MILL HALL — Penn State Extension Master Gardener volunteers will join the community in celebrating Clinton County’s 250th anniversary at the “Still Growing” event on April 25, starting at 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Penn State Extension and Clinton County Conservation District location.

To celebrate this special occasion, several environmental organizations will offer a variety of educational and hands-on activities for both children and adults. The Clinton County Conservation District will host its annual tree sale, while DCNR will provide demonstrations on proper tree planting techniques. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Clinton County will also feature multiple interactive stations at their office, located at 47 Cooperation Lane, Mill Hall.

At the pavilion on the property grounds, Master Gardener volunteer Kathy Gillen will demonstrate how to create beautiful container gardens using the popular “thriller, filler, and spiller” method. Visitors will also have the opportunity to plant native flower seeds to take home. This station will feature an additional demonstration highlighting how flowers are pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Another engaging activity includes the Butterfly Puddling Station and Bee Hotel demonstration, led by Master Gardener volunteer Melissa Green. She will explain the importance of providing butterflies with essential water and minerals and will show participants how to properly clean and maintain bee hotels to support native pollinators.

Master Gardener apprentice Grace LeGars will host an interactive booth focused on Pennsylvania’s state tree, flower, and insect. These are the eastern hemlock, mountain laurel, and firefly, respectively. Visitors will learn about the ecological importance of these native species and the roles they play in their local ecosystems.

Inside the Learning Center, Master Gardener apprentice Sarah Nestor and volunteer Lucy Cramer will present informative programs on creating pollinator gardens, gardening for wildlife, and attracting hummingbirds. Guests are encouraged to stop in, relax, watch the presentations, and ask questions.

Master Gardener Coordinator Ginny Counsil shared her enthusiasm for this free event, noting, “We are excited to be part of Clinton County’s 250th anniversary celebration and to highlight the importance of native plants and environmental stewardship.”

This multi-agency event was the idea of Clinton County Commissioner, Angela Harding, to focus on the natural resources within the community.

Join the Master Gardeners for a day of learning, inspiration, and hands-on activities that celebrate both our community and the natural world.

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