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July 5:
Independence Day (observed)
Office closed
August 4: Crops Twilight & Ice Cream Social |
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June 2021
Dear Friends and Clients,
I picked the first Zucchini out my garden last week, so it must be June. It's only a matter of time, and I'll be picking that first ripe Tomato, the true harbinger of summer. The Cicada's are winding down their 17 year life cycle and we will have to wait another 17 years to witness that again. A lot will happen in the 17 years that we can't begin to contemplate, but I can assure you that your University of Maryland Extension office will be here to answer all the Cicada questions!
The most exciting thing I have to share with you is on July 19th 2021, our office reopens to the public. It's been a long time since we have welcomed our clientele into our office with unfettered access. So please feel free to stop by and see us, we look forward to seeing you.
Finally, it's never too early to start thinking and preparing for the Anne Arundel County Fair. This year's fair will be held September 15th thru 19th. I can hardly wait!
Thanks from all of us and we hope to see you again soon!
Robert Baldwin
Acting Area Extension Director
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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.
While our offices are closed again for the health and safety of our faculty and staff, we are
always committed to meeting the needs our clientele and stakeholders to ensure that you have
the information 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.
- Access University of Maryland Extension Online Resources at: https://extension.umd.edu.
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Your Wellness-Inspired Summer Bucket List!
LaTasha Coleman, MD Snap-Ed Educator
As the school year comes to an end and summer begins, children are anticipating long, sun & fun filled days. Parents and caregivers can help students stay healthy and active while they are home on summer break by checking items off the bucket list below!
- Go picking at a local farm or attend a farmers' market. Visiting a local farm or Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market can be a fun activity that allows your child to see where their food comes from. Complete our Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt with your child!
- Visit a state park or walking trail. Take your child hiking along a local trail or state park- don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses for protection!
 - Create your own food art. Allow your child to create art they can eat! Making fun shapes and pictures out of dried fruits, nuts, and dips can be a fun way to try new foods. Try making "Ants on a Log" using cut celery, topped with peanut butter (or sun butter) and raisins!
- Simple picnics. A picnic in the backyard, park or even inside on a rainy day can be an exciting way to prepare and eat a meal with family.
- Make homemade popsicles. A cold popsicle always hits the spot! Combine your favorite fruit and yogurt in an ice cube tray to make mini popsicles. Try our Watermelon Pops or Fruit Slushie in a Bag recipes!
- Rainy day forts. On a rainy day, it can be hard to find fun things to do indoors. Making a fort out of furniture, blankets and pillows can be a creative way to get your child moving!
- Start a reading club. Find books at the local library that your child and friends would like to read together each week or month. Getting together to talk about the book is an enjoyable way for children to engage with each other.
Like, share, and subscribe to Maryland SNAP-Ed's social media sites for more wellness ideas: https://eatsmart.umd.edu/social-media.
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Master Gardener Coordinator's Corner
Nancy Allred, Interim Master Gardener Coordinator
Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners run plant clinics at various locations throughout the county. The goal of the clinics is to educate the public by assisting with the following:
- Plant, insect, and plant disease identification
- Weed and bad bug control using sound, sustainable horticultural practices
- Providing resources on various topics such as lawn care, actions for helping the Bay, and additional sources of information offered by the University of Maryland Extension
- Sharing knowledge on many horticultural topics including composting, vegetable and flower gardening, Bay-friendly gardening and lawn care practices
County Master Gardener volunteers are very enthusiastic and skilled in garden-related problem solving. They may not have an immediate answer to every question but they are willing to research and provide science-based information and resources. 
This summer Master Gardeners will conduct plant clinics, at the Annapolis (1410 West St.) and Crofton (1681 Riedel Rd.) public libraries. Hours will be from 10:00 am -1:00 pm on Saturdays starting in early July and run through October. There will also be a plant clinic at the Severna Park Farmer's Market, which is located at the Park and Ride, at the intersection of southbound Rt. 2 (Ritchie Hwy.) and Jones Station Road. This location began operation in early June.
If you bring a sample to a plant clinic, keep the following in mind. For plant identification or disease diagnosis, bring samples in a plastic bag, cut that morning if possible. If the sample is more than a day old, refrigerate it in a sealed bag to prevent decay. For accurate identification, keep leaves attached to stems and try to bring more than one sample. If the plant has flowers, fruits, nuts, pods, a cutting that includes them is helpful. For tree and shrub Identification, bring a small branch. Bring Insect damaged samples, showing evidence of the insect, its eggs, or frass (poop.) Always bag samples to prevent spread and even though the bug might not be visible, it may still be there. Photos are always helpful so take several, including the specimen in its larger surrounding and close up shots. Be prepared to describe the plant's growing conditions, for example - full sun, morning, or afternoon sun, full shade. Is the area dry, wet, or have average moisture conditions?
You can also access information about food gardening, insects and landscape management from the University of Maryland Extension's Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC).
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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. The class scheduled for this fall-winter is already full but we have started a waiting list for a spring class if we see the need. Call for more information!
Click here for more information.
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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 [email protected]."4-H makes the best better!" |
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Our Agronomy Experts are Here to Help
While 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: https://go.umd.edu/iKp
We are here to help you. Contact any of your Southern Maryland Agriculture Agents:
Alan Leslie
 301-542-7612 Ben Beale 301-481-7209 Dave Myers 410-980-1768
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Do you have a plant question? Pests in your house? Not happy with your lawn? The University of Maryland Home and
Garden Information Center can help. Visit their website:
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Agriculture & Natural Resources
Interested in agriculture? There are many agriculture resources available on our website.
Agriculture Newsletters
Agriculture Calendar of Events
For more information, please contact Dave Myers, Extension Educator, AGNR.
4-H offers plant and animal science programs for youth ages 8-18. See the 4-H website for more details. |
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Healthy Eating - Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
2 cups low-fat milk
½ cup raisins
1 Tablespoon of brown sugar
1 cup quick cooking or old fashion oats
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
½ teaspoon of cinnamon
Pour milk, brown sugar, oats, and raisins into a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the oats start to thicken. Put the chopped apple in a microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Microwave the apple for one minute or until it starts to soften a bit. When the oatmeal is thick and creamy add the cinnamon and stir. Pour the oatmeal into four serving bowls, top with the apples and serve.
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Area Extension Director Robert Baldwin, Acting AED
| Agriculture & Natural Resources
Dave Myers, Principal Agent
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Nutrient Management
Kayla Griffith, Nutrient Management Advisor
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Master Gardener Program
Nancy Allred, Interim Master Gardener Coordinator
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4-H Youth Development
Gretchen Sumbrum, Agent
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Food Supplement Nutrition Education Program
LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate
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Family and Consumer Sciences
Jeanette Jeffrey, Agent |  |
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