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Solutions in Your Community
Anne Arundel County UME Newsletter
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Is it July yet? Somehow the seasons fly by and here we are on our way to September! So many of our programs seem to arrive in a flash and then are gone and we are already planning for the next year; but so many of our best plans come from interaction with our clientele, fellow agencies, and University of Maryland colleagues and contacts.
Speaking of September, we all love the thought of fall, county fairs, campfires and so many other activities that remind us of past times. We are very lucky in Anne Arundel county to have the best of new technologies and activities while continuing to explore wonders still unknown. I hope that you will take time to value and appreciate the special qualities of Anne Arundel, from the wineries, to the farmers' markets to the great variety of wildlife and farm animals that are throughout our land. Even with all of the technology, landscapes and seascapes, Anne Arundel is never boring or dull. There is a new adventure around every corner. Have a great late summer and early fall!
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Karol Westelinck Dyson
Area Extension Director
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4-H Happenings
Gretchen Sumbrum, Agent
4-H Youth Development
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4-H Summer Residential Camp | |
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Over 100 youth and adult volunteers spent a week at AAC 4-H Camp in Western Maryland. The temperatures were cooler and it rained almost daily, yet that did not stop us from having a great time. The photo collage captures some highlights.
Archery: Practicing for the Golden Arrow.
Kickball: Yes, that’s an umbrella. Even rain can’t stop camp fun!
T-Shirt signing: Campers made tie-dyed shirts, which were signed by all on the last day.
Water Sports: Canoes, Kayaks, and Qwarkles. Half the fun is keeping your balance.
Carnival Night: Tickets were collected playing games so campers could “paint” the teen staff.
Chalk Time: Portraits of our Nation Leaders completed during art time.
Nature: So many beautiful things to see - a butterfly on the bush.
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Anne Arundel County Fair is Coming & 4-H is Looking for Volunteers | |
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Judges Needed: Monday, September 12th. We are looking for adults to assist in judging youth 4-H projects in all categories such as gardening, crafts, photography, baking, and more. Instructions & materials will be provided, we ask for a minimum of one hour. You do NOT need to be a 4-H volunteer, all are welcome.
Set-up: Tuesday, September 13th. Come help us set up the Indoor 4-H Exhibits. View the amazing work our 4-H’ers are doing while getting the area ready for the public to walk through. Again, a simple 1 hour commitment can make a huge difference!
For additional details and/or to rsvp for a time on either day, please contact Joy Sim at jsim@umd.edu.
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Ways for High School Students to Become
Involved in Agriculture
Makayla Kret, Extension Intern
University of Maryland
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As students enter high school, they begin exploring their career interests. Finding ways to become involved in your field of interest can be difficult, especially for those who are interested in agriculture. High school is the perfect time for agriculture students to become involved as much as they can.
One way to become involved in agriculture as a high school student is through the 4-H program. The 4-H youth development program is for children and youth. Clovers are ages 5-8, and members are ages 8-18. The 4-H program is organized into several different clubs that allow you to explore and find what you are interested in. Clubs cover the topics of animal science, agriculture, business, gardening, and many more! Students in 4-H are given opportunities to solve hands-on problems on their own, gain new knowledge, network, travel to new places, and so much more. One way that members can learn hands-on is through their 4-H projects. They are usually one year long and on a topic in which the student is interested. There are many more opportunities in 4-H for you to grow and acquire essential skills for success in your career. Click here to explore and join Anne Arundel County 4-H.
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Another great way for high school students to become involved in Ag is the Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA). The FFA is an organization that provides youth with leadership and personal development opportunities for successful careers in agriculture.
Students will learn these skills through hands-on agricultural education, networking, and classroom instruction. Youth members of this organization range from grades seven through twelve and college. FFA chapters are located right in your school classrooms. If you do not have an FAA chapter in your school, you may be able to enroll in a chapter elsewhere. The FFA currently has 8,817 chapters in all 50 states. Click here to find a chapter located near you. This organization also provides students with scholarship opportunities for students wishing to further their education! To learn more about the FAA, visit their website here.
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If you are planning to attend college after high school, the University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) is a great institution to continue your education in agriculture. The IAA is a two-year 60-credit certificate program within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland. They currently offer nine program tracks which are Agriculture Business Management, Ag Leadership and Communication, Sustainable Ag, Environmental Stewardship, Ornamental Horticulture, Landscape Management, Golf Course Management, and Sports Turf Grass Management. At the IAA students can gain entrepreneurial and leadership skills through hands-on learning. Being a student at the IAA allows you to network with many professionals/ experts in the agriculture field. This is a great way to learn about jobs that are hiring in your field of interest or spark a mentorship with an expert in your field. If you are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree, IAA students are able to transfer to the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to study any major of their choice. Learn more about or apply to the IAA here.
There are many opportunities for high school students interested in agriculture to become involved. Any student thinking about pursuing a career in agriculture should get involved in as many ways as they can.
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Many Hands Makes Light Work! | |
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On Monday, September 12th, 2022, Anne Arundel County 4-H Youth Development needs adults (minimum 1 hour) sometime between 2:00 and 8:00 pm to assist in judging youth 4-H projects at the Anne Arundel County Fair. Bring only yourself, instructions & materials will be given to you when you arrive. Please rsvp for a time, contact Joy Sim at jsim@umd.edu.
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Join Anne Arundel County 4-H | |
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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 gsumbrum@umd.edu."4-H makes the best better!"
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Become an Anne Arundel County Master Gardener | |
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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.
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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.
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Online Resources: We are expanding online learning available at the websites below. Find online pesticide and nutrient voucher recertification here: Upcoming programs
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Healthy Eating - Cauliflower "Fried Rice" | |
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1 medium head cauliflower, rinsed
Cooking spray, or 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 large eggs, beaten
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
½ small onion, diced fine
½ cup fresh or frozen peas and carrots
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 scallions, diced, whites and greens separated
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
Shred cauliflower florets using the largest side of a grater or finely chop with knife to the size and texture of rice. Heat a large sauté pan or wok over medium heat and spray or coat with oil. Add eggs and cook, turning a few times until set; set aside. Add sesame oil and sauté onions, scallion whites, peas and carrots, and garlic about 3-4 minutes or until soft. Raise heat to medium-high. Add cauliflower to the pan along with the soy sauce. Mix, cover, and cook approximately 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until cauliflower is slightly crispy on the outside, but tender inside. Add eggs and remove from heat. Mix in scallion greens.
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Agriculture & Natural Resources
Dave Myers, Principal Agent
myersrd@umd.edu or 410-222-3906
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Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management Advisor
410-222-3906
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Master Gardener Program
Rachel Carey, Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator
careyr@umd.edu or 410-222-3906
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed)
LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate
lcolema4@umd.edu or 410-222-3903
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