Cecil County
200 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 1500
Elkton, MD 21921
410-996-5280

AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES


HORTICULTURE & GARDENING


4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT


FOOD, NUTRITION & WELLNESS

Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed)


Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program


Family & Consumer Sciences Program


COVID RESOURCES


EXTENSION RESOURCES

October 2021
Cecil Friends and Neighbors-

Finally some great weather! Being from upstate NY I like it a bit cooler since I can always just throw on a jacket or sweater to stay warm. 58-68 degrees is my favorite temp for being outdoors. When it’s hot out there’s only so much you can do to cool off. So now its busy weekends closing pools, pulling & cleaning boats, carving pumpkins, raking leaves, fertilizing and aerating lawns, final mows, and decorating for the holiday blitz from Oct 31 – Jan 1, with Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It’s just around the corner. Start your shopping early (I never do, but it’s wiser).
 
  • October 15th is the cut-off date for fall seeding but it is better to try to seed earlier. It takes about 2 weeks for the seed to germinate and killing frosts are possible in November that can damage young seedlings.
  • Rake and remove fallen leaves or use a mulching mower to chop the leaves up and let them decompose on your lawn. Bagged leaves can be composted or used in ornamental or vegetable beds as a winter mulch.
  • Mow your lawn 1/2 - 1 inch shorter than the usual height to discourage matted grass and snow mold. 
  • Do not apply lawn fertilizer between November 15th and March 1st according to Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law.
For more info, see:
 
Have a great October!!
Paul
Paul R. Rickert, MS, MCJ, EdD
Upper Shore Area Extension Director
Agriculture/Natural Resources
Cecil Grown Harvest Dinner
October 7, 2021
The Cecil Grown Harvest Dinner is an annual celebration of our farmers showcasing the diversity of agriculture in Cecil County. This year’s dinner menu has been curated by The Wellwood, serving a three-course, buffet style meal using nearly 100% local ingredients.

Ticket price includes appetizers, a variety of main courses, and dessert highlighting our local producers. Non-alcoholic beverages are also included in the ticket price.

There will be a cash bar featuring four Cecil County craft beverages; two wineries and two breweries.
Are you an Agri-Business and would like to sponsor our event? Please click on the Sponsorship button below.
SAVE THE DATE!
CECIL COUNTY WINTER
AGRONOMY MEETING
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Attention Farmers and Producers!

The Cecil County Extension Office will hold it's annual Winter Agronomy Meeting, in person, at the Calvert Grange Hall, 2357 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD.

Plan to attend this meeting if you need to earn Nutrient Management Voucher credits and/or Private Pesticide License credits. This is an all day event, 8:30 am- 3:00 pm. There is a $10 registration fee which covers all educational materials, morning refreshments, and lunch. You must pre-register and pre-pay by Tuesday, January 11, 2022, to secure a lunch.
Private Pesticide Applicator License Test
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in partnership with the Cecil County Extension Office, is offering a testing date in Cecil County for those wanting to obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator License. The test will be held at the Cecil County Extension Office, 200 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 1500, Elkton, MD 21921, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 6:00 PM.

You must pre-register to take the test by calling the Extension Office, 410-996-5280.

It is recommended that you purchase and study the Private Pesticide Applicator Manual prior to taking the exam.

The manual costs $15 and is available at the Extension Office.
Days of Learning, AG Experience Information Day at CCST
September 20, 2021

Local businesses visited the Cecil County School of Technology (CCST) to inform Ag students about their Ag businesses and share what type of Ag experiences they can offer the students
through their businesses.
Milburn Orchards
Ilene and Melinda Milburn
(orange shirts)
Cecil Soil Conservation District
Chris Brown
Cecil County Extension has an
Agriculture Facebook page.

Cecil County Extension Agriculture

Please like, follow, and share.
Nutrient Management
Don’t Wait to Get Your Spring 2022 Nutrient Management Plan Written!

Please review the list below for reminders on information you will need to provide to your advisor or consultant. 

  • Check the dates of your current nutrient management plan. If your plan expires in 2022, you will need your plan updated for the new growing season.
  • Review your plan to see if any important information needs to be updated. This includes items such as: changes to livestock numbers, new properties to add or ones to be removed, any field information changes, and information about whom organic nutrient sources are imported from or exported to. 
  • Check the dates on your soil tests. Soil tests are valid for THREE years from the date of testing. (See information on available testing below).
  • If you’re planning to use organic nutrient sources such as compost or livestock manure in the spring, an analysis of that material is required for your plan. Organic nutrients should be analyzed yearly. However, The Maryland Department of Agriculture no longer requires an analysis of imported organic nutrient sources if the receiving farm is less than 25 acres. Manure analysis is no longer required for farmers who have 20 or fewer total animal units (1 animal unit = 1,000 lbs of livestock), as long as published average manure analysis information is available for the species/product.
  • Make sure to have all your cropping information ready. This includes the planned crops to be planted in 2022, what was planted in 2021, your yield goals, type of tillage used, organic nutrients to be applied in 2022 and records of applications that took place in 2021. If you would like a multiple year plan, you will need to provide your crop plans for those years as well.
As a reminder the extension offices are open by appointment only. Appointments to see the nutrient management advisor can be made by calling the offices or emailing Jenna Talbot directly at jtalbot@umd.edu. The office numbers are as follows: Kent County: 410-778-1661 and Cecil County: 410-996-5280.
Information on Soil Testing
Steps for how to collect and prepare a soil sample can be found here: https://go.umd.edu/soilsampling1
A list of labs available to do the testing can be found here: https://go.umd.edu/soilsamplinglabs
**Also available, if you are interested in contact free delivery of the University of Delaware’s soil testing kits, they can be mailed out to you. Please contact your extension office to make arrangements**
Information on Organic Nutrient Testing
Steps for how to collect and prepare a manure/compost sample can be found here: https://go.umd.edu/orgnutrsampling
A list of labs available to do the testing can be found here: https://go.umd.edu/orgnutrlabs
WE ARE HIRING!!!
Interested in being an extension nutrient management advisor? We currently have open positions in several counties. Please visit the link below if you wish to apply. Don’t wait, as the closing date for best consideration is OCTOBER 8th!
Water & Chesapeake Bay
Watershed Protection and Restoration Program
Improving water quality through stormwater management and watershed restoration techniques, the Sea Grant Watershed Protection and Restoration Program works with local and state governments, watershed organizations, and community groups in Maryland to build partnerships, identify funding sources, and advise/assist in the planning, implementation and monitoring of restoration projects.
Horticulture & Gardening

Cecil County Master Gardeners have been working a lot of volunteer hours in the Unity Square Garden to get it ready for the fall season.

This short video gives a brief history on the garden and shows how it's appearance has vastly improved with the efforts of our Extension Master Gardeners.

Visit downtown Elkton and check out all of the incredible scarecrows. 

This year's Master Gardener Scarecrow,
 
Gertie the Gardener, 

is located on the light pole in front of the courthouse.

This is also the area that has the 
Unity Square Garden.

BE SURE to check out the garden
when you visit Gertie!

Couldn't make it
to our
Garden Fest
this year?


Check out
what you
missed!
Upcoming Master Gardener Events
Upcoming events, workshops, activities, videos, photos and advice on gardening are posted on our Facebook page, Youtube channel and website. Check them out!

Learn how to become a Master Gardener Volunteer.
Have a plant or pest question?
University of Maryland Extension’s experts have answers!

Questions are answered by Home and Garden Information Center’s Certified Professional Horticulturists.
4-H Youth Development
Tractor Supply Clover Campaign
October 6-17, 2021
Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with 4‑H to help create Opportunity4All and raise more than $14 million through the Paper Clover campaign. The success of these campaigns has impacted over 81,500 youth by providing them with the tools and resources they need to move forward and reach their full potential.
100 percent of funds raised through the bi-annual Paper Clover campaign directly benefits 4‑H youth. 90 percent of donations directly support 4‑H youth in the state where the funds were raised, and the remaining 10 percent supports the overall mission and growth of 4‑H nationally.
National 4-H Week
October 3-9, 2021
Upcoming 4-H Programs
Get to Know Cecil 4-H
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
7:00 PM via Zoom

Are you new to the 4-H program?
Want to learn what 4-H is all about?
Attend
“Get to Know Cecil 4-H”.
Animal Science Learning
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
6:30 PM via Zoom

This will be an educational session on
Animal Health.

Cecil 4-H Creative Clovers
Thursday, October 28, 2021
6:30-7:15 PM via Zoom

All Clover aged youth (5-7 as of January 1) are welcome to attend.
Participants will learn about various topics, play games and
do a Halloween-themed craft.
Materials needed: 1 sheet each of orange & green construction paper, scissors, black marker/crayon, stapler, and tape. 
Register in advance for these programs.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email
containing information about joining the meeting.
Food, Nutrition & Wellness

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education
(SNAP-Ed)
Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) offers nutrition education programs to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households and those eligible for SNAP. SNAP-Ed programs are provided at no cost to support the work of community agencies serving SNAP-eligible individuals and families, such as local food banks, schools, out-of-school sites, farmers markets, community centers, and food assistance sites.
Fruity Pears French Toast
Cooking Demo
Enjoy this previously recorded,
MD SNAP-Ed Facebook Live
cooking demo video.

It features pears and a
yummy
Fruity French Toast Casserole
from @BeAFoodHero.
October is right around the corner.

Grab your walking shoes and join us as we "Walk Maryland" in October!!

Each day we will be sharing fun ways to jazz up your walk and connect with others!

Join us here --


as we kick-off Walktober,
Friday, October 1st!

Like our Facebook page and check out all of the great resources, which include healthy recipes, physical activity ideas, and gardening tips. 
Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps young families and youth with limited resources—those most at risk to suffer from hunger, food insecurity and the inability to connect with available support systems. 
To learn more about this program or to sign up a group of five or more, contact Tammy Pryor, EFNEP educator at tpryor@umd.edu or call (410)-996-8136.
Family & Consumer Sciences
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs "strengthens families, farms, communities and the economy by focusing on the human dimensions of food and agriculture. Family and Consumer Sciences includes all topics of considerable importance for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in today’s society.
2021-2022 Fresh Conversations Program
The Fresh Conversations Program offers food, fun, and friendly conversation to help you maintain your health and independence. Older adults will gather monthly to learn from each other, sample new recipes, discuss current nutrition and health topics, and discover new ways to be active.
This year's program will be an in-person, 8 part series, with one session each month beginning in October 2021 and running through April 2022. Topics include:

  • Macular Degeneration
  • Inflammation
  • Healthy Bones
  • Fuel Up with Protein for Independence
  • Cancer Prevention
  • Healthy Brain, Healthy Foods
  • Fresh Herbs for Flavor
  • Summer Check Up
Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Elkton Senior Center
200 Chesapeake Blvd,
Elkton, MD 21921
410-996-8177
Tuesdays, 10:15 - 11:15 am
Amy Lynn Ferris Senior Center
200 Schauber Road
Chestertown, MD 21620
410-778-2564
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 am
Sudlersville Senior Center
605 Foxxtown Drive
Sudlersville, MD 21668
410-438-3159
Interested in attending this FREE program?
Sign-up in person or contact the Senior Center of your choice.

Fall Food Preservation Programs

The summer of 2021 has been a great growing season.

It’s time to think about how you can enjoy the locally grown produce all year long.

DASH-Plus FREE EVENTS
This will be an online 8-part Zoom webinar series with one session every Thursday, 3-4 PM, beginning on Thursday, September 9th, 2021, and running through October.

Topics include: Introduction to DASH-Plus, Sodium, Grains, Dairy, Fruits & Vegetables, Shopping & Budgeting, Meats & Other Protein, and Fats & Sweets.
What is DASH-Plus?
DASH-Plus is a high blood pressure management program for adults in Maryland who have high blood pressure (with or without medication) and are 55 and older.
Participants will learn the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-Plus approach to
managing high blood pressure.

The program is led by dietitians and trained University of Maryland Extension Educators.
COVID RESOURCES
EXTENSION RESOURCES
Cecil County Extension Office
Faculty and Staff

Paul R. Rickert, MS, MCJ, EdD
Area Extension Director - Upper Shore Cluster
410-996-5280

Micki Preston
Administrative Assistant
410-996-8130

Donna Witkowski
Administrative Assistant
410-996-8131

April Barczewski
4-H Youth Development
410-996-8134

Victoria Stone
4-H Youth Development
410-996-8137

Doris Behnke
Agriculture & Natural Resources, Master Gardener Coordinator
410-996-8135
Jenna Talbot
Nutrient Management Program
410-996-8138

Eric Buehl
Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist

Beverly Jackey
Family & Consumer Sciences
410-996-8133

Amelia Gerres
Family & Consumer Sciences
410-996-5280

Molly Rusch
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education
(SNAP-Ed)
443-518-9572

Tammy Pryor
Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program
410-996-8136
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, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
University of Maryland Extension Cecil County Youtube