2025 Master Gardener Annual Report

A Message from the State Coordinator

Greetings from the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program!

As you'll see in these pages, 2025 was another outstanding year. I feel like we say that every year, but 2025 felt particularly special as we look at it through Penn State's strategic goal to increase our land-grant impact. In both the statewide and county highlights, you can see all the ways we enriched the lives of Pennsylvanians. With nearly 450,000 educational contacts this past year, our volunteers championed Penn State's values at large events like the Pennsylvania Farm Show as well as local projects in every county across the commonwealth. I also say this every year, but "thank you" hardly feels like enough to show our appreciation for everyone who supports our work. Whether you're a brand-new Master Gardener trainee or a county commissioner, we are beyond grateful to have you as partners in building resilient communities through the power of plants.

In Sincere Gratitude,
Erin Kinley
Senior Extension Program Manager
State Master Gardener Coordinator

2025 by the Numbers

Enrollment

• 3,966 active volunteers
• Including 433 trainees
• 243,125 volunteer hours reported
• Valued at $8.45 million†

Public Outreach and Education

• 2,193 presentations for the public
• 748 articles written and published
• 792 educational displays and booths at public events
• 259 educational demonstration gardens totaling 20.3 acres
• 50 certified as Penn State Pollinator-Friendly Habitat
• 407 news articles, radio spots, TV interviews, and podcast episodes featuring Master Gardeners and their projects
• 118,209 social media followers and members

Partnerships

Master Gardeners provided educational programming and support at:

• 129 community gardens
• 376 K-12 schools
• 32 youth camps
• 202 libraries
• 762 community organizations

Spotted Lanternfly

Public education about this invasive pest was given through:

• 84 presentations and webinars for the public
• 594 outreach displays

Donations

County programs gave:

• 40,217 pounds of produce to local food banks and other non-profit organizations
• Over 100,000 seed packets and 12,415 plants to other organizations, community groups, and the public

† "Value of Volunteer Time Report: Independent Sector Resources." Independent Sector, April 23, 2025.

Leadership Team

Erin Kinley
Senior Extension Program Manager
State Master Gardener Coordinator

Andy Faust
Extension Program Manager
Area A Master Gardener Coordinator: Butler, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren

Valerie Sesler
Extension Program Manager
Area B Master Gardener Coordinator: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland

Christa Shoreman
Extension Program Manager
Area C Master Gardener Coordinator: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuykill, Somerset, York

Richard Kruczek
Extension Program Manager
Area D Master Gardener Coordinator: Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia,  Pike, Wayne

Roots of Knowledge: Cultivating Youth Education Impacts

Teaching Poison Prevention across Pennsylvania

The Mr. Yuk curriculum starts by teaching students, "What is a pest?" Photo Credit: Andy Faust

The Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program continues to expand its impact through the Mr. Yuk Poison Prevention Program, delivered in partnership with extension’s Pesticide Education Program. This 30-minute lesson, taught by volunteers in first-grade classrooms statewide, introduces students to pests, integrated pest management, and poison safety, including how to recognize signal words on household products. Each child receives a parent packet in English and Spanish to share at home, extending the lesson’s reach to families. In 2025, volunteers educated 30,320 students in 456 classrooms across 51 counties, marking a 17% increase from 2024. These efforts are vital to public health since children under the age of 6 account for 40% of all poison control center cases. By teaching safety early, Master Gardeners help protect Pennsylvania’s young residents and empower families with knowledge that saves lives.

"I'm passionate about teaching this because my family lived it. If I can protect just one child, all my Mr. Yuk presentations are worth it."
-Master Gardener

Meet Lucky, the spotted lanternfly detective!

Master Gardeners had the opportunity to do a public reading of the book at the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Photo Credit: Andy Faust

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners launched a creative way to teach kids about invasive pests through a storybook! Lucky and the Spotted Lanternfly follows Lucky, a real working dog trained to sniff out spotted lanternfly egg masses with her Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture handler, Shane. This fun, educational tale helps children learn why SLF threatens Pennsylvania’s plants and how they can help protect our environment. By transforming science into storytelling, the Growing Gardeners Youth team is inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards to preserve local ecosystems— one page at a time.

Over 500 books have been sold since the launch, as it continues to make its way into communities across Pennsylvania, including being featured and read on stage at the 2025 Farm Show.

"Lucky and the Spotted Lanternfly is fantastic! The story does a wonderful job of explaining the impact of the spotted lanternfly in an engaging and accessible way."
-Reader Review

Discovering Nature at the Arboretum at Penn State

Master Gardeners designed and built this "prehistoric-sized" dragonfly to engage visitors at outreach events. Photo credit: Andy Faust.

In 2025, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners hosted engaging summer educational programs at the Arboretum at Penn State, sparking curiosity about the natural world for families across the region. "Life of a Dragonfly" drew an impressive 159 attendees (74 adults and 85 kids), exploring the fascinating life cycle of these aquatic insects. July's "Fireflies" session lit up the day for 70 participants, celebrating these magical summer icons. August featured two captivating programs: "Bats," with 44 attendees, and "Magnificent Moths," attracting 51 participants eager to learn about these nocturnal pollinators. These interactive sessions connect science and stewardship, inspiring both children and adults to appreciate the creatures that share our ecosystems. Through hands-on education developed by the Growing Gardeners team, Master Gardeners are cultivating environmental awareness and a love of nature.

"MG Programs are consistently high quality and very well attended! In my opinion, 'Life of a Dragonfly' was a particular standout, in originality and in the incredible energy the Master Gardeners brought to the interactive educational experience."
-Rebecca Horwitt, Programs Coordinator

Growing Ag Literacy in Pennsylvania Classrooms

After reading, Master Gardeners bring life to Ag Literacy Week stories by guiding students through hands-on activities. Photo credit: Andy Faust

Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week, held each March, connects volunteers from the agricultural community with local classrooms to share the story of farming and food systems. In 2025, 7 Master Gardeners visited 23 classrooms, reaching 418 students with the book The Soil in Jackie's Garden. Through interactive activities, such as observing worms in clear containers and comparing soil types, including potting soil, garden soil, and clay, students discovered how healthy soil supports plant growth and food production. Each classroom received a donated copy of the book, ensuring the lesson continues beyond the visit. Ag Literacy Week is more than a reading event; it offers an opportunity to spark curiosity, build understanding of agriculture’s role in daily life, and inspire future stewards of Pennsylvania's farms and natural resources. By connecting youth to the science behind soil and food, volunteers are planting seeds of knowledge that will grow for years to come.

Science-based Learning at Ag Progress Days

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners played a key role at Ag Progress Days 2025, Pennsylvania's premier outdoor agricultural event. Over 40 volunteers and extension staff educated attendees at educational exhibits and demonstration gardens, engaging thousands of visitors with research-based information on sustainable gardening, pollinator health, soil management, and native plants, among other topics. Interactive displays and hands-on activities helped attendees learn practical techniques to improve home landscapes and support environmental stewardship.

Horticultural Presentations

Horticulture educators present to attendees. Photo credit: Andy Faust

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners and horticulture staff delivered a robust lineup of 14 educational presentations, engaging 265 attendees over 3 days. Topics focused on practical, research-based gardening techniques and sustainable practices, including:

• Flower Arranging and Post-Harvest Handling of Cut Flowers
• Apple Tree Care: Pruning Demonstrations and Cultural Practices for Common Disorders
• Native Plants for Perennial Gardens and Five Native Trees for Your Landscape
• Home Composting and Interpreting Soil Test Reports

These sessions provided visitors with actionable knowledge to enhance home landscapes, support pollinators, and improve soil health, reinforcing extension's commitment to promoting responsible natural resource stewardship.

"I am very grateful for the presentation and advice Andy Faust provided at Ag Progress Days. He gave me an improved understanding of how to prune apple trees and conduct my composting practices. I was especially grateful that he helped to explain the type of soil needed for various plants."
-Feedback shared through 2025 Garden Hotline Client Survey

Apple Tree Education Creates Lasting Impact

Master Gardener Tim Damico teaching attendees about proper tree fruit pruning techniques. Photo credit: Andy Faust

Centre County Master Gardener Tim Damico elevated the apple tree demonstration garden through year-round care, implementing best practices such as dormant spray application, soil and tissue testing, pruning, trunk protection, and improved light penetration. His efforts enhanced the garden's appeal and sparked educational opportunities among volunteers and attendees on backyard fruit trees. Damico led four 1-hour workshops, titled "Pruning Techniques and Cultural Practices," drawing an impressive 89 attendees over 2 days, far exceeding expectations. These sessions provided practical, research-based guidance to help participants improve tree health and fruit production at home. Damico's leadership exemplifies how Master Gardeners turn knowledge into action, fostering sustainable practices and inspiring community engagement.

Educating Attendees at "Ask a Master Gardener Tables"

A Master Gardener uses a trivia game to spark conversations about pollinators with visitors. Photo credit: Andy Faust

A total of 277 horticultural-related questions were answered by Master Gardeners, covering topics such as soil health, plant selection, plant care, disease and pest management, and invasive pests. Interactive educational displays focused on pollinators, apples, and insects were also used for all learning styles.

Extension staff "beta" tested the new extension AI assistant tool during the event to promote technology and innovation. The new tool is connected to trusted data sources, expands access to extension resources for the public, and enhances the impact of educators and Master Gardeners.

Science-based Learning at Ag Progress Days

Learning at Demonstration Gardens, Butterfly House, Youth Tent

Master Gardeners make full use of the gardens, butterfly house, and surrounding grounds to provide interactive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Photo credit: Andy Faust

Master Gardeners engaged with 735 guests throughout the demonstration gardens on site by giving tours of the pollinator, vegetable, and herb gardens. The tours provided ample time for homeowners to ask questions, receive suggestions, and get assistance in finding solutions to problems in their own backyard gardens.

Also, at the butterfly house, 1,381 adults and 1,040 youth learned about monarch butterflies. At the youth tent, children first learned about insects using the insect wheel, and then they were tasked with searching for them on a scavenger hunt. Master Gardeners created a large-scale dragonfly to educate youth on habitat and life cycle.

Did you know?

Across the commonwealth, there are 259 demonstration gardens!

A demonstration garden is a living classroom designed to educate and inspire. These gardens showcase plants that thrive in Pennsylvania's climate and soils, while highlighting gardening practices that benefit the community. They serve as teaching spaces to promote sustainable landscapes, wellness, and environmental stewardship, bringing beauty and practical knowledge to all who visit.

Science in Action: Master Gardeners Advancing Awareness and Research

Clinton County Master Gardener Coordinator Ginny Counsil puts on a spotted lanternfly costume to engage visitors in the College Building. Photo credit: Andy Faust

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners played a crucial role in delivering critical education on invasive pests at the Invasive Species exhibit at the College of Agricultural Sciences Building. By sharing science-based information on identification, life cycle, quarantine zones, and management strategies, volunteers empowered visitors to take informed action against spotted lanternfly and other emerging threats, such as the box tree moth. Their expertise and engagement not only dispelled myths but also reinforced the importance of community awareness in protecting Pennsylvania's agriculture and landscapes.

Master Gardeners continue to partner with the López-Uribe Lab in the Penn State Department of Entomology on a multi-year Bee Monitoring Program to deepen understanding of Pennsylvania's native bee populations. Daily presentations of "Wild Bees of Pennsylvania" by Sarah Kania and Nash Turley highlighted this community science initiative, which combines Master Gardeners' passion for pollinators with advanced training in scientific protocols for collecting, pinning, labeling, and identifying native bees. This collaboration supports research and strengthens volunteer expertise and engagement in pollinator conservation.

Basic Training Extends Student Success Goal

"Enhancing Student Success" is one of Penn State's most critical goals in their current strategic plan. While the Master Gardener Program may not be providing undergraduates with world-class education, it does extend this goal to adult learners across the commonwealth who are studying to become Master Gardeners. All new Master Gardeners must complete a rigorous year of Basic Training to earn their official Penn State Extension Master Gardener certificate. After applying and completing an interview to be accepted into the program, trainees must complete a 6-month lecture curriculum, pass two exams with a score of at least 80%, and complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service in their first year.

The 2025 Basic Training class, which started with 558 new trainees in October 2024, demonstrated exemplary student success in four key areas:

1. Knowledge Increase: The pre-test average for the training was 55%, which increased dramatically to 94% and 96% on the two final exams.
2. Applied Learning and Community Engagement: Of the participants who started training, 76% completed their 50 hours of volunteer service to become certified Master Gardeners.
3. Skill Improvement: Trainees improved six different skills that benefit both themselves and their communities. (table 1)
4. Positive Behavior Change: Trainees showed beneficial changes in three critical behaviors related to pesticide safety and responsible resource management. (table 2a-c)

By enhancing the success of trainees, the Master Gardener Program does more than just spread knowledge to individuals. It empowers volunteers to use pesticides safely, reduce fertilizer waste, conserve soil resources, and extend these benefits and more to their communities.

Table 1: In a one-year follow-up survey, trainees from the 2025 class were asked to rate their skills across six different categories. Results are shown for the percentage of trainees who rated their skills as "Proficient" or "Expert" before they started training and after they completed their Master Gardener Certification.

Table 2: In a one-year follow-up survey, trainees from the 2025 class were asked to rate how frequently they used three different practices before they started training and after they completed their Master Gardener certification.

A. "I read the entire pesticide label and follow all application instructions"

Before training

• never/sometimes: 56%
• most of time/always: 42%

After certification

• never/sometimes: 4
• most of the time/always: 95

B. "I evaluate a site's conditions and a plant's cultural preferences (sun/shade; wet/dry) before choosing plants for my garden or landscape"

Before training

• never/sometimes: 45
• most of the time/always: 55

After certification

• never/sometimes: 0
• most of the time/always: 99

C. "I use best practices for soil health like mulching, planting cover crops, and using soil test results before applying fertilizer"

Before training

• never/sometimes - 74
• most of the time/always - 25

After certification

• never/sometimes - 11
• most of the time/always - 89

Ocean State Job Lot Seed Donation

Master Gardeners in Montgomery County sort seed packets for distribution to local groups, which included two gardens at low-income housing authorities and two school districts. Photo credit: Danie Sheldon

Did you know that seed packets have an expiration date? By law, seed packets cannot be sold beyond the year in which they were packaged. Because seed germination and vigor (also known as "viability") can decrease after a year, seeds sold must be retested each year. Some seed companies collect unsold seed packets from retail distributors at the end of the year, retest the seed, and repack it for sale in the following year. Unfortunately, this is not cost-effective for most businesses, and many stores are forced to discard unsold seed packets at the end of the calendar year.

However, for the second year in a row, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) has partnered with the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program to give their leftover seeds a second life. In early 2025, OSJL donated 41,503 seed packets from 2024 that were otherwise destined for the landfill. OSJL aggregated leftover packets from regional stores and donated them to the state program for use in community projects. The entire donation filled up three pallets and had a retail value of $166,013.94.

The Master Gardener Program divided the bounty across the commonwealth, where county programs found local projects for every single packet. Thousands of packets went to seed libraries, while others were used for Seed to Supper programming. Master Gardeners also handed out packets at school programs, community events, and more.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program would like to thank OSJL for both their generosity and commitment to sustainable gardening!

David Gibby Search for Excellence Awards

Honoring Excellence in Volunteer Education

The David Gibby International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding work of Penn State Extension Master Gardeners throughout the United States, Canada, and South Korea. Named in honor of David Gibby, Ph.D., visionary founder of the Master Gardener Program, the awards recognize projects that demonstrate meaningful contributions to their communities. In 2025, three Pennsylvania Master Gardener Programs received this prestigious recognition at the International Master Gardener Conference, demonstrating their impact and inspiring communities across the commonwealth. Full project summaries and photos are available by scanning the QR code below!

Westmoreland County Earns First Place in Demonstration Gardens

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Westmoreland County earned first place in the Demonstration Garden category for their innovative deer management project at the Donohoe Demonstration Gardens in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Faced with increasing deer pressure in the Daylily Garden, volunteers implemented a low-cost solution using fishing line fencing. This simple yet effective strategy eliminated the need for deer sprays and protected over 100 cultivars of daylilies, allowing them to thrive and remain on full display for visitors.

Centre County Earns Second Place for Innovative Pollinator Education

"Pollinators! The Musical" was so popular that Master Gardeners were invited to give performances at local schools. Photo credit: Erin Kinley

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Centre County captivated audiences with their unique production of "Pollinators! The Musical," an imaginative approach to pollinator education. Using humorous, scientifically accurate songs and dialogue, the production introduced critical concepts of pollinator behavior and life cycles in a way that was entertaining, memorable, and accessible to all learning styles.

Designed to appeal to all ages, the show has reached 2,758 audience members, from leading pollinator researchers to local families and schoolchildren. By blending art and science, this innovative project inspires appreciation for pollinators and encourages communities to create pollinator-friendly spaces at home and in schools.

Westmoreland County Earns Second Place for Youth Education

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Westmoreland County received second place in the Youth Category for their outstanding Poison Prevention Program. In partnership with the Penn State Pesticide Education Program, volunteers delivered the "Mr. Yuk" Poison Prevention Program to 2,198 first-grade students and 150 adults across 123 classrooms in 37 schools, benefitting approximately 6,286 people through engaging take-home materials and interactive activities.

By teaching poison safety and integrated pest management in a fun, age-appropriate way, this program equips children with essential knowledge to stay safe while fostering awareness of environmental health. The initiative exemplifies how Master Gardeners combine education and outreach to make a lasting impact on public health, as children under the age of six make up 40% of all cases reported to poison control centers.

Focused on Fresh Food

Carol Webb harvests Swiss chard and other fall greens for Downtown Daily Bread. Photo credit: Doug Gross

Master Gardeners across Pennsylvania support an increasing number of home gardeners who grow—or want to grow—produce. Volunteers troubleshoot problems with pests and diseases through a garden hotline service, present workshops and webinars, and collaborate with partners to increase residents' access to fresh food. In 2025, Master Gardeners boosted local food supplies through three community-wide programs.

Capitol Hunger Garden

Located next to the Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Capitol Hunger Garden is a small and mighty space that reminds those who pass that hunger is a perpetual need in communities across the state. Each year, Master Gardeners work with Capitol staff members to plant and care for vegetables and herbs.

In 2025, the garden provided 1,192 pounds of produce, which was donated to Downtown Daily Bread, a nearby soup kitchen that serves daily meals to people who are unhoused and acts as a "gateway to basic human services." Kristen Herman, executive director of Downtown Daily Bread, noted, "The Capitol Hunger Garden gives us the chance to serve guests fresh food and enhance what we already have. Their produce lets us offer something vibrant, healthy, and made with care." On an average day, 260 people eat meals at the shelter.

Seed to Supper

The Seed to Supper program expanded to 37 counties in 2025, enrolling 574 participants. The program's goal is to teach community members how to grow a portion of their own food to supplement household budgets. Master Gardeners collaborate with local food pantries and community organizations to offer 6 weeks of classes, from planning and planting to harvesting and preservation. Penn State Extension's Food, Families, and Communities team members partner with Master Gardeners, and students learn to prepare and cook produce that they have grown.

Seed to Supper also helps participants achieve health-related goals. One participant wrote, "Please make every effort to keep this class going. It was a great education for me. I have friends who now want to attend next year. It is helping me meet my goals of eating more organic [produce]. I learned things I didn't know matter when gardening, and things that matter the most. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this class."

Adopt-A-Pantry

Adopt-a-Pantry, a collaboration between Master Gardeners of Lancaster County and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (CPFB), strengthened relationships between community gardeners and local food pantries. In 2025, gardeners donated 15,027 pounds of fresh produce, impacting thousands of neighbors in need.

Master Gardeners established relationships with 18 community gardens, helped launch 2 new gardens, created a landing page with Adopt-a-Pantry information, and hosted 3 free educational webinars and 2 in-person events. They provided resources such as seeds, garden planning information, planting and harvesting tips, and guidance on preparing the garden for winter and extending the growing season.

Twenty-three community members and Master Gardeners, collectively known as "Sow and Share Gardeners," committed to producing food for local pantries at both home and community gardens and actively participated in planning the project.

An October event with Adopt-a-Pantry participants celebrated success and gathered critical information for the 2026 season. Expansion to several other counties is planned for next year.

Students cook with produce they have grown. Photo credit: Terry Woodnorth

Save More and Spend Local with Garden Hotline

Garden Hotline answered 65,911 questions from the public in 2025, and service quality remains exceptional. In a follow-up survey offered to clients, 97% said they received a clear answer to their question (even if it wasn't the answer they were expecting), and 98% said they planned to follow the advice they were given.

Garden Hotline also continues to be extremely successful at responding to questions that would otherwise need to be addressed by University and Penn State Extension faculty and staff. This past year, volunteers spent 19,662 hours answering 31,368 questions via phone, email, and walk-in consultations at county extension offices. Without Master Gardeners, the University would need an additional 9.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff* to provide this service to the public.

New survey questions this year also revealed interesting financial impacts. It has long been assumed that the Garden Hotline helps clients save money, but new data showed a much more nuanced picture. The survey asked clients if the advice they received would influence the amount of money they spent on gardening. While 26% said that the advice they received would save them money, 80% said that they planned to spend more money on gardening after contacting the hotline. Furthermore, 55% of the "spenders" said that they planned to spend $100 or more. This increased spending can benefit local communities in several ways. Most gardening dollars are spent at local businesses, such as purchasing plants from a garden center or hiring a certified arborist. In the words of one client, "The advice they provide[d] will help me to find a landscaper who has the knowledge and keeps best practices in mind while providing me with a proper plan and plant selection." Spending more money on gardening can also yield significant personal benefits. Landscape gardening can increase property values, while fruit and vegetable gardening can supplement families' food budgets and increase consumption of fresh produce.

Master Gardeners fielded dozens of questions about beech leaf disease, which hit eastern Pennsylvania hard this year. Photo credit: Erin Kinley

*1 FTE (full-time equivalent) represents the hours of one full-time employee, typically 2,080 hours annually.

Master Gardeners at the Forefront of Invasive Species Education and Outreach

In 2025, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners continued their vital role in educating the public about invasive species, with a particular focus on spotted lanternfly (SLF) and emerging threats such as the box tree moth (BTM). While volunteer hours dedicated exclusively to SLF outreach declined to 207—the lowest in several years—this shift reflects a strategic transition rather than diminished engagement. As most Pennsylvania counties are now quarantined and familiar with SLF, outreach efforts have broadened to encompass multiple invasive species.

This evolution is evident in the increased integration of SLF information into broader programming. In 2025, 75% of outreach tables included SLF content, a significant rise from 35% in 2024. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Farm Show marked a milestone in this approach: the former "Spotted Lanternfly Booth" was rebranded as the "Invasive Species Booth." Here, Master Gardeners provided research-based information on SLF, BTM, and other invasive pests to 3,411 adult contacts and 3,034 youth contacts—a 32% increase from the previous year.

Master Gardeners have long been recognized for their commitment to environmental stewardship. Since the discovery of SLF in southeastern Pennsylvania a decade ago, they have delivered consistent, science-based messaging through town-hall-style meetings, enabling communities to access accurate information and dispel misconceptions. Today, their partnerships with municipalities, schools, parks departments, and community organizations amplify these efforts, ensuring outreach reaches diverse audiences. Beyond education, Master Gardeners actively participate in restoration projects, removing invasive plants and reintroducing native species in public spaces. These hands-on initiatives improve ecosystems and serve as living demonstrations of sustainable practices.

The impact of these efforts is profound. By fostering public awareness and engagement, Master Gardeners cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility. Their work empowers citizens to identify and report invasive species, make informed gardening decisions, and contribute to the preservation of Pennsylvania's biodiversity.

As invasive species continue to threaten ecosystems, the role of Master Gardeners remains indispensable. Through education, collaboration, and action, they stand at the forefront of protecting natural heritage for future generations.

Master Gardeners play a spin-the-wheel game with visitors at the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show to teach them about both beneficial and invasive insects. Photo credit: Erin Kinley

Pennsylvania Bee Monitoring Program

The Pennsylvania Bee Monitoring Program is a statewide effort to document bee biodiversity while strengthening community science engagement through the participation of Master Gardeners. Program activities focused on coordinated field sampling, volunteer training, specimen curation, and data dissemination. Trained volunteers have conducted standardized bee surveys twice a month since August 2021. These activities have resulted in the collection of over 33,000 specimens across diverse habitats, contributing high-quality, vouchered specimens to the program. In 2024, 18 Master Gardeners collected bees from 30 counties, resulting in a total of 9,631 bee specimens from 80 species. In 2025, volunteers participated in 500 collection events across 26 counties, with samples currently being processed. Products from this project also include 34 presentations about bees delivered to the public. Through this project, volunteers have collected data on 290 bee species, including 12 new state records (species never previously reported in Pennsylvania), 1,396 county records, and one peer-reviewed publication. The project has reached at least 52,000 people through in-person talks, webinars, video tutorials, and blogs. This year, the team published the booklet Bees of Pennsylvania: A Guide to the Genera in English and Spanish.

The team of volunteers and program coordinators working on the PA Bee Monitoring Program. Photo credit: Lopez Uribe Lab

The 12 Bee Species Records in Pennsylvania Collected from the Monitoring Program

12 state records.

• Nomada banksi
• Sphecodes davisii
• Hylaeus fedorica
• Megachile xylocopoides
• Andrena duplicate
• Stelis permaculata
• Megachile concinna
• Sphedodes johnsonii
• Chelostoma
• Heriades truncorum
• Osmia subfasciata
• Hylaeus punctatus