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Youngest 4-H'ers Start 2025 with New Adventures
Mikayla Johnson
4-H Program Assistant
mdiane@umd.edu
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4-H Clover Nights are the perfect way for young children, ages 5-7, to explore, create, and learn in a fun and exciting environment. These special nights are all about fostering curiosity, creativity, and social growth in the 4-H Clovers. With hands-on activities and new experiences around every corner, Clover Nights give kids the chance to dive into different topics, make memories, and build skills that will last a lifetime. | |
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Back in January, our little Clovers got a taste of paleontology! They read the inspiring story of Mary Anning, the first female paleontologist, and learned about the incredible world of fossils.
After hearing about Mary’s discoveries, the kids got to be paleontologists themselves by excavating fossils—just like the pros! It was an amazing way to get them excited about science, history, and the groundbreaking women in STEM.
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Then, in February, Clover Night took on a heartwarming theme for Valentine’s Day. Instead of just making cards, the kids dove into "Maribel’s Missing Valentine," a story about kindness in the community. They learned how to show care for others, embracing the values of empathy and compassion. To top it off, they had a blast creating their very own "lovebug" crafts—adorable little creatures that added a fun and creative twist to the evening. It was a perfect way to teach the importance of kindness, all while celebrating the season of love!
Looking ahead, our next Clover Night will be an exciting introduction to the 4-H program itself. The kids will get to learn about the meaning behind the 4-H Clover and the values it represents—Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Through fun activities, they’ll start to understand what it means to be part of the 4-H family and what the program stands for. It’s the perfect chance to get them excited about all the future adventures and opportunities that 4-H has to offer.
At 4-H Clover Nights, kids not only build new skills and discover their interests, but they also experience the joy of learning in a supportive and engaging environment. Whether they’re uncovering fossils, exploring kindness, or diving into the world of 4-H, every night offers meaningful experiences that will stick with them as they grow. We can’t wait to see even more kids join in the fun and discover all the exciting adventures that Clover Nights have in store!
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Spring is Coming! Get Ready Now! | |
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With the weather we’ve been having lately, it’s hard to imagine that spring is right around the corner. However, the arrival of new calves and lambs signals that the next season is on the horizon. That said, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter, which means there’s still time to tackle some winter planning before the busy growing season begins.
Now is a great time to review and refine your farm plans. Consider checking soil test results, updating planting schedules, servicing equipment, or reviewing grazing plans. If you noticed a problem in your fields last year with fungal diseases such as Fusarium Wilt, Pythium root rot, and Crown Rot, it may be a good idea to rotate out of that field to prevent disease build-up and allow time for soil-borne pathogens to decline.
Some diseases can persist in the soil for years, so incorporating cover crops, improving drainage, or adjusting tillage practices may also help reduce future outbreaks. If you are planting row crops, there are resistant and less susceptible cultivars available that may help prevent or at least reduce disease severity. In vegetable crops, you may be able to switch out of a susceptible family, i.e., cucurbits, into one that is not susceptible to the specific pathogen.
If you’re looking for guidance on spring preparations, the University of Maryland Extension offers resources and programs to help farmers optimize their operations. I am co-hosting an Integrated Pest Management Webinar every third Thursday of the month from
noon–1 pm, where specialists will discuss challenges farmers are currently facing and solutions they can implement. Sign up for the agricultural newsletter for updates on upcoming workshops, field days, and webinars designed to support your farm as we transition into the growing season.
Spring will be here before we know it, so use these last weeks of winter to finalize plans and set yourself up for success in the months ahead. Nutrient management plans should be consulted and updated if they are going to be out of date this year. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the local Extension office.
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University of Maryland Extension (UME) is offering resources to assist farmers and landowners who received incorrect 1099-G forms that contain social security numbers and addresses of other people. Protecting the financial privacy and security of Maryland residents is one of UME’s top priorities, with educators committed to providing the necessary resources to navigate this issue.
Here is the official link to the notice from the Comptroller of Maryland. To help those affected, UME has compiled a range of resources designed to educate and inform about credit protection and identity verification. Those affected may access the guide on understanding credit and credit reports here: Understanding Credit and Credit Reports.
When the Comptroller of Maryland provides the promised information about credit monitoring, UME recommends taking advantage of this option. Individuals may also consider placing a security freeze on their credit reports as an added precaution. More information on how to do this can be found here: What Does It Mean to Put a Security Freeze on My Credit Report?.
For those who are unsure of how to proceed with missing or incorrect tax forms, the IRS offers guidance that can be accessed here: What to Do When a W-2 or Form 1099 is Missing or Incorrect.
UME encourages farmers and landowners in the community to take these steps to protect their information.
Need additional guidance? Please contact Jesse M. Ketterman, Jr., UME financial literacy educator at 301.724.3320 or jketterm@umd.edu
Affected taxpayers can email gad@marylandtaxes.gov with the subject line “1099G Issue” with questions or concerns as well.
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Hayden Schug
Agriculture and Food Systems Educator
hschug@umd.edu
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Eating Healthy on the Go
Some mornings are just rushed, no matter how much planning you've done. Keep your belly and wallet full with a nutritious breakfast that's fast and portable.
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Check out these Veggie Omelets in a Mug - just chop, crack, mix, and microwave. You could easily use some frozen veggies as well for even faster prep. | |
This Banana Nut Oatmeal will add a sophisticated flavor to an easy breakfast. Simply switch from stovetop to microwave to speed up the process. It can even go in a mug to take on the go. | |
Winter Doesn't Slow MG Activities! | |
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The Education Project plans to hold six workshops for the public this year. The first one was on February 1, and focused on starting vegetable seeds indoors by creating DIY grow lamp set ups. You can watch the presentation from that workshop.
The next one is on March 8, at the Extension Office, 10:00 am to noon, and will address starting vegetable seeds outside in jugs. Contact Julia Rycyna (jrycyna@umd.edu) for more information. (Seating is limited.)
In the photo above, Master Gardeners Kay Redman, Rose Markham, Tina Bailem and Kathy Jenkins demonstrate indoor grow lights, seed heating pad and vegetables/herbs at the February 1 event. Photo credit: Terry Thir
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The Master Gardeners' volunteer work at Melwood has turned to more inside events for the winter, including creating holiday centerpieces and teaching Seed-to-Table activities.
Barbar Hill and LaVerne Madison at Melwood. Photo credit: Suse Greenstone
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The Demonstration Garden held a workshop on winter sowing native seeds on January 25, after having to postpone it due to the snowstorms earlier in the month.
Despite the rescheduling, we had a large turnout at the new date. Participants got to take home jugs with soil and seeds from the demonstration garden and education on plant/jug care during the winter.
Master Gardener Karen Trundle and her son work on winter sowing. Photo credit: Rose Markham
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The Master Gardener Spring Basic Training has begun. This year we welcome 14 new trainees. We are excited to get them into the Charles County Program and start activities with them soon.
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More Upcoming Master Gardener Opportunities
April 5 – Vegetable Garden Planning, 10:00 am-noon, Venue TBD
April 12 – Backyard Buffer Program, 9:00 am-noon, Charles County Extension Office.
April 26 – Rain Barrel and Composting Workshop, hosted by Charles County Government, 9 -11:30 am, Waldorf Senior and Recreation Center
May 17 – Plant Sale Fundraiser, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm La Plata Farmers Market
May 31 – NatureFest, hosted by Neighborhood Creative Arts Center, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, at College of Southern Maryland, La Plata campus
Meet the Master Gardeners on April 5 at the Fairgrounds for the Wellness Fair, on April 26 at the La Plata Town Hall for Celebrate La Plata, and at the Port Tobacco Courthouse on May 3 for Market Day.
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Visit the Home & Garden Information Center’s (HGIC) webpage for more gardening information and to submit your questions. You can find more tips and tricks for taking photos here at Ask Extension. You can also follow HGIC on social media- Facebook page, YouTube channel, or Instagram (@umdhgic)HC). | |
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Julia Rycyna
Home Horticulture Educator
Master Gardener Coordinator
jrycyna@umd.edu
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Feel free to contact our staff with any questions
or ideas you have to help make our community better.
Please send an email to jcrawfo4@umd.edu or visit our website.
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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. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact us at (301) 934-5403. | | | | |
