Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

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 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

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR. This session includes a general presentation about academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional visit to environmental science and fermentation science laboratories, as well as a visit to our on-campus farm!

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR. This session includes a general presentation on academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional tour of landscape architecture and plant sciences, and the unique opportunity to step onto UMD athletics fields to learn about turf management!

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR.  This session includes a general presentation about academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional visit to a wildlife ecology laboratory and then our on-campus farm.

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR. This session includes a general presentation on academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional visit to environmental science laboratories and a unique opportunity to step onto UMD athletics fields to learn about turf management!!

Join University of Maryland Extension for 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! Be prepared to walk in the woods with sunscreen, bug spray, and water. 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!

Learn about the fundamentals of Integrated Pest Management: A sustainable approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. From choosing ideal plants to common garden pests, the basics of IPM will be covered in this free, one-hour virtual class with Home Horticulture Educator Lexie Leeser. 

You are invited to attend the 2026 Wye Blueberry and Blackberry Twilight Tour on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Join University of Maryland Extension educators and specialists at the Wye Research & Education Center to learn about current blueberry and blackberry research and production practices. Participants will have the opportunity to taste fruit from our cultivar trials and compare varieties that may be suitable for commercial production or home plantings.

Dr. Kelly Hamby will discuss insect pest management strategies, including spotted wing drosophila management, and Dr. Mengjun Hu will provide updates on disease prevention and management in blueberries and blackberries.

The berry tasting will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by the tour and presentations from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Wye Research & Education Center is located at 124 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown, MD 21658.

This event is free, but registration is requested.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, don't hesitate to get in touch with Haley Sater at hsater@umd.edu or (301)226-7718 by June 11, 2026.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Haley Sater at hsater@umd.edu or (301)226-7718.

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.

The Dining with Diabetes program is offered as a series of four weekly classes and one follow up class after three months.

Mondays in June: 1, 8, 15, 22 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

*Follow up session: September 21

LOCATION:

Eastern Shore Area Health Center,  814 Chesapeake Drive, Cambridge, MD 21613

Each in-person session includes diabetes education and food tastings.

This program is led by Registered Dietitians and trained University of Maryland Extension Educators in consultation with Registered Dietitians.

*If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Lynn Matava at (301) 226-7713 or lmatava@umd.edu no later than 5/20/2026

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.

Learn what’s in your water—and what you can do about it. Join University of Maryland experts for a free, engaging webinar (via Zoom) on drinking water quality, including how to test your water and understand your results. Connect with researchers and UMD Extension Agents, and share your experiences. All are welcome! Register here.