University of Maryland Extension Strategic Plan

You're Invited to the UME Strategic Planning Town Halls

The University of Maryland Extension is embarking on a strategic planning process to develop a stakeholder-driven plan, granting the university’s faculty, staff, students, leadership, and community partners an opportunity to contribute to the institution’s future success. To produce a specialized plan that is consistent with the broader objectives of the University of Maryland, we will prioritize strategies that will uplift our community and complement UMD initiatives. Learn more about this work, here.

We’re inviting you to join us for a town hall conversation focused on the future direction of our programs. Come share your insights and help shape the strategic plan that will guide our work in the years ahead! Come to any of the Town Hall sessions and participate in this important conversation.

This meeting is a chance for you to tell us about your community. We look forward to hearing from you as you explain your needs, describe important opportunities, ask questions, and provide valuable input as we create a plan for the future. 

We hope to see you there!

Want to See More Agriculture Related Information?

Check out our monthly Cecil County Agriculture Newsletter.

Blackout Dates for Lawn Fertilizer Applications Begin November 16

Maryland Department of Agriculture Press Release

ANNAPOLIS, MD ( November 7, 2024 ) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding residents and lawn care professionals that the fertilizer blackout dates authorized by Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law will take effect on November 16, 2024, and will remain in place until March 1, 2025. These blackout dates are designed to protect local streams and the Chesapeake Bay from the runoff of unused fertilizer during late fall and winter when grass is typically dormant and cannot utilize additional nutrients. Applying fertilizer to hard or frozen ground increases the risk of runoff into storm drains that flow into the Bay.

During the blackout period, citizens are prohibited from fertilizing lawns with nitrogen and/or phosphorus products. However, from November 16 through December 1, 2024, lawn care professionals may apply up to 0.5 pound of soluble or insoluble nitrogen per 1,000square feet on lawns they manage. Potassium and lime may still be applied to lawns during the blackout period.

It is important to note that while fertilizer products may be purchased at local retail stores year-round, they may not be applied to lawns during the blackout period. Additionally, fertilizer products should never be used to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces. Fertilizers that land on hard surfaces or frozen ground can easily wash into storm drains, creeks, and streams that lead to the Chesapeake Bay.

Citizens and lawn care professionals may resume lawn fertilizer applications on March 1, 2025, as long as the ground is not frozen or heavy rain is not predicted. A soil test is required before phosphorus may be applied to established lawns.

Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law requires lawn care professionals to be certified by MDA to apply fertilizer to lawns that they manage or work under the direct supervision of a certified individual. Additionally, licenses are required for both individuals and businesses that fertilize turf. A list of certified lawn care professionals can be viewed here. Please visit this website for more information about Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law and fertilizer best management practices.

Thank you to everyone that supported the Cecil County 4-H Benefit Auction on Saturday, November 23, 2024!

Cecil 4-H Member Interest Survey

We are currently planning for the 2025 Cecil County 4-H program year. We are asking members to complete a google form at: https://forms.gle/45p9XtZMXCcNEu4j7 to let us know what you are interested in participating in Cecil County 4-H in 2025.



Please complete no later than December 20, 2024.  

Cecil 4-H Volunteer Interest Survey

The Cecil County 4-H program would not be successful without the help and dedication of our many volunteers. We are currently planning for the 2025 Cecil County 4-H program year and are asking you to complete a google form at: https://forms.gle/uKft1WTuxe3VY2JD8 to let us know what you are interested in assisting Cecil County 4-H with next year.

If you have a special talent or interest and would be willing to help with any club or county project or activity, please let us know by completing the form. Some of our volunteers have already agreed to continue helping with some of the activities listed on the form. We are not trying to give your jobs away, we are just asking for more assistance.

A big thank you goes to all the volunteers who work towards “Making the Best Better” as volunteers are truly the heart of the 4-H program.

Please complete the form no later than December 20, 2024. 

Creative Clovers

December 4, 2024 | 6:45 - 7:30 PM

Cecil County Farm Museum,

820 Appleton Rd, Elkton, MD

All Cecil County 4-H Clovers members ages 5-7 as of 1/1/24 are welcome to attend 4-H Creative Clover sessions. Participants do not have to attend every session. Please register

online at: https://forms.gle/mJqAneGyV92SAC72A by noon the day before the program so that we can gather enough supplies.

Record Books and Record Book Workshop

Completing a 4-H record book is not something most 4-Hers think of as fun but it can be one of the most important skills you develop as a 4-H member. 2024 Record Books are due by January 24, 2025. Record books can be either typed or hand written. Links to the forms are available online at our website at,

https://extension.umd.edu/locations/cecil-county/local-4-h-youth-education/program-information-resources/

under the record keeping tab or in paper form from the Extension Office. 

State 4-H Animal Science Updates for Volunteers

December 10, 2024

7:00 - 8:30 PM

The State will be offering a 4-H Animal Science Project Update Webinar for Volunteers on Tuesday, December 10th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. This session will provide an overview of Animal Science Program events and policy changes/updates for 2025.

Registration link for the event: https://forms.gle/Pgk9rrCe7DZbu6fW7