Online

This session will explore the ecological principles that influence where and how forests grow across Maryland. It will also discuss research on management approaches that aim to enhance biodiversity across forested landscapes.

This is the second of the Fall 2025 Forestry and Natural Resources Webinar Series, which features webinars that explore different aspects of Maryland's forests and natural resources. Each webinar will be hosted and led by Daniel Pratson, Natural Resources Specialist with University of Maryland.

These webinars are for anyone interested in Maryland's forested landscape, including landowners, farmers, researchers, natural resource professionals, students, etc.

This session will provide a brief overview of Maryland's forest land over time and identify current forest conditions and threats today. 

This is the first of the Fall 2025 Forestry and Natural Resources Webinar Series, which features webinars that explore different aspects of Maryland's forests and natural resources. Each webinar will be hosted and led by Daniel Pratson, Natural Resources Specialist with University of Maryland.

These webinars are for anyone interested in Maryland's forested landscape, including landowners, farmers, researchers, natural resource professionals, students, etc.

The LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program is accepting applications for the next group, Class XIV. Applications will be open through October 1, 2025, for participation in the program in 2026-27. Two "Introduction to LEAD" virtual sessions are available for those interested in applying to this class or a future class, and for those who would like to learn more about the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program. Program graduates will be available to share their experiences, including how tuition was paid, how they managed the time committment, and what participation meant to them.

The dates of the virtual information sessions:

September 3rd from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m.
September 15th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay presents "From Bloom to Buzz: Protecting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects Amid Climate Change" by Madeline Potter. In this presentation, we will explore the vital connections between climate change, native plants, and the insects that sustain them. This talk highlights the crucial role pollinators and other beneficial insects play in ecosystem health and native plant survival. Learn about fascinating insect-plant relationships, the impacts of climate change on these species, and practical conservation actions you can take. From container gardens to larger green spaces, discover how to create and manage habitats that foster biodiversity and support beneficial insects in your own garden.

Madeline Potter is a Faculty Specialist in Entomology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Home and Garden Information Center. In this role, she educates the public and provides training to UME faculty and staff on insect conservation, sustainable pest management, and related topics. She also serves as the Faculty Lead for the Maryland Master Gardener Pollinators Subprogram.

Prior to her current position, Madeline was the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Horticulture Educator for UME in Howard County, MD, where she managed a team of over 170 volunteers and led numerous presentations, workshops, and outreach programs, reaching thousands of community members. She holds a B.S. in Sustainable Horticulture and an M.S. in Entomology, both from the University of Maryland, College Park. With over six years of experience in outreach and education, Madeline has also conducted research to support sustainable management strategies for invasive insect species.

Madeline is currently developing statewide resources and tools to support pollinator habitat certifications, recognition programs, and educational initiatives. A key goal of her work is to increase public awareness of Maryland’s diverse pollinator species—including bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, and moths—and their varied habitat needs. She is committed to creating inclusive, learner-centered educational experiences that connect people with science-based knowledge and empower them to take action for pollinator conservation.

"University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class."

Registration is required in advance for this meeting. For registration link, please visit:
https://chesapeakebay.wildones.org/events/?wo_event_id=10180

June 10: Health Insurance Management, build up your skills to better understand, manage, resolve, and avoid health cost conflicts.
June 17: MIND Diet, nutrition for better brain health
June 24: Emotional Grief, managing grief and loss through narrative
July 1: Kitchen Eye Spy, learn best practices to save food and maintain your health

Note: One Zoom link will cover all four sessions.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact the educator, Dr. Henley, on or before May 8th, 2025, at shenley@umd.edu

Join the University of Maryland Extension Nutrition Educator Jennifer Dixon Cravens online to discover the benefits of plant-based nutrition and the power of incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into your diet!  Reserve your spot today.

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating approach practiced by many people living in the Mediterranean Sea region. The diet is rich in foods such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, fish, and poultry. It is low in red meat, and moderate in dairy products, and processed foods. Join UME Nutrition Educator Jennifer Dixon Cravens and discover how this eating plan can improve your overall health and wellness and help prevent and manage chronic diseases.

The MIND Diet is a hybrid of the DASH diet and Mediterranean diet that can make a difference in the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, as you age.  Join the University of Maryland Extension Family and Consumer Science Educator Jennifer Dixon Cravens for an online webinar to learn more!

 

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Maryland’s native bees! Join Madeline Potter, UME Faculty Specialist for Entomology & IPM, for this interactive webinar where we will explore the critical role native bees play in sustaining native plants and resilient landscapes, while spotlighting the diversity and unique stories of our local pollinators. Learn how to support a variety of native bee species by creating bee-friendly habitats—from planting diverse natives to leaving bare ground and stems, minimizing pesticides, and offering clean water sources. Along the way, we will share train-the-trainer tips to help educators inspire others to take action for native bees. Whether you’re a pollinator advocate or just bee-curious, this session will leave you buzzing with ideas to make a meaningful impact in your greenspace and community!