Environment & Natural Resources

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1053870100
Directed by Ian Cheney for the Wonder Collaborative
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Film Background: At the height of the pandemic, many scientists were concerned about how their work had become so divisive and how public trust in science had eroded. At the same time, many admitted that the very things that first drew them to science—the joy of discovery, the awe of understanding the world, the endless curiosity—had been overshadowed by the pressures of grants and career demands. With that in mind, the producers wanted to make a film that speaks to this moment and honors science in a way that reconnects it to the broader human experience?

They set out to celebrate an activity essential to both research and humanity itself: observation. The goal was not to lecture but to invite dialogue, to honor scientific inquiry without demanding that there is only one path to knowledge. In short, this is an experiment, in science filmmaking at some level, but more generally in creating community around the instincts that guide us all. And that’s why Observer does not end with the final credits. Part of the experiment is finding new ways to take it out into the world to learn from all of those willing to share their powers of observation.

The film screening will be followed by a brief, guided group activity in which viewers become the Observers.

From planning to pruning, mistakes can be made when landscaping.  Advice from a Pro?  The more you know, the better it will go!

Join the Cecil County Master Gardeners at their annual Plant Swap!  Bring plants in containers labeled with:  plant name, care instructions, and growing conditions.  Plants should be pest/disease free and have a good root system.  PLEASE DO NOT bring invasive plants to swap.

University of Maryland celebrates Ag Day 100 at Maryland Day on Saturday, April 26! 

Visit Ag Day Avenue to make new friends at the Campus Farm, grab a plant, discover innovative research, meet student clubs, enjoy live music, try our special Ag Day ice cream, check-out our recently planted tree, and much more as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the original Ag Day! Plus, there will be a special opening ceremony at the farm at 9:30am. 

A 3-part series on the Maryland Bay-Wise Program.  Through this three-part educational series, you will learn how to maintain environmentally-sound gardens and yards by using sustainable gardening practices that improve water quality and conserve natural resources for future generations.  Session Dates:  April 15, August 19, and November 18, 2025.  All sessions start at 6:30 PM.

Learn simple steps to create a colorful pollinator-friendly landscape around your home.  LEARN ABOUT :  pollination and its importance, the many different pollinators, and the colors that attract pollinators.

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.

THIS PRESENTATION WILL INCLUDE:  Getting a jumpstart on plants for your spring and summer garden, Interpreting seed catalogs, choosing the best seeds to start under lights, and a 
Question & Answer session.

Discover how to turn any green space-- big or small-- into a thriving haven for pollinators! Join entomologist and University of Maryland Extension Faculty Specialist Madeline Potter to explore the fascinating world of Maryland's local pollinators and the critical role native plants play in supporting them. From container gardens on your balcony to expansive pollinator gardens, you'll learn practical, climate-resilient strategies to provide year-round support for these essential animals. Get inspired to make a difference and help sustain our local ecosystems. Let's work together to create vibrant, pollinator-friendly landscapes!

The University of Maryland Extension and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will host an all-day workshop focusing on fruits, insects, and management on Wednesday, February 19th, at the Wye Research and Education Center, 124 Wye Narrows Drive in Queenstown.