For 100 years, the University of Maryland Extension (UME) has been charged with the responsibility and privilege of delivering practical, research-based information to the citizens of Maryland to help improve every aspect of their lives.
The signing of the Smith-Lever Act by Congress in 1914 officially created the national Cooperative Extension Service, a state-by-state network of educators who extend university-based knowledge directly to the people. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of this significant milestone in our nation’s history and its impact on our state specifically, special events are planned all across Maryland during the month of October.
Extension offices in each Maryland county and Baltimore city will host open houses in order to celebrate past accomplishments and demonstrate how UME is not only relevant today, but poised to remain a leader for the next 100 years. Participants can expect interactive demonstrations, food tastings, garden tours, historical displays, games, prizes and fun for the whole family at the open houses around the state. To find one near you, click here.
Additionally, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which administers University of Maryland Extension, will host an open house at its Clarksville Research Facility on Saturday, October 11. For details, click here.
“The 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act gives us a great excuse to introduce University of Maryland Extension to members of the community who may not be aware of us and all that we offer,” said Dr. Stephen Wright, UME’s Associate Director. “I encourage all Maryland residents to find an open house in their county and to come find out how we can serve you.”
University of Maryland Extension prides itself on providing “solutions in your community” through various key program areas including agriculture, environment and natural resources, 4-H youth development, food and nutrition, health and wellness, financial planning, home gardening and the Chesapeake Bay. Currently, UME employs 200 faculty members and 200 support staff located at offices in all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore city. To learn more, visit www.extension.umd.edu.
