their animals to get tagged and weighed.

This day-long course is designed for retail farm and farmers' market employees, and provides basic knowledge in the science of produce and the art of produce marketing.

Must be post marked by June 1, 2012 or drop off at Penn State Extension - Dauphin County Office by 4:30 p.m. June 1.

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

This summer camp will focus on wildlife and nature and here at the Penn State Extension - Dauphin County Office we have wildlife to see and places to explore. We will learn to use compasses, binoculars, identify trees, and plants in the forest as well as learning to identify the signs of wildlife. Campers will make and keep a nature journal to chronicle their time and document their experiences. Wildlife is amazing and once you learn to see the wildlife all around you, then you will always be ready for a wild adventure.

Must be post marked by June 29, 2012 or drop off at Penn State Extension - Dauphin County Office by 4:30 p.m. June 29.

Develop an appreciation for the sun, rain, worms, good bugs, and outdoor gardens. We will have an encompassing activities and projects filled day. The garden is the foundation for integrated learning. This is a great camp to introduce our young campers to the wonderful world of gardens.

Learn who the pollinators are, what they do, and why we need them. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners will guide campers through this three day camp filled with fun hands-on activities, games, and crafts.

This summer camp will focus on the art of Pet Care whether you have a goldfish, dog, cat, horse, chicken or cavy. We want to help you become the best Pet Care Taker you can be. If you don't have the pet of your dreams this camp will help you learn tools for that future family member.

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

In Junk Drawer Robotics, campers will learn the science behind how things work. Using everyday objects, our campers will work collaboratively on a team learning about friction and design while building their own “Clip Mobile.” The day will end when our teams line up their “Clip Mobiles” in the ultimate race. It will be a fun filled day of experiments and challenges.

Lights, camera, action. This camp is for all of the young actors and directors out there. The week will be packed with all sides of the theatre from being on stage, behind the scenes, learning about cinema photography and still photography. Campers will create their very own stop-motion films and be a part of a stage production. At the end of the week campers will have all their creations on a DVD to take home and share with all their friends family.

In the kitchen everyone shares the tasty success of learning to bake and cook at 4-H Food Science Summer Day Camp. Campers will get hands on experience in the kitchen making tasty treats, preparing healthy meals, and performing hands on kitchen science experiments. This camp is fun for all and campers will be able to share their newly acquired tasty and fun life skills with the whole family.

This annual event, held on the University Park campus, provides an opportunity for Pennsylvania 4-H'ers to demonstrate knowledge they've gained through participation in the 4-H program. (For 4-H members, ages 13-18)

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

SAVE the DATE Join with other 4-H Volunteers in your community to learn cutting edge information that will help you work with your 4-H members. Session topics include Dealing with Difficult People/Conflict Resolution, Behavior Management in Positive Youth Development Settings, and Working with Multi-Aged Youth in Club Settings. More information about the location and additional details will be announced soon! Stay current by liking the Facebook page - 2012 Northeast Region 4-H Volunteer e-Forum. Part of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents

SAVE the DATE Join with other 4-H Volunteers in your community to learn cutting edge information that will help you work with your 4-H members. Session topics include Dealing with Difficult People/Conflict Resolution, Behavior Management in Positive Youth Development Settings, and Working with Multi-Aged Youth in Club Settings. More information about the location and additional details will be announced soon! Stay current by liking the Facebook page - 2012 Northeast Region 4-H Volunteer e-Forum. Part of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents

SAVE the DATE Join with other 4-H Volunteers in your community to learn cutting edge information that will help you work with your 4-H members. Session topics include Dealing with Difficult People/Conflict Resolution, Behavior Management in Positive Youth Development Settings, and Working with Multi-Aged Youth in Club Settings. More information about the location and additional details will be announced soon! Stay current by liking the Facebook page - 2012 Northeast Region 4-H Volunteer e-Forum. Part of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

If you are a 4-H Member 13 and older and have time, please come and join us on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for a Teen Council Meeting here at the extension office. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Save the Date

The PA 4-H State Leadership Conference provides a state level educational experience for Pennsylvania 4-H members that builds and enhances skills used throughout their 4-H careers and beyond.