Wildfires: Not in My Backyard!

Clearing and burning brush seems like a straightforward way to keep your garden, landscape and surrounding woods clean. Unfortunately, many gardeners are unaware of the wildfire risk posed by some brush management practices. And news reports of intense wildfires in western states, which usually are caused by lightening, only add to misperceptions about the cause of wildfires in eastern states. The majority of Eastern wildfires are caused by humans, with debris burning and arson as the leading culprits.

'Wildfire', a new four-page booklet in the popular From the Woods youth series, talks about wildfires and controlled burns in the Eastern United States. It describes the differences between Eastern and Western wildfires; including the time of year they are mostly likely to occur, types of wildfires, and their causes.

The release of From the Woods: Wildfire coincides with Pennsylvania's peak wildfire season. During the spring and the fall when the leaves are off the trees, the sun and wind dries leaves, twigs, and branches on the forest floor. Spring also is the time when many of us go outside to clear brush, leaves, and debris from the yard. Some may wait for a sunny, dry, breezy day to burn the debris. Unfortunately, those are the worst days to burn debris since the flames can quickly spread to dry grass or nearby wooded areas. Homeowners must use extra caution when burning debris to prevent spread and protect their properties. 'Wildfire' reviews simple steps you can take to protect your home, not only from your own actions, but also should a larger wildfire occur.

The booklet also explains why not all fires are harmful. Trained professionals conduct controlled burns as a useful tool to restore native landscapes and manage vegetation.

PA residents can obtain one free copy of 'Wildfire' by calling 814-865-6713; anyone can download it for free at http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uh191.pdf The Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship Program provides publications on a variety of topics related to woodland management. For a list of free publications, call 800-234-9473 (toll free), send an email to RNRext@psu.edu, or visit our website at http://extension.psu.edu/paforeststewards

Questions? Contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu

PLEASE JOIN US on Saturday, May 7 for Breakfast, Business, and Bugs! Enjoy a hot breakfast at 9 AM ($7.00) and your County Cooperative Extension Association annual meeting (no charge) at 9:30ish. Then join our Master Gardeners for a plant sale and workshop ($5.00) on Bugs: Good versus Evil, and Organic Pest Control for Gardeners. Come to any or all sessions. Please register by May 3rd by calling 963-6842 or emailing us at LackawannaExt@psu.edu

Registration for breakfast starts at 8:30; for the gardening workshop at 10:30 with talks from 11AM to 1 PM. Seating is limited!


Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County

Saturday School, Plant Sale and Extension Annual Meeting on 5/7: 'From the Ground Up' (click this heading for the flier)

The Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County invite you to learn more about gardening and participate in the Extension Annual Meeting. Click on the heading of this posting to get more information, and we look forward to seeing you in school!

Steve Ward
Lackawanna County Master Gardener Coordinator

Saturday School on 4/16: 'Out On A Limb' (click this heading for the flier)

The Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County invite you to learn more about gardening. Click on the heading of this posting to get more information, and we look forward to seeing you in school!

Steve Ward
Lackawanna County Master Gardener Coordinator

Saturday School on 4/2: 'From the Ground Up' (click this heading for the flier)

The Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County invite you to learn more about gardening. Click on the heading of this posting to get more information, and we look forward to seeing you in school!


Steve Ward
Lackawanna County Master Gardener Coordinator