Washington County

These are casual “get to know you" type events where we will share a meal and get to know each other. Participants will meet the new Frederick County Agriculture Extension Agent and network with fellow farmers and community members. We will discuss challenges, celebrate successes, share experiences, and learn from others. I will also share information about extension and provide some farm safety and farm stress resources. Small Scale farmers, beginning farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, and caregivers/family members are all welcome to attend! Here are the dates and locations:

• Coffee and Conversations for Veteran Farmers Saturday, August 22nd 9:30-11:30am: Twin Arch Tavern, Mount Airy, MD. (This one is a special veteran & military connected farmer/homesteader/gardener meetup to begin developing a statewide network).

   Veterans Event Registration

We also have two events for non veteran connected:

• Coffee and Conversations #1 Friday, July 24th 9-11am: Fox Haven Farm Jefferson, MD.

• Coffee and Conversations #2 Friday, August 21st 9-11am: Mountain Gate Family Restaurant Thurmont, MD.

  Register Here

This is a free event and breakfast will be provided, but space is limited. Please register in advance so we can get an accurate headcount. For inquiries or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate please contact Sara Kidd by July 10th for the Jefferson Event and August 10th for the Thurmont and Mount Airy events at skkidd@umd.edu or 301-600-3577

I would greatly appreciate it if you could forward this information to your networks or include it in your newsletter if you feel it's relevant!

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

This session will cover the 8 keystone habits of the Bay-Wise Living Landscape Metric, and tell you more about steps involved in getting your landscape certified as Bay-Wise.

Many counties, and Baltimore city, around the state start our Master Gardener basic training together in February. Curious what the basic training, and all else that becoming a Master Gardener entails? This session will cover all that and more. If you're interested in becoming a Master Gardener, this is your chance to learn all about it.

Join University of Maryland Extension for an educational pasture walk with Maryland Solar Grazing Solutions in Hagerstown, MD (Washington county).

This pasture walk will feature a unique opportunity to tour an active solar site where sheep are being grazed for vegetation management. Business owners Sara and Joseph Kidd specialize in grazing Katahdin sheep on solar arrays and raise and sell lambs for market. They will share their story and discuss the pros and cons of grazing sheep under solar panels.

Sponsored by University of Maryland Extension

University of Maryland Extension 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. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

The University of Maryland Extension offers a free weekly, expert-backed program series designed specifically for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's, covering critical topics such as communication in dementia care, healthcare in senior years, managing someone else's money, The MIND diet - boosting brain power with food, food poisoning prevention and rest and relief for caregivers.

Multiple date options:

1. Option 1: Six sessions running April 2, 9 & 16 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

2. Option 2: Six sessions running May 6, 13, 20 10 am - noon

Join University of Maryland Extension, Maryland DNR Forest Service, and the Maryland Chapter of the American Tree Farm System for a guided walk through Don and Linda Grove's tree farm.

Owned since 1968, this 75-acre forested parcel is managed by Don and Linda Grove for multiple goals, including wildlife, timber, hunting, and conservation demonstrations. Learn about how the property owners have utilized cost-sharing programs, conservation easements, and the American Tree Farm System to help achieve their ownership goals.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Sponsored by University of Maryland Extension. Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required.

University of Maryland Extension 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. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity please contact Daniel Pratson (dpratson@umd.edu; 301-226-7577) at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Event Type: FARMER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Date & Time: February 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Location: Washington County Extension Office, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Description: Exam day for participants to review and submit their first nutrient management plan (NMP) to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026

Date & Time: February 20, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: Hybrid (Zoom or In-Person)

Location: Zoom or select Extension office
Dorchester County Extension Office: 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613
Washington County Extension Office: 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Description: Third and final day of hybrid training for Maryland producers to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP) using NuMan Pro. Participants may attend via Zoom or in person.

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026

Date & Time: February 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: Hybrid (Zoom or In-Person)

Location: Zoom or select Extension office
Washington County Extension Office: 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Dorchester County Extension Office: 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613

Description: Second day of hybrid training for Maryland producers to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP) using NuMan Pro. Participants may attend via Zoom or in person.

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026

Date & Time: February 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Format: Hybrid (Zoom or In-Person)

Location: Zoom or select Extension office
Washington County Extension Office: 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Dorchester County Extension Office: 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613

Description: First day of hybrid training for Maryland producers to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP) using NuMan Pro. Participants may attend via Zoom or in person.

Registration: https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026