Season 2 Episode 8: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State Extension Horticulturist

Keeping It Green

Join the Keeping It Green podcast as they explore the role of a generalist in horticulture education with Penn State extension horticulturist Emelie Swackhamer. For decades, Emelie has been helping farmers, growers, homeowners, and landscapers with plant issues. In this episode, she shares her expertise on problems like the spotted lanternfly and delves into the challenges facing our native beech tree, particularly beech leaf disease, including the life cycle of the disease and how nematodes are spread. The discussion expands to address invasive species, pondering how to deal with them amidst ongoing trade and the movement of firewood. Are we destined for constant invasions of pests in the future? The crew philosophizes on the topic, exploring potential solutions and the realities of invasive management. And how does Emelie pass the time during her long walks from Maine to Florida?

Episode Hosts/Speakers: Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)

Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension (host)

Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State Extension
Picture caption: Symptoms of beech leaf disease include darkening and thickening of the tissue between leaf veins that are most visible when viewed against the light sky. Photo: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State

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