Optimize Urban Environments

For many gardeners, few winter pleasures rival the joy of leafing through seed catalogs, imagining the colors, scents, and harvests to come. That sense of anticipation will be in full bloom at this year’s annual Seed Swap, where community members are invited to browse, share, and take home seeds for the upcoming growing season.

From unique varieties of herbs to beloved annual flowers and coveted, prize-winning tomatoes, the event will offer a generous selection of seed packets. Attendees don’t need to bring seeds to participate, but those with extra or leftover packets are encouraged to contribute. Organizers ask that all donated seeds be clearly labeled so fellow gardeners know exactly what they’re receiving.

The Seed Swap provides both novice and seasoned growers an opportunity to expand their gardens and enhance their landscapes at no cost. Seeds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, making early arrival a smart strategy for those looking for specific varieties.

Whether you’re planning your first container garden or dreaming of a full backyard harvest, the Seed Swap invites everyone to share in the excitement and promise of a new growing season. This program is sponsored by the Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners volunteers and our generous sponsors.

Seed Swap Dates:

Saturday, March 7, 2026
10 am to noon
Queen Anne’s County Library-Kent Island Branch (200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666)

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6 pm to 7:30 pm
Queen Anne’s County Library-Centreville Branch (121 S. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617)

For further information, please call or make reasonable accommodations to participate in these events email the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County, Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator, Rachel J. Rhodes, at 410-758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by February 21, 2026 the events or see us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/QueenAnnesCountyMasterGardeners

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

For many gardeners, few winter pleasures rival the joy of leafing through seed catalogs, imagining the colors, scents, and harvests to come. That sense of anticipation will be in full bloom at this year’s annual Seed Swap, where community members are invited to browse, share, and take home seeds for the upcoming growing season.

From unique varieties of herbs to beloved annual flowers and coveted, prize-winning tomatoes, the event will offer a generous selection of seed packets. Attendees don’t need to bring seeds to participate, but those with extra or leftover packets are encouraged to contribute. Organizers ask that all donated seeds be clearly labeled so fellow gardeners know exactly what they’re receiving.

The Seed Swap provides both novice and seasoned growers an opportunity to expand their gardens and enhance their landscapes at no cost. Seeds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, making early arrival a smart strategy for those looking for specific varieties.

Whether you’re planning your first container garden or dreaming of a full backyard harvest, the Seed Swap invites everyone to share in the excitement and promise of a new growing season. This program is sponsored by the Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners volunteers and our generous sponsors.

Seed Swap Dates:

Saturday, March 7, 2026
10 am to noon
Queen Anne’s County Library-Kent Island Branch (200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666)

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6 pm to 7:30 pm
Queen Anne’s County Library-Centreville Branch (121 S. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617)

For further information, please call or make reasonable accommodations to participate in these events email the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County, Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator, Rachel J. Rhodes, at 410-758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by February 21, 2026 the events or see us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/QueenAnnesCountyMasterGardeners

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

This session will explore PV system sizing, installation steps, and maintenance requirements. It will cover contractor selection, permitting, and long-term upkeep for residential and agricultural solar projects. It is the sixth webinar in the 2025-2026 Solar Energy Webinar Series, which introduces key topics in solar energy for Maryland residents and professionals. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

This session will explore Maryland’s solar policies, permitting requirements, and zoning considerations for PV development. Topics include the Renewable Portfolio Standard, net metering, CPCN, interconnection, and legal issues such as nuisance claims. It is the fifth webinar in the 2025-2026 Solar Energy Webinar Series, which
introduces key topics in solar energy for Maryland residents and professionals. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.
 

This session will explore how to integrate battery storage with solar PV systems, including sizing, economics, and key considerations for residential, farm, and commercial applications. It is the fourth webinar in the 2025-2026 Solar Energy Webinar Series, which introduces key topics in solar energy for Maryland residents and professionals. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

Join us as Andi Pupke, Education Director with Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage, as we learn about enriching our landscapes to create monarch habitat. This interactive class will discuss selecting the best plants to provide habitat throughout the growing season. This event is free and open to the public.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office, Rachel Rhodes (410) 758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by February 5, 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.

This session will cover design fundamentals for solar energy systems, including site assessment, system sizing, and planning considerations for residential and agricultural applications. It is the third webinar in the Fall 2025 Solar Energy Webinar Series, which introduces key topics in solar energy for Maryland residents and professionals. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

This session will explain the fundamentals of solar PV technology, including energy conversion, system components, and performance considerations. It is the second webinar in the Fall 2025 Solar Energy Webinar Series, which introduces key topics in solar energy for Maryland residents and professionals. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

This session will explore Maryland’s solar market, including current incentives, economic drivers, and emerging opportunities for homes, farms, and businesses. It is the first webinar in the Fall 2025 Solar Energy Webinar Series, which introduces key topics in solar energy for Maryland residents and professionals. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

Native plants are the foundation of healthy and biodiverse ecosystems. Native plants occur naturally in a habitat, have co-evolved with other species, and have adapted to physical conditions over time. Join Mikaela Boley, UME Educator, as she walks us through the ins and outs of adding native plants to our gardens.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office, Rachel Rhodes (410) 758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu

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.