Get the lowdown July 31 on good bugs and bad bugs in the garden

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and Master Gardeners are offering a free presentation on “Good Bugs Bad Bugs in Our Garden” on Tuesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. at Fauquier Extension Office, 24 Pelham Street, Warrenton.

We are pleased to announce that Paul Semtner, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech Southern Piedmont AREC, Blackstone, Virginia Tech
https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/southern-piedmont.html will be leading the talk about the insects in the home garden and what they do. 

Dr. Semtner grew up on a small livestock farm in south-central Oklahoma.  He received his Ph.D. in Entomology from Oklahoma State University in 1972.  He was hired as an assistant professor of entomology at the Virginia Tech Southern Piedmont AREC in 1974 to conduct research and extension programs in tobacco insect pest management.  Dr. Semtner retired in 2010 after 36 years of service, but he continues to volunteer for entomology programs for Master Gardeners, 4-H, schools, state parks, and the annual Farm and Family Day the Virginia Tech Southern Piedmont AREC.

Dr. Semtner says “The home gardener deals with a large number of insect pests, while frequently overlooking the importance of beneficial insects that help reduce pest problems in their garden.”  He will discuss the general life cycles, classification, and the damage caused by major arthropod pests in home gardens and ornamentals.

Not all bugs are destructive pests; many of them serve an important purpose in your garden as well as a vital role in our ecosystem.  Beneficial insects keep the population of pest insects in check and provide food for our birds and other wildlife.  Come join us and learn to have a positive outlook on insects.

The program is free and open to the public, rain or shine. It will last 60-90 minutes.  Seating is limited, to RSVP or for additional information, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk at 540-341-7950, Ext. 1 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

About the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners                                            
Master Gardeners are volunteers for the Virginia Cooperative Extension, who are dedicated to working with the community to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices.  Please visit our website for information on the Master Gardener program and upcoming events: http://www.fc-mg.org.