Environment & Natural Resources

The AFA Leaders Conference is a 4-day experience in Kansas City, MO where you'll have the opportunity to learn from and connect with industry leaders in ag, animal, and food, meet students from across the country, and develop essential professional skills. AFA cover the majority of costs associated with participation and a travel stipend application is available to all interested AGNR students. 

Spend some time working on your application for AFA Leaders Conference with the UMD AFA Ambassador and AGNR career services program director. We'll be there to answer questions and offer advice on completing the application, plus answer any questions you may have about the experience.

Bonus: free pizza!

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. 

Bring a little more green into your life with this fun and beginner-friendly introduction to houseplant care! Learn the basics of watering, lighting, fertilizing, soil mixes, and pest prevention while discovering how to help your plants truly thrive. Whether you’re brand new to houseplants or looking to grow your confidence as a plant parent, this class will give you practical tips for creating a happy indoor jungle.

Learn the best time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs. We will study their branching patterns and learn where and how to prune. We will also discuss the proper time to prune flowering shrubs that will encourage greater flowering!

To help native bees and other pollinators, your garden must meet their basic needs for food, water, shelter and a healthy place to raise their young. The Master Gardeners’ Pollen-Aiders Program recognizes homeowners whose pollinator gardens meet these needs by giving them a free sign and including them in the Pollen-Aiders Alumni. Learn about the Pollen-Aiders program, how to qualify for a free sign and become a Pollen-Aiders alumni member.

Learn to harvest, clean, and store seeds from your best-performing plants to build a self-sustaining garden. You’ll leave with the skills to preserve various varieties and stop depending solely on commercial suppliers!

Join poultry producers, industry professionals, educators, and vendors for the 2026 Commercial Poultry Expo on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Somerset County Agricultural & Civic Center in Princess Anne, Maryland.

This annual event brings together the latest in poultry production through:

• Educational programs
• Industry vendors and tradeshow exhibits
• Networking opportunities
• Lunch included with registration
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Whether you're looking to discover new technologies, connect with experts, or learn about the latest developments in the poultry industry, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Attendee registration is now open! Vendor spaces are also available.

Join the Talbot County Master Gardeners for a hands-on workshop about saving seeds from the garden, how to store them. Learn seed saving techniques and more about our local Seed Library.

If you require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Talbot Extension Office at 410-822-1244 or mboley@umd.edu by August 7th.

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR. This session includes a general presentation about academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional visit to environmental science and fermentation science laboratories, as well as a visit to our on-campus farm!