Campus Life

Free insect identification and soil health workshop set for Aug. 5

Soybean aphids are a recently introduced pest to the U.S., causing yield losses and increased insecticide sprays. The aphids feed on the sap of soybean plants. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Student Farm at Penn State is hosting a free insect identification and biological soil health workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5. The workshop will led by Mary Barbercheck, professor of entomology at Penn State.

Home gardeners of all skill levels are welcome to attend to learn more about both 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 and their potential benefit or harm to specific vegetable plants. Attendees will have the opportunity to see insects at various stages of development, such as egg and adult.

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 asked to wear sturdy shoes and to bring a water bottle and sunscreen. Directions to the farm can be found online. In case of inclement weather, monitor the Student Farm’s Facebook page for updates on the status of the workshop.

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

Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated September 20, 2019