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

January 2025


AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES


HORTICULTURE & GARDENING


4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT


FOOD, NUTRITION & WELLNESS

Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed)



Family & Consumer Sciences Program




Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program




EXTENSION RESOURCES

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Cecil Friends and Neighbors,



Happy New Year!!!


We at the Extension Office hope that you have had a relaxing time of regeneration, family, friends, and fun during this holiday season! Now it’s time to prepare to pay for all of December’s shopping and merriment!


As we begin this new year, we hope that you will continue to make UME part of your life and that you gain value from our programming and volunteer opportunities!


I want to mention that we ARE proceeding with our second Ag

Education Days event at the Fairgrounds for 7th Graders. Extension is partnering with Cecil Soil Conservation, Horizon Farm Credit, Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Cecil Economic Development, and Cecil County

Public Schools to plan and make this event happen a second time! This year we are partnering with MAEF (Maryland Ag Ed Foundation) to assist with the funds. All told, we are needing to raise about $20,000.


We hope you will consider supporting the event financially or by volunteering. Information to follow soon!


Paul R. Rickert

Ed.D., M.S., M.C.J.

Area Extension Director

Upper Shore Cluster

The Cecil County Extension Office will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, New Year's Day, and Monday, January 20, 2025, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.


News

You're Invited to The UME Strategic Planning Town Halls


The University of Maryland Extension (UME) is embarking on a comprehensive process to develop its next roadmap for the future, aimed at guiding its work and impact over the coming years. Involving key external stakeholders, partners, and community members is a priority, as UME seeks to ensure that its programs and services reflect the needs of the communities it serves.


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 following Town Hall sessions and participate in this important conversation.

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More Information/Register

Applications Being Accepted for Extension’s Workforce Development Internship Summer 2025

Our Workforce Development Internship is a ten-week full-time Summer experiential learning and professional development opportunity for undergraduate students currently enrolled in a two-year, four-year degree or certificate program and who are interested in a career in agriculture and natural resources. This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, AFRI Competitive Grant Workforce Development, project MD-UME-09312.


Interested in applying for Summer 2025?


Click here for more information and to apply!



Agriculture

In 2005 the Maryland Young Farmers Advisory Board surveyed Maryland's Young Farmers to paint a picture of the agricultural landscape and understand the challenges that the next generation of farmers are concerned with.


We want to hear from YOU as a farmer, rancher, agricultural professional, and all those who are involved in supporting the ag industry, to hear your perspective. The input that you provide in this survey will be used to inform decision makers from all corners of this state on what they need to be doing to support and protect Maryland's #1 industry.


This survey will take about 20-25 minutes, so please take the time to commit to providing your honest feedback on each question. You can also elect to be entered to win one of 25 Yeti cups and/or a Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler!

Complete the Survey

Do you need credits for your private pesticide license and/or your nutrient management voucher? Register and attend the annual Cecil County Winter Agronomy Meeting.

Registration Information
Sponsorship Information

Mid Atlantic Women in Agriculture Regional Conference

More Information/Register

Want to See More Agriculture Related Information?

Check out our monthly Cecil County Agriculture Newsletter.

Cecil County Agriculture E-Newsletter
Visit our Facebook Page
Cecil County Extension has an
Agriculture Facebook page.

Cecil County Extension Agriculture

Please like, follow, and share.
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.
The WSA program trains adult community leaders in ways to reduce polluted stormwater runoff and improve local water quality. If you would like more information about the program, visit https://extension.umd.edu/locations/cecil-county/environment-and-natural-resources
Visit Our Website

Horticulture & Gardening

Check Out the 2025 Cecil County Master Gardener Calendar of Events

Download the Brochure PDF Version
Upcoming events, workshops, activities, videos, photos and advice on gardening are posted on our Facebook page, YouTube channel and website.

Follow us on Facebook to get the latest information.

Learn how to become a Master Gardener Volunteer.
Visit our website
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Facebook  Youtube  
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

If you need more information on any of the following 4-H events/deadlines or to register for any of the events that do not have a registration link,

please contact April or Mackenzie.

4-H Recordkeeping DEADLINES


  • January 10: 2025 Club Program Plan
  • January 15: Senior Resume & Essays Due for State Trip Consideration
  • January 24: 2024 4-H Record Books
  • January 31: 2024 Club Secretary's Book & Achievement Night Nomination Forms
  • January 31: 2024 Diamond Clover & Service Learning Forms

Market Beef & Dairy Steer Tagging & Weigh In (By Appointment)

Saturday, January 4, 2025

8 AM - Noon


2024 Record Books Due

January 24, 2025


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. 

Record Book Workshop

January 6, 2025 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Cecil County 4-H Camp Staff Training Weekend

January 3-5, 2025

Calvert Grange Hall, Rising Sun, MD

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Creative Clovers

January 8, 2025 | 6:45 - 7:45 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, https://forms.gle/aLP9tsbYN2EL2rEA8, by noon the day before the program so that we can gather enough supplies.

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4-H Online Opens for 2025 Member & Volunteer Enrollments

January 10, 2025

4-H Online

Hands On Animal Science

January 15, 2025 | 7 - 8 PM

Cecil County Farm Museum

820 Appleton Rd, Elkton, MD 21921


Participants will learn about animal behavior and safety. Youth ages 5-18 are welcome to participate. Please register online, https://forms.gle/QKWbHzyEZjbNQCtF6 by noon the day before the program so that we can gather enough supplies.

Agriculture Fun & Learning Day

January 20, 2025 | 8:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Calvert Grange Hall, Rising Sun, MD

Registration Deadline: January 16, 2025


Cecil 4-Hers will have the opportunity to explore agriculture careers, learn about Earth’s soil, farm animal life cycles and activities offered through the University of Maryland regarding livestock other than showing animals. Register online at, https://forms.gle/ic3S5zrsaFDSosa18.

Please note – youth must be enrolled and approved in 4HOnline in order to participate.

Get to Know Cecil 4-H

January 29, 2025 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Cecil 4-H Family Virtual Bingo Night

January 31, 2025 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM

2025 4-H Animal Science Quizbowl, Judging, and Skillathon Events


4-Hers interested in participating in Quizbowl (Dairy, Dog or Horse), Judging (Rabbit, Livestock, Dairy, Horse, Dairy Goat or Poultry and Egg), or Skillathon (Dairy, Dog, Horse or Livestock), please contact April (adhall@umd.edu) or Mackenzie (mljones@umd.edu) as soon as possible. Some of the contests are happening rather soon!


  • State 4-H Dog Skillathon – February 22, 2025 @ TBA
  • State 4-H Livestock Skillathon – March 1, 2025 @ Gaithersburg
  • State Horse Bowl – March 8, 2025 @ College Park
  • State 4-H Dairy Skillathon – March 22, 2025 @ Westminster
  • State Dairy Bowl – April 12, 2025 @ Westminster
  • Most Judging Contests – August 30, 2025 @ Maryland State Fair
  • State 4-H Dog Bowl – December 7, 2025 @ College Park


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Follow us on Facebook for information on future events and activities.

Visit the Cecil County 4-H Website
Youtube  Facebook  

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.

Maryland SNAP-Ed is a program within University of Maryland Extension that creates healthier environments and improves the health and wellbeing of limited income families across Maryland. SNAP-Ed programs encourage a nutritious and active lifestyle through increased food access, drinking more water, and promoting physical activity.
Like our Facebook page and check out all of the great resources, which include healthy recipes, physical activity ideas, and gardening tips. 
Visit Our Website
Facebook  
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.

Visit our Website

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.

Facebook  
Visit Our Website

EXTENSION RESOURCES

AGENTS

EVENTS

PROGRAM

AREAS

MEDIA

PROGRAM IMPACT

Cecil County Extension Office
Faculty and Staff

Paul R. Rickert, MS, MCJ, EdD

Area Extension Director - Upper Shore Cluster

410-996-5280

prickert@umd.edu


Micki Preston

Administrative Assistant

410-996-8130

mpresto2@umd.edu


Donna Witkowski

Administrative Assistant

410-996-8131

dwitkow1@umd.edu


April Barczewski

4-H Youth Development

410-996-8134

adhall@umd.edu


Mackenzie Jones

4-H Youth Development

410-996-8137

mljones@umd.edu


Doris Behnke

Agriculture & Natural Resources, Master Gardener Coordinator

410-996-8135

dbehnke@umd.edu



Sam Covington

Nutrient Management Program

410-996-8138

scoving2@umd.edu


Eric Buehl

Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist

410-827-8056 x176

ebuehl@umd.edu


Beverly Jackey

Family & Consumer Sciences

410-996-8133

bjackey@umd.edu


Amelia Gerres

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education

(SNAP-Ed)

410-996-8139

agerres@umd.edu


Joy Calhoun

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education

(SNAP-Ed)

410-996-5280

jcalhou3@umd.edu


Tammy Pryor

Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program

410-996-8136

tpryor@umd.edu



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.

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