GARRETT COUNTY

This year, 20 4-H members are excited to begin their broiler projects. Each participant received 10 Cornish Cross chicks to kickstart their project. Over the next eight weeks, youth will feed and care for their birds, gaining valuable life skills such as responsibility, time management, and record-keeping, while also learning about animal husbandry and agriculture.

At the end of the project, the birds will be processed, and each member will submit two birds for evaluation in a carcass show, along with their 4-H project record for scoring. Members can then sell their birds or keep them for their family freezer. A special thank you to Bruceton Ag Service for donating the chicks and supporting this impactful learning opportunity that helps youth develop essential skills for the future!

🦇Join us for a hands-on training day at our Maryland 4-H Education and Camping Center in Swanton on May 28! Space is limited—please register by May 15.

Hear from DNR experts about Maryland’s bats and White-Nose Syndrome, and learn from University of Maryland Extension about mosquito management and wildlife-friendly lighting. Enjoy a tour of the camp and help build bat houses for the site.

This free event includes lunch, with an optional donation jar to help offset costs. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch.

Location: Maryland 4-H Education and Camping Center, 243 4-H Camp Rd, Swanton, MD 21561

Registration is required by visiting: https://forms.gle/PgnWTJ4C8Vhmn47K6

Join the Master Gardeners at your local library branch to create your own seed spiral! This fun, hands-on activity is perfect for gardeners of all ages and experience levels.

To participate, be sure to register in advance by calling the library branch you plan to attend. Space may be limited, so don’t wait—secure your spot today! 🌱

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) has a time-honored reputation for bringing together an impressive selection of presenters each year for the Personal Finance Seminar for Professionals (PFS). Be inspired by fresh ideas, new resources, and enhanced skills! Please note that this seminar has been approved for 6 AFC CEUs.

We invite your to register for the 38th annual Personal Finance Seminar for Professionals: Trends in Personal Finance. This virtual event will be held on May 14th and registration can be found at the following web link:https://go.umd.edu/2026PFSRegistration.

The annual 4-H Achievement Program was held on March 29th at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. The program is held annually to recognize the successful completion of projects by 4-H youth and a celebration of the work of volunteer leaders. There were 255 record books that were completed by members for 2025. In addition to project awards, youth are recognized for service hours earned and received special awards for achievement.

Special thanks is extended to Garrett County Commissioner, Larry Tichnell, Garrett County Farm Queen, Molly Magruder, Stage Helpers, Cassidy Ashby & Julia Ramsey, Emcee, Jasmine Ramsey, photographers, Emily Pysell & Kenzie Mousch, and Garrett County Fair Board Coordinator, Mike Kepple for their help at our program.

Pictured below is the Deatelhauser family from the Finzel 4-H Club awarded the 2025 Family Of The Year Award.

We enjoyed a fun drumming workout during our Kids Fitness and Smoothies class held during the Fun with 4-H Program in March. We kicked things off with an exciting exercise session, guided by Kenzi Mousch. Following that, we prepared some delicious smoothies led by Karen Wood and Emily Pysell. It was a wonderful opportunity to get fit while discovering the benefits of healthy eating!

As we wrap up this school year's College and Me program, we celebrate a successful partnership between UME and Garrett College for the 2nd year reaching 232 youth. This collaboration provided an enriching educational experience, with 4-H and Master Gardener UME Educators teaching classes on horticulture and STEM to all 5th-grade students in Garrett County Public Schools. Through this program, students gained insights into Extension careers, as well as fields like horticulture, entomology, and STEM.

Students engaged in hands-on learning, exploring the parts of an insect and understanding their roles in the ecosystem. They then used 3D pens to create their own insect keychains, a creative way to reinforce their learning and take a piece of the experience home. This initiative not only expanded students' knowledge but also inspired potential future careers in these dynamic fields.

Master Gardeners along with Ashley Bodkins, Master Gardener Coordinator and Emily Pysell, Program Assistant led an interactive program for Ryan's Glade 4-H club on April 21st to get the group excited about gardening and thinking about vegetables, plants or herbs that could be entered into the Garrett County Agriculture Fair. The presentation wrapped up with a hands-on activity where participants made seed spirals to take home and grow. Other 4-H groups that would be interested in having a similar program should reach out to the Extension office.

4-H Educator Lacie Ashby led the training for one of the five stations at this year’s Garrett County Envirothon Contest, focusing on the “5th Issue” station: non-point source pollution and mitigation strategies. High School students learned how pollution from industry, urban areas, households, and agriculture impacts water and soil health, such as stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, chemical spills, sediment from construction sites, and improper waste disposal. They explored strategies to control stormwater, reduce erosion, and increase soil filtration, including practices like rain gardens, buffer strips, wetlands, rooftop gardens, and green spaces. Additional solutions, such as sediment collection systems, composting, fertilizer management, and manure application techniques, were also discussed.

Students also learned about the effects of pollutants like chemicals, trash, sediment runoff, and overuse of fertilizers on water quality, oxygen levels, and algae blooms, which harm aquatic ecosystems. They gained an understanding of how the Clean Water Act and EPA regulations in setting water quality standards to limit pollution. This hands-on training provided students with the tools to identify pollution and implement solutions, empowering them to become environmental stewards in their communities.

Students were then tested on all station content, with the winning team moving forward to the state Envirothon Contest in June.

Kenzi Mousch, Nutrition, Health & Wellness Educator along with Emily Pysell, Program Assistant presented at the Mini Chefs, Mighty Meals Family Engagement Night at Grantsville Elementary School! Families rolled up their sleeves and cooked up some fun with their little chefs. The evening was filled with smiles and delicious creations as the mini chefs whipped up trail mix, whole grain fajita pizzas, fruit smoothies in a bag, parfaits, and even guacamole!

Not only did families enjoy a night of bonding over tasty bites, but they also left with easy meal ideas, simple recipes, and, of course, full bellies! Events like these show that cooking together can be both fun and nutritious!

Master Gardener Volunteers joined Kenzi Mousch, Nutrition, Health & Wellness Educator, at the Garrett County Health Fair held at Garrett College on April 11.

Throughout the event, volunteers engaged community members of all ages with educational displays, and practical tips focused on gardening, nutrition, and healthy living. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about growing their flowers and vegetables, incorporating fresh produce into meals, and making small lifestyle changes to support overall wellness. Information was shared about upcoming Master Gardener classes and events as well.

The team enjoyed connecting with the community, answering questions, and sharing resources that encourage healthy habits both in the garden and in the kitchen. Events like this highlight the important role of education and outreach in helping Garrett County residents live healthier, more sustainable lives.

🌺Master Gardener Grace McKearin presented Spring Wildflowers of Garrett County to the public prior to the monthly Master Gardener meeting.

To watch the presentation, visit the University of Maryland Extension Western Cluster YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/oN5E9283qpQ

Supporting the Maryland 4-H Environmental Education & Camping Center in Garrett County is a wonderful way to contribute to the growth and development of our young campers. The Amazon wish list has been created to address the specific needs of the camp, ensuring a fulfilling and enriching experience for all participants. By donating items from the list, you can directly impact the educational programs and outdoor activities offered, fostering a greater appreciation for the environment and promoting leadership skills among youth.

Consider visiting the wish list to see how you can help make a difference. Click HERE to see the wish list. Thank you for your support.

At the MD 4-H Environmental Education & Camping Center, our controlled burn field is another educational feature completed in partnership with local Department of Natural Resources. The controlled burn happened on April 7th.

Controlled burns, also known as prescribed burns, are an essential tool for maintaining healthy ecosystems. These intentional burns target well-defined areas and offer numerous environmental benefits. These burns reduce invasive plants, improve soil health, and encourage native vegetation growth. They also improve habitat and food sources for pollinators, animals, and ground nesting birds.

Congratulations to Jesse Ketterman, Dorothy Nuckols, Carrie Sorenson, Troy Anderson, and Crystal Terhune for their Outstanding Organization Award at the 13th Annual Maryland Financial Education and Capability Awards. Read more about this at https://www.prnewswire.com/.../thirteenth-annual-maryland.... Watch the announcement of the award during the legislative session on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKJnS5g9oAg (beginning at 29.00 min).

This team was "Recognized for delivering statewide financial education programs reaching thousands of Marylanders through targeted training on topics like credit, student debt, fraud prevention, and early career financial decision-making, equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and build long-term stability."

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We are here to serve you in person, by phone, email, or by Zoom. If you have questions, contact one of our experts to provide solutions.

Email: rcvetnic@umd.edu

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

Location: 1916 Maryland Hwy., Suite A, Mt. Lake Park, MD 21550

Phone: 301-334-6960

Office Hours: M-F 8:00 am-4:30 pm excluding holidays
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4HGarrettCoMD

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. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact us at least two weeks prior to the event at (301) 334-6960.