UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- If you need trustworthy information and advice on everyday matters concerning your home, family, lawn and garden, health or environment, a new Web site offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension may have the answers you're seeking.

The Solution Source, at http://www.solutions.psu.edu , is a dynamic online resource with more than 800 pages of practical, accurate information based on university knowledge, research and expertise. Whether a question pertains to a serious matter -- how to manage finances between jobs -- or a lighthearted one -- how to attract bluebirds to one's backyard -- users will find practical, easy-to-follow solutions.

Topics include child and youth development; parenting; family living and financial management; food preparation, safety and storage; horticulture; gardening; landscaping; insects and pests; nutrition and fitness; managing natural resources and wildlife; homes; agriculture; and more.

Solution Source topics also are available as recorded messages that can be accessed via a toll-free telephone number: (800) 617-2950. Each solution script contains a code number that is entered after a telephone prompt. Script code numbers are listed on the Web pages and are also listed in a handbook directory available from county Penn State Cooperative Extension offices in most regions. Callers who have free long-distance telephone services outside of their local calling areas are requested to call (610) 489-5158.

Since 1914, Penn State Cooperative Extension has been reaching out to communities to bring the educational resources of the university to the people of Pennsylvania. The organization's mission is to help people solve real problems by putting university research to work in everyday life. The new Web site represents the work of faculty and extension professionals at Penn State and other land-grant universities.

"Today's extension organization offers a tremendous number of nonformal educational opportunities and resources that can help address important current and emerging issues in Pennsylvania," says Nancy Stevens, the extension educator responsible for the Solutions Source project. "People who visit the primary Extension & Outreach Web site at http://www.extension.psu.edu can gain a better understanding of the depth and breadth of what we offer to make life better for people, businesses and communities."

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Nancy Stevens (610-489-4315; nbs1@psu.edu) or Judy Richardson (814-863-2784; jlm36@psu.edu).

Chuck Gill Writer/Editor Phone: 814-863-2713 E-mail: cdg5@psu.edu