Life Amongst The Leaves Display

The Seed Library Network is a free, open-access resource hub designed to support libraries and community groups in creating and maintaining seed libraries. All of their materials are free to use, adapt, and share. If you have an open seed library, it takes less than 5 minutes to add yourself to the Seed Library Map . Website resources include:

• Guides on how to start and maintain a seed library
• Practical seed saving resources
• Tips on how to increase seed returns
• Downloadable & editable signage in English and Spanish about how to save seeds, how to borrow and return seeds, and much more …
• An open-source Seed Saving in Community class, which you can use to have teach seed saving in your community (available in English and Spanish)
• UpBeet! Online forum to ask questions of other seed librarians
• Cool Beans! Newsletter with helpful tips about how to maintain your seed library and inspiring ideas

Friday October 17th, 12:00pm- 1:30pm, Maryland State Fairgrounds

Join us for a seed-saving volunteer day in the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Learning Garden at the State Fairgrounds! Jon Traunfeld, UME Food & Community Gardening specialist, will give seed saving instruction. We will be packing seeds harvested from the garden to hand out at next year's State Fair. All materials will be provided. Please bring a water bottle and lunch for yourself. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Stephanie Pully at pully@umd.edu or (301) 226-7616 on or before October 3, 2024.

Friday October 10th, 12:00pm- 1:30pm, Zoom

Discover how simple and rewarding it can be to grow your own delicious mushrooms. This webinar will cover the basics of mushroom cultivation for the home gardener—choosing varieties, setting up indoor or outdoor growing spaces, preparing substrates, and ensuring a successful harvest. Gain practical tips and confidence to expand your gardening skills into the fascinating world of fungi!

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Stephanie Pully on or before September 26 at pully@umd.edu or (301) 226-7616.

Friday November 14, 12:00 – 1:30pm, Zoom

Curious about microgreens? These tiny greens pack a big punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition! In this session, you’ll learn how easy it is to grow your own microgreens and get tips on safely harvesting and enjoying them. Whether you’re looking to add a fresh touch to your meals or explore a fun new gardening project, this talk will give you the know-how to get started.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Stephanie Pully on or before October 31 at pully@umd.edu or (301) 226-7616.

Did you miss any of our continuing education webinars last year?

Check out the recordings below! You can always see both upcoming continuing education opportunities and recorded webinars on the State MG Continuing Education webpage.

Daniel Pratson, our new Extension Natural Resources Specialist, has some upcoming webinars:

What is it? This webinar series explores aspects of Maryland’s forests and natural resources. Each session will cover the basics of concepts linked to Maryand’s forests, then highlight recent, relevant research advancing the field.

Who this is for? Anyone interested in learning about Maryland's forested landscape! Including landowners, natural resource professionals, educators, students, etc.

Other questions? Contact Daniel Pratson, Natural Resources Specialist, at dpratson@umd.edu with questions or accommodation requests prior to each webinar.

October 8: 12:00- 1:00 PM

Deep Roots: Understanding Maryland's Forests

Learn about the history and current conditions of Maryland's forests!

November 12: 12:00- 1:00 PM

Woodlands 101: Forest Dynamics

Learn about the factors that shape how and why Maryland's forests grow!

December 10: 12:00 - 1:00 PM



Forests and Culture: Human Dimensions of Forest Stewardship

Learn about some of the ways Maryland communities value, manage, and interact with forests!

October 20-21, 2025- Richmond, Virginia

The Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council (MAIPC) is dedicated to protecting the region’s natural landscapes, economy, and public health from the threat of invasive plants. Through leadership, collaboration, and the exchange of science-based information, MAIPC coordinates efforts across the Mid-Atlantic to address invasive species challenges.

This year’s biennial conference marks the Council’s first in-person gathering since the pandemic, bringing together experts and stakeholders from across sectors for two days of insight, innovation, and action on the most urgent ecological issues facing the region.

Q&A: Native or Invasive? Harmful or Helpful?

By Emily Porter, Horticulturist, University of Maryland Extension Home & Garden Information Center

Burpee’s Garden Sown™ Direct-Sow Crops: First Impressions

By Erica Smith, Montgomery County Master Gardener

The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.