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On May 31, we bid a fond farewell to Francis Warring, who will retire with over 24 years of serving the University of Maryland Extension as the Nutrient Management Plan Advisor.
During those years, Francis met with hundreds of farmers and created thousands of plans. His wealth of knowledge and experience aided many beginning and veteran producers from soil sampling to nutrient applications to healthy crop development.
Francis will be missed, but from all of us here at Extension, we wish him a wonderful future and fulfillment in his new endeavors.
Congratulations, Francis, on a job well done! Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
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Farmers Markets are Back!
Jessica Conjour, MPH
Project Leader and Nutrition Educator
jconjour@umd.edu
Looking to stock up on some fresh, local goodies? Farmers markets and farm stands have come back to life! Check out some of these local farmers markets.
La Plata Farmers Market
209 Washington Ave, La Plata, MD
Wednesdays and Saturdays - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Accepts: SNAP; Maryland Market Money will double your SNAP $
Waldorf Farmers Market
3003 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD (Across from CAVA)
Saturdays - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Looking for more markets? Check out the 2024 Maryland Farmers Market Directory for a listing of markets across the state and some delicious recipes. Find even MORE delicious recipe ideas on our Eat Smart website, and then have a little fun at the market with this scavenger hunt.
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Reaching Families with Healthy Life Habits
Khylah Harris
SNAP-ED Nutrition Educator
kvharris@umd.edu
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Jessica and Khylah led gardening projects at eight Title I Elementary schools. The students enjoyed getting their hands dirty while planting radishes, microgreens, various herbs and more! | |
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SNAP-Ed distributed, A Family Recipe, our newest book about healthy family traditions, to nine Title I Elementary schools.
This book is a beautiful tale of tradition, nutrition and fun. Check out A Family Recipe today and discover ways to turn healthy food and activities into new family traditions!
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Be Physically Active 2 Day! SNAP-Ed distributed BEPA physical activity kits to nine Title I Elementary schools. The kits encourage physical activity in and beyond the classroom. Each kit is loaded with a book of physical activity game ideas, chalk, cones, poly spots and more!
SNAP-Ed has received positive feedback from the students already: "We love playing with the chalk at recess!" Kindergartener, Barnhart Elementary School.
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Family and Consumer Sciences
Deon Littles
Financial Wellness Extension Agent Associate
dlittles@umd.edu
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Exploring Embryology: Charles County 4-H Initiative
Takes Flight in Local Schools
Kelly Bryant
4-H Educator
kmbryant@umd.edu
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Embarking on a journey to unveil the wonders of life cycles, Charles County 4-H has
taken its educational outreach to local schools, igniting curiosity and fascination among young minds. Spearheaded by Kelly Bryant and Jeanne Williams, this pioneering initiative has brought the captivating realm of embryology into the classroom setting, specifically focusing on the lifecycle of chickens.
Since its inception in early April, Bryant and Williams have diligently traversed the
educational landscape, extending their outreach to over ten schools within Charles
County, encompassing both public and private institutions. With each visit, they have
not only disseminated knowledge but also planted the seeds of intrigue and exploration
in the hearts of students.
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The program marks its inaugural year, signaling the dawn of a new era of educational engagement within the community. Bryant and Williams envision a future where this initiative flourishes, reaching an even broader spectrum of schools while enriching the curriculum with additional instructional materials.
At its core, the program delves into the intricate journey of embryonic development, leveraging the life cycle of chickens as a focal point for exploration. Through hands-on
activities, students are guided through the stages of embryonic growth, from the
formation of the egg to the hatching of chicks. This experiential approach not only
imparts knowledge but also fosters a deeper understanding of the miracle of life.
By bringing embryology into the classroom, Charles County 4-H aims to instill a sense
of wonder and appreciation for the natural world while nurturing scientific curiosity
among youth. Beyond the confines of textbooks, this initiative provides a platform for
interactive learning, empowering students to actively engage with the subject matter
and cultivate a lifelong passion for discovery.
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Looking ahead, Bryant and Williams are determined to expand the program's reach, laying the groundwork for expanding into high schools, especially A.P. science classes, to enrich youth’s exploration and discovery. Through their tireless efforts, they aspire to cultivate a community where learning knows no bounds and where all students in
Charles County have exposure to embryology instruction.
As the academic year draws to a close, the echoes of embryonic discoveries linger in
the halls of schools around Charles County, serving as a testament to the
transformative power of education and the boundless potential of young minds. With
each lesson learned, a new chapter unfolds, paving the way for a future brimming with
possibility and discovery.
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Who will win, the Tortoise or the Hare?
Mikayla Johnson
4-H Program Assistant
mdiane@umd.edu
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April 29 marked the first Clover Night offered by UME Charles County 4-H. Thank you to the families who participated and made this night a success!
Craft nights are a great way to spark creativity in our young 4-H’ers (ages 5 to 7) and UME Charles County looks forward to continuing Clover Night each month.
During April, clovers dove into the famous Aesop's fable of the “Tortoise and the Hare.” This timeless lesson demonstrates that perseverance and determination are crucial to becoming successful as 4-H’ers grow and develop and move along the program.
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As the crafting began, clovers got to design and decorate their own tortoise by painting the shells made of egg cartons, using pompoms, and pipe cleaners for the feet. Then, clovers made their own hares out of recycled toilet paper rolls. They got creative by decorating them and making them their own.
These activities encouraged their fine motor skills and artistic expression as they made their own unique designs for each craft. Furthermore, it taught them about repurposing materials for sustainable crafting.
Then, the races began . . .
First, tortoises were only allowed to make two steps towards the finish line and hares were only allowed to make one hop each time the word “Go!” was yelled. Clovers got creative in the ways in which they went off towards the finish line, with some making large hops, and some making larger than life steps.
Next, the race became more challenging as they then had to hold a rubber duck in their hands. If the duck fell, they would have to begin their turn again back at the start line.
Clovers learned that “slow and steady” really does win the race as they faced off against each other as tortoises and hares themselves.
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The success of the Tortoise-and-the-Hare-themed craft night was a testament to the power of creativity, storytelling, and hands-on learning in shaping a fun and enriching experience for clovers.
Looking to the future, UME Charles County 4-H will offer Clover Nights each month with different themes. For the month of May, look forward to a “Paint and Plant” night as clovers paint their own clay pots and use them to plant flowers.
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Southern Maryland Holds Regional Broiler Day
Jeanne Williams
4-H Program Assistant, Shooting Sports Coordinator
jeanneh@umd.edu
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For the last 8 weeks, 4-H members in Southern MD have been taking care of their broiler projects. This includes making sure the birds are warm enough, have food and water, and clean pens. Some youth raised their birds in pastures while others raised them in barns.
Charles County and St. Mary’s County 4-H worked together to offer an opportunity for the youth to show off their birds. Youth spent Friday giving their broilers baths, blow drying, and cleaning pens to make sure the broilers looked their best for the show.
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On Saturday, May 11, youth from both counties got together and showed off their birds. The judge used this opportunity to teach each child about what he was looking for and how to better themselves for next year.
During this event, youth also tried their hand at a poultry Skillathon, poultry judging, showing off some poultry photography skills, and giving demonstrations about poultry.
It was an overall successful day and the youth had a great time!
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Beyond Boundaries: AI-Infused Extensions
for Progressive Solutions
Maria Barga
Technology Educator
mbarga@umd.edu
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At the National Extension Technology Conference held on May 13-16, at the State College in Pennsylvania, Maria Barga and Naimani Staley co-presented an interactive workshop that introduced free AI tools they use to enhance productivity in Extension.
Together, they discussed and explored different ways AI can be used to streamline trivial tasks, optimize time, and break down the physical barriers of working from a distance, allowing for more collaboration amongst programs and connecting team members within Extension.
Are you "Tired of being buried in administrative tasks while frantically trying to figure out how to get through the three pages of unanswered emails waiting for you in your inbox? Perhaps you’re not sure how to respond to that one email? According to a study by ReclaimAI, the average worker spends almost two hours a day on unproductive tasks."
Contact Maria at mbarga@umd.edu for information on classes about Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how it can help you!
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Charles County Grow It Eat It Education Project
is Having a Busy 2024!
Meg MacDonald
Master Gardener Volunteer
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The GIEI team presented VEGETABLE GARDEN PLANNING at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in La Plata, on April 6. Five CCMG volunteers assisted the team in presenting to an audience of 27 residents. There was a waiting list for admission, so the GIEI team is looking into getting bigger spaces for upcoming workshops.
In addition to providing details on planning the site, prepping the soil, planting the crops, and producing and maintaining a vegetable garden, GIEI Team presenters promoted the UME HGIC “Year of the Heirloom Tomatoes" (see below). Audience members asked many questions and shared experiences. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone especially enjoyed CCMG Tina Bailem’s demonstration of planting a lettuce box.
The presentation can be viewed on the CCMG Website.
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CCMG GIEI co-chair Beth Grem provided info on container gardening to the audience at CSM on April 6. Photo: Terry Thir | |
CCMG Tina Bailem demonstrated planting a lettuce box at the April 6 GIEI Vegetable Garden Planning workshop; CCMG Jennifer Godlewski (left)) looks on. Photo: Terry Thir | |
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Community Garden Task Force –
The GIEI project’s Community Garden task force is currently gathering information so we can provide feedback to county staff and other groups to help make a community garden in Charles county a reality.
Currently there are no public community gardens here. We are grateful to our MG colleagues in Prince George’s county (particularly Esther Mitchell and Dave Kneipp) who have been so helpful to date.
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What's Ahead?
VEGETABLE PLANT PESTS AND DISEASES on July 13, and FALL VEGETABLE GARDENING Q & A on October 6; both to be held at the College of Southern Maryland.
UME HGIC Tomato Trials – The UME Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) has declared 2024 to be the YEAR OF THE HEIRLOOM TOMATOES. Seeds from fourteen different heirloom varieties were sent to each county in the state and distributed to MGs who volunteered to grow them in their gardens and to collect data and upload photos to a virtual photo album.
One goal of the trial is to determine which varieties do best in various regions. The data will be shared with the public at the end of the trial. For more information about The Year of the Heirloom Tomatoes, check out UME HGIC’s page.
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Look at the Food Bank Now!
Brent Burdock
Master Gardener Volunteer
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The first harvest yielded two pounds of kale. Trellises were built, mint was separately potted, parsley and flowers were planted in the Demonstration Patio Garden, 15 feet of sunflower seeds were sown, and acorn squash from the winter sown jugs were transplanted around the perimeter. In addition, okra, tomatillos, eggplants, bush beans, cucumbers, Butternut squash, cantaloupes, and Borage have now filled the garden.
In conjunction with our SNAP-Ed Project Leader, the Master Gardeners are reaching out to the Indian Head Elementary School Garden Club. A program has been underway to instruct students on the growing of plants.
Check out the photos by Brent Burdock of the garden. . .
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Bob Peregoy and Brent Burdock install
wire-fence trellises.
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Jamila Barton transplants okra and tomatillos in newly added mulch. | |
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Here's the Newly expanded
Food Bank Garden.
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Sally Matts waters the tractor trailer tire tread planter after sowing sunflower seeds and transplanting acorn squash. | |
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Master Gardeners Applauded at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Social
Carol Teets
Master Gardener Volunteer
On May 9, the Master Gardeners gathered at the Charles Soil Conservation District offices for their annual awards ceremony and potluck social.
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Awards and certificates were given to interns who have earned their required 40 hours of voluntary service. Longevity was also celebrated by those who have been active Master Gardeners for 3, 5, and 10 years. The most celebrated were those who were awarded emeritus status.
A thank you was shared among the volunteers for their hard work and on-going support of this successful program.
Photos: Carol Teets
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Read the latest edition of The Compost, Charles County Master Gardeners' newsletter!
Visit the Home & Garden Information Center’s (HGIC) webpage for more gardening information and to submit your questions. You can find more tips and tricks for taking photos here at Ask Extension. You can also follow HGIC on social media- Facebook page, YouTube channel, or Instagram (@umdhgic)HC).
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What does UME do?
Watch the video to learn what University of Maryland Extension does and how it can help YOU!
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Feel free to contact our staff with any questions
or ideas you have to help make our community better.
Please send an email to jcrawfo4@umd.edu or visit our website.
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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. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact us at (301) 226-7500. | | | | |
