Public

Two more opportunities to attend Garden Educational Classes in Allegany County with UME Master Gardeners. 9/5/26 Native Plants for Landscaping and 10/3/26 Indoor Growing and Hydroponics, at Christ Lutheran Church Community Garden. 

Join UME Faculty for this Grow It Eat It Preserve It workshops at the Allegany County Library System locations. Learn canning, drying, and freezing basics; Hands-on, practical food preservation skills; Accessible and practical sessions for
beginners and experienced learners alike. 

Monday, Aug. 10 from 2:00 PM-4:30 PM - LaVale Library
Friday, Aug. 14 from 11:15 AM-1:45 PM - Westernport Library @121 Main
Friday, Aug. 21 from 9:30 AM-12:00 PM - Frostburg Library
Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 1:00 PM-3:30 PM - George’s Creek Library

More information and registration should be completed at the Allegany County Library System website calendar or by calling your local library branch. https://www.alleganycountylibrary.info/contact-us/

Calendar and Registration Links: https://allegany.librarymarket.com/events/month?keywords=Grow%20It%2C%20Eat%20It%2C%20Preserve%20It
 

Secure your spot for the Maryland Native Plant Society's 2026 Annual Conference

Co-Hosted with UMD Extension Maryland Native Plants Project and UMD Plant Science and Landscape Architecture Dept. 

• 2 day event | Sept. 12-13

• Meals included

• Presentations by native plant professionals 

• Native plant sale

• Field trips & workshops

• Optional add-on: Saturday evening dinner and presentations 

Register here: mdflora.org/fall-conference 

University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners of Charles County is giving a presentation on the proper and recommended techniques for turning over your garden between winter and planning time. Participants will learn a variety of Bay-Wise and sustainable gardening techniques that help prepare and care for next year's garden, because the gardening year truly begins in the fall. The program will highlight practical steps for putting gardens to bed for the winter while protecting the soil, pollinators, and setting the stage for a healthy productive spring.

Registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact us at westref@ccplonline.org or call (301) 645-1395.

Join University of Maryland Extension for a two-hour webinar exploring the various forms of retirement plans designed for small business owners.  It is extremely important to stay up to date on the constant changes to retirement plans. This webinar equips you to confidently guide small-business clients toward retirement plan decisions that align with their business operations. Presented by Mark Ribas, CPA, President and CEO of Pennsylvania Tax Institutes, Inc., and a retired IRS Internal Revenue Agent with 38 years of federal tax experience.

We will be hosting a hands-on session where you'll learn how to identify invasive plants both in the classroom and the field. This session will also cover the most effective ways to control the growth of these invasives in hopes to promote native plant communities in your woodland. It's a great chance to sharpen your skills, spend time outdoors, and create real change in your own forest! As a bonus you will leave with your own copy of Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas Field Guide for you to use on your own! Whether you're a beginner or just curious, this practical experience is both fun and informative. Don't miss out on getting your hands dirty and your eyes trained!

Learn how to construct habitats to shelter wildlife and create biodiversity for your garden. Wild creatures are always looking for accommodations such as bug snugs, toad abodes, insect hotels, hedgerows, and brush piles.

This introductory class covers the essentials of hydroponics and aquaponics, including nutrients, grow mediums, system types, and a bit of history. We'll explore the benefits, challenges, similarities, and differences of these systems. 

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a lightly fizzy, fermented tea made with tea, sugar, and a live culture known as a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The fermentation process creates a refreshing beverage that contains beneficial organic acids and live cultures.

During this class, you'll learn the science behind fermentation, proper brewing techniques, essential food safety practices, and how to confidently brew your own kombucha at home. Best of all, you'll leave with your very own Kombucha Brewing Kit so you can begin brewing right away! Come sip, learn, and ferment with us—we look forward to seeing you!

This event will be held in person and online via Zoom. Be sure to select the appropriate ticket!

Food Safety: Capture the Flavor Healthy Cooking with Herbs and Spices

Join us for a fun and informative online event where we'll explore the world of healthy cooking with herbs and spices! Learn how to enhance the flavor of your dishes while keeping them safe to eat. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, there's something for everyone in this session. Healthy Cooking using culinary herbs and spices!