Solutions in Your Community

Anne Arundel County UME Newsletter

February 2022


Dear Friends and Clients,


We seem to still be in the phase of "the weather outside is frightful" on this cold, rainy day but I know it is only Mother Nature playing games with us. As the weather takes a more seasonal turn towards spring and summer may we all be more appreciative of the new season and new hope. As the days grow longer each day, they bring with them the eternal hope of new growth and life and perhaps, a welcome goodbye to 2021. This has been a difficult year with Covid reappearing and disappearing and now potentially reappearing again in a new form. We are also adjusting to the idea that our peaceful world may be disrupted again by political anger and strife.


I try to remember that I can always have some impact, albeit it very small, by trying to appreciate and share the world within my vision with those around me. Remember that as difficult as our lives may be, there are many others who are in much more dire straits who need and would appreciate our help.


Wishing you and your families a peaceful and productive spring season.


Best regards,

Karol Westelinck Dyson

Area Extension Director

We're still in business, but with some differences!!

For well over 100 years, University of Maryland Extension has fulfilled its mission of delivering science-based education to Maryland citizens and communities.


Our office resumed normal operations on Monday, July 19, 2021 and we welcome all clientele and stakeholders.


We understand that some people are still very cautious and we are always committed to meeting the needs of our clientele and stakeholders to ensure that you have the information and assistance you need to protect your families, farms, and communities.


  • Call or email us: We will continue to answer your questions and provide the resources you need.


  • Field visits: We will continue to conduct on-site field visits for diagnosis of production issues.



Mark Your Calendar!

Crop Sustainability & IPM Workshop

March 8, 2022

6:00-9:00 PM

Anne Arundel UME / ZOOM

REGISTER ONLINE



Office closures:

April 15: Good Friday

For 15 years, the Four Rivers Heritage Area of Anne Arundel County has been celebrating Maryland's birthday weekend by telling the diverse stories of the history and cultures in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Family friendly events will take place at over 20 Anne Arundel County locations during the weekend of March 25-27, 2022. This article will highlight the efforts of University of Maryland Master Gardener volunteers at three of these sites. Spring’s arrival offers a great opportunity to explore our county’s cultural resources and learn about Master Gardener’s significant community impact.

The Chase Lloyd House located at 22 Maryland Avenue in Annapolis features lovely gardens that contain ornamental, native and vegetable plantings. Visitors learn how native plants and vegetables can blend into an established landscape creating biodiversity and supporting sustainable horticultural Bay-Wise practices, such as conserving water, composting and creating habitats for wildlife. There is a garden composting information station and self-guided tour of the garden. Master Gardeners are available to answer questions. Visit the gardens on Friday and Saturday, March 25 & 26, from 10 am – 4 pm.

Consider a visit to Hancock’s Resolution Historic Farm Park located at 2795 Bayside Beach Road in Pasadena on Saturday, March 26, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm or on Sunday, March 27 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Visit the 1785 stone farmhouse, outbuildings, graveyard and grounds. The newly constructed barn/visitor center will be open with displays and artifacts related to Anne Arundel County’s truck farming past. Master Gardener volunteers tend the kitchen and dooryard gardens, which contain plants for food preparation, medicinal use, clothing dyes, and other household uses. In addition, there will be a virtual panel discussion on European and African American Truck Farmers and Picker’s Checks held on Friday, March 25, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/panel-discussion-on-african-american-and-european-american-truck-farming-tickets-244819952067

Finally, Linthicum Walks located at 2295 Davidsonville Road in Gambrills will offer tours of the historic farm home and property, including the home’s interior, arboretum, and family cemetery. Master Gardeners tend the gardens and provide environmental education through signage, tours and events. The goal of the project is to demonstrate sustainable gardening practices, the importance of pollinators, and the ecological importance of native plants.


To find out more about these and other Master Gardener Projects, visit https://extension.umd.edu/locations/anne-arundel-county/master-gardener-program/master-gardener-projects or contact Interim Master Gardener Coordinator Nancy Allred at NAllred@umd.edu or call 410-222-3900.

Good Morning Farmer!

The University of Maryland Extension will host Good Morning, Farmer! an online gathering place where farmers can discuss topics of interest, learn from experts and provide support through community fellowship.


GMF Winter/Spring Sessions 8:00-9:00 a.m. in ZOOM:


  • March 16, 2022 – GMO Agriculture: Where are we going?
  • April 13, 2022 – IPM: How to make it work on your farm?


More sessions are being planned, stay tuned!



REGISTER ONLINE

Join Anne Arundel County 4-H

Did you visit the Anne Arundel County Fair this year? Did you wonder what in the world 4-H is all about? Do you have children between 8 and 18 or know someone who does? If so, it's easy to learn more! Visit our website or email the the Anne Arundel County 4-H office at gsumbrum@umd.edu."4-H makes the best better!"

Become an Anne Arundel County Master Gardener

Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Master Gardeners are a group of gardening enthusiasts who are passionate about gardening, education, and volunteering in their community. The curriculum is presented by University of Maryland Extension faculty and trained Master Gardeners.



Click here for more information.

Our Agronomy Experts are Here to Help

When our offices are closed, we are still working to provide assistance.


  • Call or email us: We continue to answer questions and conduct field research to deliver the resources you need.


  • Field visits: If needed and following social distancing protocol, we continue to conduct on-site field visits for diagnosis of production issues.



  • Online Resources: We are expanding online learning available at the websites below. Find online pesticide and nutrient voucher recertification here: Upcoming programs

We are here to help you. Contact any of your Southern Maryland Agriculture Agents:


Alan Leslie

301-542-7612

aleslie@umd.edu

https://extension.umd.edu/charles-county


Ben Beale

301-481-7209

bbeale@umd.edu

https://extension.umd.edu/locations/st-marys-county


Dave Myers

410-980-1768

myersrd@umd.edu

https://extension.umd.edu/locations/anne-arundel-county

Healthy Eating - Veggie Quesadillas

1 zucchini, washed and chopped

½ broccoli head, washed and chopped

1 green bell pepper, washed, seeded, and chopped

1 small onion, peeled and chopped

1 carrot, washed and shredded

4 whole wheat or corn tortillas

1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

½ cup salsa

Cooking oil spray


Spray pan with cooking oil spray. Cook vegetables on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Remove vegetables from pan. Place one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle with half of the vegetables and half of the cheese. Place the other tortilla on top. Cook on medium heat for 4-6 minutes or until the cheese starts to melt and the bottom tortilla starts to brown. Flip quesadilla. Cook for 4 minutes more and remove from pan. Repeat steps 3-5 for the other quesadilla. Cut each quesadilla in half. Serve with salsa.



Source: extension.umd.edu/programs/family-consumer-sciences/snap-ed/eat-smart

Area Extension Director

Karol Dyson, AED

kdyson1@umd.edu or 410-222-3900

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Dave Myers, Principal Agent

myersrd@umd.edu or 410-222-3906

Nutrient Management

Catherine Oberfield, Nutrient Management Advisor

catoberf@umd.edu or 410-222-3906

Master Gardener Program

Nancy Allred, Interim Master Gardener Coordinator

nallred@umd.edu or 410-222-3906

4-H Youth Development

Gretchen Sumbrum, Agent

gsumbrum@umd.edu or 410-222-3900

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed)

LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate

lcolema4@umd.edu or 410-222-3903

University of Maryland Extension

Anne Arundel County Office

97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD 21054

410-222-3900

extension.umd.edu/anne-arundel-county