The Student Farm is hosting a free insect identification and biological soil health workshop on Saturday, August 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This workshop, led by Penn State Entomology professor, Dr. Mary Barbercheck, will address insect and pest identification and management for home gardens, as well as lead biological soil health activities and discussions.

Home gardeners of all skill levels and community members are welcome to attend and learn more about beneficial and pest insects and how they interact with plants and soil. The workshop will feature a walk around the one-acre Student Farm site to identify active insects that may be beneficial or harmful to common vegetable garden plants. Attendees will have the opportunity to see insects at various stages of development, such as egg and adult, and also learn how to identify common pest and beneficial insects.

Good bug or bad bug? Learn to tell the difference at this upcoming workshop!

Dr. Barbercheck will then lead discussions about pest management practices that minimize the use of insecticides. Soil health activities will focus on how to evaluate and promote the biological health of your soil.

Guests are reminded to wear sturdy shoes and to bring a water bottle and sunscreen. Directions to the farm can be found here. In case of inclement weather, check the Student Farm Facebook page for updates on the status of the workshop.

For questions regarding this workshop, please contact Student Farm intern, Sydney Downham at sbd5223@psu.edu