Solutions in Your  Community


In This Issue

July 4:
Independence Day
Office closed.
June 2020

Hello,

We here in Maryland seem to be among the states where following the guidelines, social distancing and wearing masks are reaping rewards! Our incidences of Covid-19 have been on a steady decline, in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Thanks to our County Executive and his staff along with our Governor and health departments at all levels. Probably most people know at least 1 person who has battled covid and perhaps has even passed away from it. Our hearts are heavy with this knowledge and we sincerely hope that this improvement will not result in a relapse in any areas of the state.

Our educators have continued to be busy during these months presenting on line information and virtual classes and lectures. 4-H has been busy with many state wide on line activities and will be hosting a statewide virtual Summer camp for interested families. If you are interested, check out the state 4-H web site. We are still awaiting final word about both the local Anne Arundel County Fair and the Maryland State Fair. Neither have been cancelled so planning is still going on. We will keep you alerted to any changes in this.

Our staff will be returning to the office on July 20 right now (always subject to change), probably in alternating shifts to prevent over crowding of our space, and many meetings and classes will continue to be online. Stay tuned! 

Stay safe and healthy,

 
Karol Westelinck Dyson
Capital Area Extension Director
Our Experts Are Here to Help!

For well over 100 years,  University of Maryland Extension has fulfilled its mission of delivering science-based education to Maryland citizens and communities. We will not waiver from that promise. Our  faculty and staff are developing new learning opportunities to continue to meet the needs of our stakeholders and clientele; we are committed to ensuring that you have the science-based information you need to protect your families, farms and communities whether in an urban, suburban or rural area of the state. 
We are ready to serve you.
 
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.
 
Access University of Maryland Extension Online Resources at:  https://extension.umd.edu
Greetings from Your Nutrient Management Advisor!
Kayla Griffith, Nutrient Management Advisor

I hope everyone is having a safe summer and finally enjoying the warm
weather. As social distancing guidelines remain in place, please know I am available to write nutrient management plans for you. Plans for 2020 can still be updated if you have not applied all nutrients for this year to your fields. Please feel free to email kmgriffi@umd.edu with requests for plans.

Stay safe!
How to Safely Shop at the Farmers' Market During COVID-19
LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate
Project Leader/Nutrition Educator

Summer has arrived and most farmers' markets are open for business! Fresh vegetables and fruits taste their best and cost less when they are in season. Farmers and some farmers'
 market managers accept EBT/Independence card (SNAP benefits) and WIC and senior fresh fruit and vegetable checks to buy fresh produce.  Here are a few tips to safely shop at the market:
  • Social distance while shopping that the market
  • Wear your face mask to decrease exposure
  • Clean your hands often by using hand sanitizer after touching surfaces
  • Prepare for your visit! Check out this video: Let's Shop at the Market
Are you looking for a farmers' market near you? Check out the   Farmers' Market Directory
Need new recipes? Check out the Maryland Ag - Farmers Market Cookbook.

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

 
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 website 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

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:
Agriculture & Natural Resources

Interested in agriculture? There are many agriculture resources available on our website.

Agriculture Newsletters

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.
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 Anne Arundel County 4-H office at gsumbrum@umd.edu. "4-H makes the best better!"
Healthy Eating - Chocolate Strawberries


1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1-2 teaspoon low-fat or fat-free milk, if needed to thin melted chocolate
1 pint fresh strawberries with leaves (about 14 medium berries)

 

Wash and gently dry strawberries thoroughly with paper towels. Leave stem and leaves on berries. Do not dip any berries with wet, damaged, or cut surfaces. Berries must be free of moisture or they will cause the chocolate to 'weep.' In microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate

 chips for 1-2 minutes at medium high heat until just melted; stir every 30 seconds of heating time until smooth. Add low-fat or fat-free milk as necessary to thin chocolate to dipping consistency. Hold each strawberry by stem; dip one at a time in melted chocolate, about three-quarters of the way to stem. Allow chocolate to drip back into bowl. Place each strawberry on wax-paper-lined pan. If day is humid, refrigerate strawberries for 10 minutes to harden chocolate, then return to room temperature. Storing dipped berries in refrigerator will cause berries to release moisture when returned to room temperature for serving.

Did you know...

During this time of sheltering in place, starting a food garden is a great way to connect with
nature and stay productive and healthy.

Click here to learn more.




Anne Arundel County Extension
97 Dairy Lane
Gambrills, MD 21054
410-222-3900

 Area Extension Director
 Karol Dyson, AED
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Dave Myers, Principal Agent
myersrd@umd.edu  or 410-222-3906

 
Nutrient Management
Kayla Griffith, Nutrient Management Advisor
kmgriffi@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


Food Supplement Nutrition Education Program
LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate
lcolema4@umd.edu or 410-222-3903


Family and Consumer Sciences
Jeanette Jeffrey, Agent
jjeffrey@umd.edu or 410-222-3906