The Western Maryland Research and Education Center (WMREC) consists of a single 491 acre facility located in Washington County. Housed at this facility are faculty and staff of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) and University of Maryland Extension (UME) - both components of the University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Sherry Corbin is the acting center director for WMREC, as well as for Central Maryland and Lower Eastern Shore Research and Education Centers (CMREC & LESREC).
Extension Programs
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Extension specialists conduct educational outreach programs in the areas of agricultural marketing, farm management, pasture management, natural resources, small ruminants (sheep and goats), dairy and beef, viticulture & small fruit, and energy conservation & technology.
Extension Programs at WMREC
Kids Growing with Grains
The Western Maryland Research and Education Center works with University of Maryland Extension county faculty and staff to educate youth on the importance of agriculture and related sciences.
Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center
In early 2009, the Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center (MREDC) was unveiled. MREDC is a web-based one-stop-shop for the latest and most successful business development innovations and support for Maryland's agriculture and natural resources enterprises. Ginger S. Myers, Ag Marketing Extension Specialist and MREDC Director, oversees content and management of the website.
Research
There are a vast array of research projects that take place out of the Western Maryland Research and Education Center.
Research at WMREC
Research projects conducted at the facility support the programs for faculty from the Departments of Entomology, Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science and Technology, and the University of Maryland Extension. Agronomic projects include small grain variety improvement trials, corn hybrid variety trials, perennial weed control, cropping systems, and nutrient management. Research and Extension projects for tree fruit (apples, Asian pears, beach plum), small fruit (grapes and raspberries, etc.), and grape and wine processing are integral components of the facility's activities. Integrated pest management techniques are researched by faculty in the Department of Entomology. A 10-acre area has been developed for pasture management and rotational grazing research projects.
In addition, the facility has some cooperative research projects with agricultural industry representatives, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) scientists, and also hosts tours led by area UME Educators.
Roots in Research Newsletter - WMREC
Weather Data
Weather is an important factor for most agricultural research projects. Weather data has been recorded at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center (WMREC) since July 1980.
Address, Directions & Contact
Address
WMREC
18330 Keedysville Road
Keedysville, Maryland 21756-1104
Phone: 301.432.2767
Fax: 301.432.4089
From I-70
- Exit Interstate 70 at Exit 29 (Maryland Route 65), near Hagerstown.
- Proceed south for 7 miles on Maryland Route 65, and turn left onto Keedysville Road.
- The Center entrance is about one mile east on the left.
From Boonsboro
- From South Main Street in Boonsboro turn left at the stoplight onto Route 34 West.
- Travel for 3.5 miles, turn right onto Keedysville Road.
- Travel on Keedysville Road for 2.4 miles (bear right after second bridge).
- The Center entrance will be on the right.