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 

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!

Event: Pasture Walk at Grazy Days Family Farm
Date: September 21, 2026  |  Monday
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm  | Cost: Free, but registration is required.
Location: Grazy Days Family Farm, 12102 Coppermine Rd, Union Bridge, MD 21791
Description: Join University of Maryland Extension for an educational pasture walk at Grazy Days Family in Union Bridge, MD (Frederick county). Grazy Days Family Farm is a mother and daughter led farm raising 100% grass-fed lamb and local chestnuts. The farm focuses on regenerative agricultural practices, including grass-fed livestock production, promoting diversity throughout the farm, and integration of trees for silvopasture and fruit and nut production. Participants will have an opportunity to see and discuss several aspects of the operation, including: grazing management for grass-fed lamb production, establishment of trees for silvopasture, and diversifying with tree crop production. The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Agroforestry Specialist will also be on hand to answer questions related to technical and funding assistance available for agroforestry practice implementation.
Registration: https://go.umd.edu/pwSeptember

Event: Pasture Walk at Plow and Stars Farm
Date: August 6, 2026  |  Thursday
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm  | Cost: Free, but registration is required.
Location: Plow and Stars Farm, 14010 Montevideo Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837
Description: Join University of Maryland Extension, Future Harvest, and the Million Acre Challenge for an educational pasture walk at Plow and Stars Farm in Poolesville, MD (Montgomery county). Plow and Stars Farm raises grass-fed Katahdin lamb and poultry with a focus on diversified grazing and soil health practices. Participants will have an opportunity to see and discuss several aspects of the operation, including: multi-species grazing, virtual fencing, transitioning conventional grain fields to regenerative agriculture, and silvopasture. Key soil health practices will be discussed, including improved nutrient cycling from diverse manure sources, enhanced soil structure, and increased soil organic matter. The workshop will also feature a demonstration of the Maryland Soil Health Card to assess physical and biological indicators of soil health, and monitor the outcomes of soil management practices .
Registration: https://go.umd.edu/pwAugust

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!