Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, Berks & Schuylkill Counties

06/15/2026

Fireflies occupy different garden spaces throughout their life cycle. Larvae spend years in cool, damp soil, hunting among grasses and leaf litter and relying on undisturbed areas for shelter, while adults signal as they fly or rest on vegetation. This kit emphasizes moisture-loving plants, including wrinkle-leaved goldenrod, purple-stemmed aster, and New York ironweed, which provide shelter and varied heights for adult fireflies. Their late-summer and fall blooms also support native butterflies, including swallowtails. Silver sedge forms a dense, moisture-retaining ground cover, while tufted hair grass adds soft texture that helps shade and cool the soil.

https://web.cvent.com/event/17f447e3-b5a8-477a-98d1-3e522bcfe2bb/websitePage:69383086-321b-4540-a369-18485dde11b4?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0fi77lgv&fbclid=IwY2xjawSKly9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5ZnVxQVNrUVNEcm9NbGJ2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvtM_vON0Es7mx1tGbVT18pw0T8sEldMXgJm_ZC3EtsSJsp0caw2GwcowrKT_aem_jk0KeBxXxFpZQYjoFZK5sQ

06/10/2026

Join us to explore common physical, biological, and chemical indicators of stream condition and introduction of the FISH protocol as a hands-on assessment tool. The workshop is designed for middle and high school teachers, environmental educators, and volunteers who lead youth-focused water quality projects. The workshop will be held at Penn State Berks Campus on June 16, 10am-2pm. There is no cost. Registration deadline is June 12.

https://extension.psu.edu/first-investigation-of-stream-health-educator-workshop

Explore how watershed landscapes affect stream health and learn to use the FISH protocol to lead students in hands-on local stream assessments.

06/08/2026

Wild bergamot displays soft lavender blooms and a natural, cottage garden character that attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Hairy beardtongue adds early-season interest with tubular flowers in pale purple and white. Spiderwort spreads with arching foliage and vivid blue-violet blooms. Big bluestem contributes height and structure with deep roots adapted to dry conditions, while purple love grass creates an airy effect with rose-purple flowers that shimmer in late summer. Together, these plants form a drought-tolerant planting that balances durability with visual appeal and seasonal interest.

https://web.cvent.com/event/17f447e3-b5a8-477a-98d1-3e522bcfe2bb/websitePage:149e5f7c-fd1c-4447-b2de-e1010b4d778e?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0fi77lgv&fbclid=IwY2xjawSKly9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5ZnVxQVNrUVNEcm9NbGJ2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvtM_vON0Es7mx1tGbVT18pw0T8sEldMXgJm_ZC3EtsSJsp0caw2GwcowrKT_aem_jk0KeBxXxFpZQYjoFZK5sQ

06/01/2026

Nodding onion features soft pink flower clusters on slender stems, while butterfly milkweed provides bold orange blooms and serves as a host plant for monarchs. Blazing star adds vertical interest with striking purple spikes and late-season nectar. Wild petunia contributes delicate lavender flowers, and prairie dropseed anchors the planting with fine-textured green foliage that turns golden in fall. Together, these short- to mid-height plants create a naturalistic yet refined look that withstands heat, drought, and urban stress. The Curbside Appeal Kit demonstrates that even the most difficult sites can offer visual appeal and ecological function.

https://web.cvent.com/event/17f447e3-b5a8-477a-98d1-3e522bcfe2bb/websitePage:da608244-2eb6-41d2-b569-16d1a69dfa12?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0fi77lgv&fbclid=IwY2xjawSKly9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5ZnVxQVNrUVNEcm9NbGJ2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvtM_vON0Es7mx1tGbVT18pw0T8sEldMXgJm_ZC3EtsSJsp0caw2GwcowrKT_aem_jk0KeBxXxFpZQYjoFZK5sQ

05/25/2026

Soft white blooms of Canada anemone spread at ground level, forming a graceful foundation. Bee balm features bold red flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. Culver’s root adds vertical structure with candelabra-shaped spikes of creamy white blooms. Blue vervain offers tall stems with violet-blue flowers that provide lasting color and nectar. Little bluestem completes the display with blue-green summer foliage that transitions to red, blue, and copper tones in fall, adding texture and seasonal interest.

https://web.cvent.com/event/17f447e3-b5a8-477a-98d1-3e522bcfe2bb/websitePage:b83d0bd4-d03b-446a-a744-cef531218e7b

05/22/2026

The native plant kit is designed to help you add ecologically valuable plants to your property-creating habitat for fireflies and other wildlife, reducing stormwater runoff compared to shallow-rooted plants, improving soil health, and supporting cleaner local waterways. Sale runs through July 13 or until sold out! Cost is $20.

https://extension.psu.edu/master-watershed-steward-watershed-friendly-native-plant-kit-sale

Explore our online sale and choose from a diverse selection of watershed-friendly plant kits! Transform your garden while supporting the health of our local ecosystems.

05/19/2026

Protect yourself, your family, and your landscape from ticks. Tick Talks covers species, disease risks, prevention, and safe practices for gardening and outdoor activities in Pennsylvania.

05/13/2026

Online Course Discount until May 18
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18RZZrGS71/

Spread the word: 30% off noncredit online courses in ag, food safety, landscaping, beekeeping, natural resources, and more.

04/28/2026

https://www.morningagclips.com/master-watershed-steward-program-earns-regional-award/

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward Program received the 2026 Special Recognition Award from the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin....

03/18/2026

Protect your land, your budget, and streams with live staking! Learn low-cost, sustainable techniques to stabilize eroding backyard waterways in this informative webinar. As a bonus, folks who register can purchase live stake bundles for pickup at one of seven Extension offices.

https://extension.psu.edu/branches-to-banks-a-budget-friendly-stream-fix
https://tinyurl.com/BranchesToBanks-2026