Online

The course will help landowners convert lawn to natural areas and enhance stewardship of existing natural areas. Based on the guide of the same name, the course provides strategies to landowners of small parcels of land (1-10 acres) that improve the stewardship of their property for personal enjoyment and environmental quality. It uses a hands-on learning approach to help participants develop and implement a plan for their property. Activities include how to map habitat areas, understand basic ecological principles about woodland and wildlife, choose and implement a few habitat management projects, and how to set a timetable and record your progress. Online discussion groups will allow participants to interact with others taking the course. A certificate of completion is awarded when all assignments are completed.

The course costs $125.00 per person, which includes the 108-page “Woods In Your Backyard” guide, workbook, and a tree identification guide. The course is limited to 25 participants, so sign up now!

For more information, go to https://go.umd.edu/the_course. To register through Eventbrite, go to https://go.umd.edu/WIYB_Spring25.

Join us at lunchtime (on your cell phone or computer) as Paul Goeringer discusses current legal issues farmers on Delmarva are facing, including, the Open Fields Doctrine. Paul will also be giving updates on other legal hot topics as well and taking any questions you may have.

Join Nutrition Educator Jennifer Dixon Cravens online to learn how to cook healthy dishes bursting with flavor using culinary Herbs & Spices to safely improve your health.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) provides science-based knowledge to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st century. SERC leads research on coastal ecosystems—where the land meets the sea—to inform real-world decisions for wise policies, best business practices, and a sustainable planet.

Learn from SERC's Internship and Fellowship Coordinator about their summer internship program for undergraduate and masters students or recent graduates. You will gain insight on what to expect from the program in addition to what is looked for in competitive applicants.

Join us for an online "heart-to-heart" discussion on heart health, nutrition and tips for healthy shopping and cooking to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.

Registration
Sign up for an upcoming open house at https://go.umd.edu/LARCopenhouse

dcortez@umd.edu

You can play an active role in your healthcare. Attend this one hour program and receive a free workbook with easy tips that can help prepare for your appointment and talk to your doctor.

1/14/25           

Grain Budgeting - Simplified                   

This presentation is designed for producers and stakeholders interested in enhancing their decision-making processes. We'll focus on best budgeting practices via a walkthrough of our new grain budgeting website, which was designed to support improvements in planning and risk management practices. Additionally, we'll introduce our beta resource that tracks utility—and community-scale solar developments in Maryland.

Elizabeth Thilmany     

2/11/25

Setting Goals for your Farm Business

This webinar will guide you in setting clear, actionable goals to grow and sustain your farm business. Learn how to assess your farm's needs, set SMART goals, and create strategies to track progress. Perfect for farmers, families, and agribusiness owners ready to plan for the future.

Shannon Dill                                              

3/11/25                       

Small-scale berry production  

How to produce blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and other woody small fruits on small acreage (less than 10 acres). This talk is meant for anyone considering diversifying their farm by adding small fruits or just getting started growing small fruit. We'll be talking about the first steps to getting your planting going and how to take care of and manage your planting so you will continue to have a bountiful harvest for years to come.          

Haley Sater

4/8/25         

Leveraging Social Media and Consumer Insights to Boost Your Market Opportunities                    

This webinar will share insights from my research on consumer behavior and marketing practices in ornamental horticulture, offering practical strategies to explore and expand market opportunities by leveraging consumer insights and social media.

Xuan Wei  

5/13/25           

Nitrogen management in humid temperate climates   

The webinar will discuss the nitrogen cycle, pathways for nitrogen loss in cropping systems, and best management practices for conserving nitrogen. 

Sarah Hirsh    

6/10/25            NO WEBINAR                                     

7/8/25   

Pasture Renovation: Putting the Punch Back in Your Pastures  

Think your pasture may be in need of some renovation but aren't sure where to start? This presentation will provide an overview of the pasture renovation process, including how to determine if renovation is needed, different types of renovation, timing for renovation, and 10 steps for successful stand establishment.  

Amanda Grev

8/12/25            no webinar                                    

9/9/25  

Native Grasses 101     

A quick look at some of Maryland's underutilized native grasses, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into landscapes. Will also take a look at some non-native, invasive grasses that are ecologically harmful and their native alternatives.

Mikaela Boley

10/14/25           

Navigating Farm Family Finances          

Farm operations often juggle the business operation finances with the personal family finances. This workshop will provide an overview of a toolkit available designed for farmers to explore aspects of balancing personal finances.    

Jesse Ketterman & Carrie Sorenson   

11/11/25         

Understanding IPM Basics and developing an IPM plan

An overview of different IPM techniques and the best practices for implementing them, then how to develop an IPM plan for your specific growing operation as well as helpful resources

Hayden Schug

12/9/25     No Webinar   

The use of deicing salts and rising sea level is increasingly making our surface and ground water more saline. This issue has major implications on aquatic ecosystems and the numerous species that depend on them. In addition, increasing salinity can increase corrosion with subsequent infrastructure damage and releasing toxic metals in our drinking water. This webinar will discuss the impact of this issue, ways to reduce impacts and protect drinking water quality.

Wells are a significant source of drinking water for Americans. Well water is not regulated as are public water supplies, and therefore the well owner is responsible to test, if necessary, treat the water. This webinar will cover basic well design and types, wellhead protection measures, how to test your well and review basic water filtration.