University of Maryland Extension

FREE Seed Exchange on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10 am. to 1 pm at Frostburg City Place!

◆ Free Seeds for All Attendees (while supplies last)

◆ Free Book Exchange

◆ Gardening Demonstrations with UMD Master Gardeners

◆ Kids Activities and More.

There is no need to bring seeds to participate! For more information, call 301-724-3320 or email Sarah at sllewell@umd.edu.

Fourth-grade students at Westernport Elementary piloted the Master Gardener Sprouts Program, which teaches concepts similar to those taught in the Master Gardener training program: Soil Science, Botany, Entomology, Ecology, and Native Plants. Students sowed native plant seeds, created models of flowers and soil layers, made food webs, and got an up-close view of insects! Students learned about many environmental education topics that will provide background knowledge in preparation for further learning during their ACPS Outdoor School experience in the fall.

Dr. Ketterman, our FCS Financial Wellness Educator, recently worked with Phil to obtain his social security card, birth certificate, and ID card. Navigating through obstacles, such as limited access to transportation, technology, or other needs, can prove challenging in obtaining essential identification documents. Dr. Ketterman worked alongside Phil to leverage partnerships with multiple agencies to achieve these goals.

Our SNAP-Ed educators have been busy bringing lessons to the 3rd graders of Allegany County elementary schools this month. Growing Healthy Habits is a SNAP-Ed curriculum that focuses on the best practices of gardening. Students learned about the makeup and importance of soil in the growing process and then assisted in mixing a "Soil Salad" for a healthy SNAP-Ed "Tasting." You can even try out the "Soil Salad" recipe for yourself at home by clicking the following link: SNAP- Ed Soil Salad Receipe.

Images depict students at Cash Valley Elementary participating in the lesson/tasting.

REACT (Robotics and Engineering in Allegany County, Together) was recently awarded the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Outstanding Qualifier Award for the state of Maryland. This award recognizes the tournament's excellent planning and preparation, the event volunteers' dedication and enthusiasm, and the coaches' passion and commitment. Allegany County 4-H is a proud partner of REACT, our community's youth robotics non-profit organization. Many of our 4-H volunteers are also FLL coaches, many of our 4-H members also participate in FLL, and our Extension faculty and staff shared their time and expertise to assist with the qualifier. Jessica Mellon, 4-H Educator and founding member of REACT, said, "I was thrilled when I received notification of the award. Our robotics community is deeply committed to making a difference in kids' lives through youth robotics, and for that to be recognized at the state level means a lot."

Our Allegany County 4-H robotics program teaches six hours of introductory LEGO robotics to all third-graders in Allegany County Public Schools. We've included a copy of the 4-H Educator Letter sent to the third-grade parents each year. These STEM activities engage students' curiosity and empower their learning, with the option to participate in robotics camps and robotics teams. This program was strategically developed to increase youth robotics access and participation in our community.

Lawson Ritchie was honored for completing his Diamond Clover Level 6 project at the 2025 Maryland 4-H Achievement Event. Lawson created a self-serve pantry for the Rawlings community that accepts nonperishable items. See more photos of Lawson's project on Facebook here. To learn more about the Diamond Clover Awards, go to http://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/

Congratulations to the following 4-H members and Alumni:

Maria Eckard - Brenda Bourne Stair Memorial Scholarship

Lydia Vassiliadi - J. O'Neal & Rosa Moxley Johnston Memorial Scholarship

Aubrey Cramer - Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarship

Joseph Kovach - Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarship

For a complete list and explanation of Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarships, go to https://www.mymaryland4hfoundation.com/how-we-give/scholarships

Applications for Extension’s Workforce Development Internship Summer 2025 are open! Visit the https://go.umd.edu/extensioninternships to learn more and apply. This is a paid internship!

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) is seeking undergraduate students interested in careers in Extension and agriculture industries. Our Workforce Development Internship is a ten-week full-time Summer experiential learning and professional development opportunity for undergraduate students currently enrolled in a in a two-year, four-year degree or certificate program and who are interested in a career in agriculture and natural resources.

Last year, Garrett County UME enjoyed having Cambria Snyder as part of this internship at their office. You may have also seen Cambria around our Allegany County events during her internship and afterward, working alongside Sarah Llewellyn, AgFS/ENR Educator. Our Allegany County Office would love to host an intern this summer, so spread the word about this opportunity!

University of Maryland will be partnering with Freedom Ag and Energy in Oakland to hold the Western Maryland Agronomy Meeting March 12th at the Pleasant Valley Community Buildingin Oakland, MD. More info will be coming. If you have questions or to register, contact Freedom Ag and Energy at 301-334-3121 or the Extension Office at 301-334-6960. Pesticide Recertification and Nutrient Management Credits will be offered for WV and MD.

This conference is for professionals in the Turf, Nursery, and Landscape Industries. Pesticide and turf NM credits will be available credits. March 13th 8:15-3pm at the Allegany County Fairgrounds

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../western-md-pesticide-and...

We are here to serve you and help answer any questions you might have related to 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture, Home Gardening, Health & Nutrition, Financial Wellness, and much more.

Dr. Jennifer Bentlejewski, WMD Area Extension Director jthorn@umd.edu

4-H Youth Development

• Michelle Harman, Educator mharman2@umd.edu
• Jessica Mellon, Educator jmellon2@umd.edu
• Sara Barnard, Program Assistant sbarnard@umd.edu

Agriculture and Food Systems / Environment and Natural Resources

• Sarah Llewellyn, Master Gardener Coordinator/ Agriculture & Food Systems Educator sllewellyn@umd.edu

MD - SNAP Ed

• Amanda Hawkins, Project Leader/Educator ahawkin7@umd.edu
• Shirley Guinn, Educator sguinn1@umd.edu
• Shayla Hitchens, Program Assistant sfelker@umd.edu

Family and Consumer Sciences

• Dr. Lisa McCoy, RD, FCS Educator lmccoy@umd.edu
• Dr. Jesse Ketterman, FCS Educator jketterm@umd.edu
• Shelita Jackson, Tech Extension Educator sjack111@umd.edu

Administrative Support

• Jody Parrish, Program Management Specialist jparrish@umd.edu
• Toni Richards, Administrative Assistant I tonir@umd.edu

Location: 1 Commerce Drive, Cumberland, MD 21502

Office Hours: M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm excluding holidays

Phone: 301-724-3320

Website: https://extension.umd.edu/locations/allegany-county/

Facebook Pages:

Agriculture in Allegany County- University of Maryland Extension NEW

Allegany County Master Gardeners

University of Maryland Extension - Allegany County 4-H

Healthy Living in Allegany County- University of Maryland Extension

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 other legally protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate any program or event, please contact our office, at least two weeks prior, at 301-724-3320.