Free

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, and equestrians are all welcome to attend! Here are the dates and locations:

• 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

• 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

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

Meet with members of our faculty to discuss our programs. You will have an opportunity to ask questions.

The Master of Extension Education features a multidisciplinary program with core courses focused on the extension principles shaping needs assessment, program development, evaluation, nonformal education, and social science research methodology as well as a suite of supportive elective courses in a variety of extension specialty areas. Graduates with Extension education experiences are prepared for dynamic careers in secondary and post-secondary education, non-profits, government, and leadership roles in enterprise.
 

Join us for Moth Night 2026 on Friday, September 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Constitution Park, Pavilion 6, Cumberland, MD. This evening event will feature crafts, moth education, and moth watching, offering a fun opportunity for all ages to learn more about these fascinating nighttime pollinators. To register, visit https://go.umd.edu/UMEMothNight2026.

Learn which plants produce easy to save seeds; how to know when seeds are mature to harvest; best practices for cleaning, drying and storing seeds; and which seeds are best to save and which to avoid. 

Share what your grow! Participants are encouraged to donate a portion of self saved seeds to any Allegany County Library location at their free seed library. 

University 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 other legally protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate any program or event, please contact our office, at least two weeks prior, at 301-724-3320.

This event will highlight fall-blooming, pollinator-friendly native perennials as well as herbs and cool-season vegetable plants, such as spinach and lettuce, that can go straight into the ground or containers and yield a harvest well into the fall. Attendees will also find fall mums and a variety of Master Gardener-donated plants from which to choose.

You’ll have a chance to take home a variety of plants and chat with a group of friendly, knowledgeable gardeners eager to share their passion. Have a question about your yard or garden? Stop by the “Ask a Master Gardener” Plant Clinic, where University of Maryland Extension–trained volunteers will be ready to help with advice on flowers, fruits, vegetable gardens, and plants that attract wildlife such as songbirds, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event or activity, please contact the University of Maryland Extension Kent County at 410-778-1661, option 6, on or by Friday, September 4, 2026.

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
 

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.

Curious about where a career in food science could take you? Join us for an exciting panel discussion featuring professionals from the field! Learn about their career paths, day-to-day experiences, and get advice on how to break into the industry. Whether you're interested in product development, food safety, research, or sustainability, this event is perfect for students looking to explore career opportunities in food science.

Bring your questions for the Q&A and discover your next steps in this dynamic field!