A unique gathering of physicians, veterinarians, ecologists and conservationists took place in Hershey recently with the goal of improving human, animal, plant and ecosystem health in Pennsylvania.

A free, three-hour, one-night course covering all things beef, offered by Penn State Extension this fall at seven locations, will introduce participants to a variety of topics helpful to learning how to raise beef cattle.

In a state with more than 12 million people and robust agricultural and resource-extraction industries, the water quality in Pennsylvania's more than 86,000 miles of streams and rivers is always a dicey proposition. But a statewide volunteer group marshaled by Penn State Extension is starting to make a difference.