POTSDAM-- Local columnist and educator for the local Extension office, Paul Hetzler, will be bringing his knowledge of "Natural Pest Control" to the public as part of the Local Living Venture's series of workshops and events in the region.

The event will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 6-8 p.m., at the Community Room above the police station in Potsdam, with parking available in the lot on Main Street, next to the fire station. Attendees can look for the orange directional signs noting "Workshop Site."

In his usual colorful style, Hetzler described the workshop this way: "Got the box elder bug blues? Require a cure for carpenter ants? Want the skinny on spined soldier beetles? Come learn about which pests to befriend, and which to control without resorting to toxic chemicals. Many household pests and garden-variety crawlies will be covered (but not in chocolate)."

The Local Living Venture noted that this would, indeed be a topic for another workshop, should there be interest. The suggested donation for this educational event is $17, payable at the door, to support the Local Living Venture's not for profit educational mission, which includes resources for local beekeepers.

Paul Hetzler is the Horticulture and Natural Resources Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, and "is a veritable fountain of trivial facts relating to inane topics." He's handy when you need a bug identified, but don't invite him to your dinner party.

There is plenty of room at the site for last minute attendees, but an RSVP is appreciated to the LLV at LocalLivingVenture@gmail.com, 315-347-3224 or www.LocalLivingVenture.org. Registered attendees will be notified in the event of any cancellation or postponement.