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

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!

The Environmental Career & Internship Fair connects students with employers looking to hire for full-time and part-time jobs and internships in the fields of environmental policy, communication, and research, GIS, conservation, and sustainability. 

This event is open to all UMD students and alumni! Let us know you’re coming by registering on Handshake to receive event updates and review the employers who are participating.

We are still processing employer registrations, so please continue to check the list on Handshake as we get closer to the event. 

Are you curious about a career in environmental law? Join us for an engaging session with ENSP alum Jarryd Page, a staff attorney at the Environmental Law Institute. Jarryd will share insights into his career journey, provide a glimpse into his day-to-day work, and offer valuable advice for breaking into the field.

Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in an open Q&A—bring your questions and get them answered by an expert!

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. 

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!

September is Food Safety Awareness Month ! We Welcome you to our online event on Food Safety: Fall Food Safety, Nutrition and Wellness Tips! Join us on Thursday, September 3rd at 11:30 AM EDT to learn about how to keep your food safe and healthy this fall season. Our experts will share nutrition and wellness tips to help you make the most of your meals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and improve your well-being. Register now and get ready to dive into the world of food safety!