Still Life

Firefighters battled a controlled blaze on the tarmac at Penn State's University Park Airport on May 23 during a full-scale emergency exercise. The exercise was designed to provide real-time training and recertification for emergency response personnel from around the Centre Region.

University Park Airport Emergency Response Exercise

A moment of levity: Penn State Lehigh Valley graduates celebrated with the Nittany Lion after commencement ceremonies, held May 5 at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pa.

Commencement across Penn State: Spring 2012

New graduates of Penn State's Eberly College of Science listened to the commencement address provided by United States Secretary of Energy Steven Chu during spring 2012 graduation ceremonies held May 5 at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.

Spring commencement 2012 under way

A Moroccan farmer taught Penn State students about the properties of vetiver grass, including its ability to clean wastewater. The grass could be used as part of a solution to water-quality problems being experienced in Assoul, Morocco, where students spent time recently.

Penn State, Moroccan students problem-solve together

Anjelica Fortunato, left, and Jeffrey Lu reviewed for their Anatomy 129 final exam on May 1 on the HUB-Robeson Center Lawn on Penn State's University Park campus. Penn State students are preparing for and taking final exams throughout the week as spring semester 2012 comes to a close.

Finals Week Spring Semester 2012

Featured Video

Painting the Lines at Beaver Stadium

Painting the Lines at Beaver Stadium

Did They Get It Right? - RedTails

Did They Get It Right? - RedTails

Iconic Penn State elm taken down over spring break 2012

Iconic Penn State elm taken down over spring break 2012

We ... are Penn State (December 19, 2011)

We ... are Penn State (December 19, 2011)

Disease stricken matching elm tree slated for removal

Disease stricken matching elm tree slated for removal

Penn State's creamery, from the cow to the cone

Penn State's creamery, from the cow to the cone

gardeninggardening Feed

Pasto Agricultural Museum to feature gardening tools exhibit

One of the tools to be exhibited, starting this spring.
Friday, May 11, 2012

Penn State's Pasto Agricultural Museum will present a special exhibit of old, manual gardening tools, to debut in conjunction with the Master Gardener Garden Fair and Plant Sale, May 19.
(more)

Probing Question: Are invasive plants always a threat?

Probing Question: Are invasive plants always a threat?
Monday, January 16, 2012

"A relatively small percentage of introduced species are truly problematic and a threat to native biodiversity," says Tomas A. Carlo, Penn State assistant professor of biology. "Most introduced species become 'naturalized' and fully integrated into their new communities." (more)

Penn State experts contribute to new online resource for apple growers

Richard Marini, professor and head of Penn State's Department of Horticulture, helped to establish a new online resource about growing apples and apple production.
Saturday, October 22, 2011

With the arrival of apple-harvest season, researchers and extension educators in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have teamed with counterparts from across the country to establish a new online resource about growing apples and apple production. (more)

Fruits and vegetables submerged by flood water are not safe to eat

A program titled ReadyAG can help farmers plan for and respond to emergencies and disasters such as flooded crop fields.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Now that communities across the state have dried out and are repairing damages from Tropical Storm Lee, a gardening expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences reminds backyard gardeners that fruits and vegetables are not safe to consume if they have been partially or completely submerged in flood water or have come in contact with contaminated water.

"Flood water may be contaminated with sewage, animal waste, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms or other contaminants," Ginger Pryor, state coordinator for Penn State's Master Gardener Program, said. (more)

Tips on providing safe havens for pollinators at Ag Progress Days

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Gardening enthusiasts attending Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 18-20, can get tips on providing safe havens for butterflies, honeybees and other struggling pollinators. (more)

Occupational therapy: Planting seeds for a healthier life

Occupational therapist Pamela Hudson gardens with her patient, Samantha Hill.
Thursday, July 23, 2009

The opening of 30 Hope Drive on the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center's East Campus has provided a variety of opportunities to patients and therapists alike. For individuals with limited mobility, strength or endurance, participation in leisure activities is at times limited because of the physical demands they require. Inability to participate in these purposeful activities because of an injury, illness or disease may be detrimental to the overall health of the individual. This interruption of the individual's typical daily routine may result in the loss of independence, decreased self-esteem and withdrawal from other physical or social interests. For these reasons, it is imperative that the individual participate in meaningful activities to maximize functional mobility and independence at home.

To improve independence, goals are selected as a therapeutic activity on the basis of individual treatment ideals and client interest. The patient and therapist explore the patient's interests and needs to promote re-establishment of desired activities and goal achievement. Occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to adapt therapeutic activities, such as gardening, to address physical needs as well as improve emotional and spiritual quality of life. (more)

Get ready now to save your garden harvest safely

Strawberries are a popular canning item used in making jam.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The gardening explosion across the nation due to the recession and the desire for home-grown food means that many people will soon have fruits and vegetables to can or freeze, but a food-safety specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences says "putting up" your harvest is not as simple as going back to Grandma's favorite canning recipes. (more)

Video features Penn State efforts to 'green up' Pittsburgh

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

There are an estimated 14,500 vacant lots in Pittsburgh, and a number of organizations throughout the region are coming together to make the best use possible of these derelict spaces. A new online video, titled "The Urban Side of Green: Part Three," tells the story of Penn State's contribution to this effort. (more)

WPSU offers gardening tips with call-in TV show

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Now is the time to get your garden in gear! Whether you want to start from the beginning to prepare a garden or you are curious to learn about this year's perfect addition to your established horticultural endeavors, WPSU-TV has a great way to get your garden going strong.

Join host David Price and his panel of experts on "Lawn and Garden Q&A," which will air live on WPSU-TV on Thursday, May 7 at 8 p.m. Call in your questions to 800-543-8542 during this hour-long call-in program. (more)

Planting for pollinators: It's the bee's knees

Friday, April 17, 2009

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice green thumb, you can join the fight to save the honeybees by planting your own pollinator-friendly garden this spring, according to a horticulture specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. (more)