Free

The LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program is accepting applications for the next group, Class XIV. Applications will be open through October 1, 2025, for participation in the program in 2026-27. Two "Introduction to LEAD" virtual sessions are available for those interested in applying to this class or a future class, and for those who would like to learn more about the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program. Program graduates will be available to share their experiences, including how tuition was paid, how they managed the time committment, and what participation meant to them.

The dates of the virtual information sessions:

September 3rd from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m.
September 15th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Earn a Certificate of Applied Agriculture at the University of Maryland, College Park. The IAA offers nine tracks to jump-start your career in agribusiness, sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, horticulture, landscaping, turfgrass management, or ag communications. Explore areas of study, financial aid and scholarships, world-class facilities, campus life, and more. Registration required!

Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay presents "From Bloom to Buzz: Protecting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects Amid Climate Change" by Madeline Potter. In this presentation, we will explore the vital connections between climate change, native plants, and the insects that sustain them. This talk highlights the crucial role pollinators and other beneficial insects play in ecosystem health and native plant survival. Learn about fascinating insect-plant relationships, the impacts of climate change on these species, and practical conservation actions you can take. From container gardens to larger green spaces, discover how to create and manage habitats that foster biodiversity and support beneficial insects in your own garden.

Madeline Potter is a Faculty Specialist in Entomology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Home and Garden Information Center. In this role, she educates the public and provides training to UME faculty and staff on insect conservation, sustainable pest management, and related topics. She also serves as the Faculty Lead for the Maryland Master Gardener Pollinators Subprogram.

Prior to her current position, Madeline was the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Horticulture Educator for UME in Howard County, MD, where she managed a team of over 170 volunteers and led numerous presentations, workshops, and outreach programs, reaching thousands of community members. She holds a B.S. in Sustainable Horticulture and an M.S. in Entomology, both from the University of Maryland, College Park. With over six years of experience in outreach and education, Madeline has also conducted research to support sustainable management strategies for invasive insect species.

Madeline is currently developing statewide resources and tools to support pollinator habitat certifications, recognition programs, and educational initiatives. A key goal of her work is to increase public awareness of Maryland’s diverse pollinator species—including bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, and moths—and their varied habitat needs. She is committed to creating inclusive, learner-centered educational experiences that connect people with science-based knowledge and empower them to take action for pollinator conservation.

"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 any other legally protected class."

Registration is required in advance for this meeting. For registration link, please visit:
https://chesapeakebay.wildones.org/events/?wo_event_id=10180

This informative and celebratory event is for ALL Faculty and Staff. We will have a wonderful time networking and have a special program for all of you. In addition to having a wonderful time, we would like to help our faculty, staff and students on campus experiencing food insecurity through the UMD Campus  Pantry .

Please join us to welcome Dean Powers to UMD and AGNR. There are several location and dates for you to join us at, check the calendar to see dates and location. Please register with link provided.

Please join us to welcome Dean Powers to UMD and AGNR. There are several location and dates for you to join us at, check the calendar to see dates and location. Please register with link provided.

Please join us to welcome Dean Powers to UMD and AGNR. There are several location and dates for you to join us at, check the calendar to see dates and location. Please register with link provided.

Please join us to welcome Dean Powers to UMD and AGNR. There are several location and dates for you to join us at, check the calendar to see dates and location. Please register with link provided.

Please join us to welcome Dean Powers to UMD and AGNR. There are several location and dates for you to join us at, check the calendar to see dates and location. Please register with link provided.

Wild bees play a critical role globally in pollination.  This presentation will examine wild bees generally, illustrating their characteristics, their importance in the food chain, and the challenges they currently face in this changing world.  As a group, we will discuss recommendations on how to support these key pollinators and how to make your landscapes more bee-friendly.