GARRETT COUNTY

During this Thanksgiving season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community partners who work alongside the University of Maryland Extension in Garrett County. Their unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that benefit our community in numerous ways.

From educational programs to sustainable agriculture efforts and community development projects, each partner plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents. As we reflect on the past year, we are thankful for the shared vision and commitment that these partnerships bring, fostering growth and resilience within our community.

Together, we continue to build a brighter future for Garrett County and beyond.

With Spotted Lanternfly adults being seen in our area, here are some good resources for you to learn more about this new, invasive insect pest. The most important point for this fall is to begin scouting for egg masses and remove them and scrape into a bucket of soapy water. This will help eliminate the number of insects that you see next year.

• Spotted Lanternfly Handout
• Spotted Lanternfly in Home Gardens
  
• Maryland Today Spotted Lanternfly Article with Dr. Paula Shrewsbury, UMD Entomology Professor and UME Specialist

Educators from across UME gathered together on Oct. 23rd at the Washington County Extension Office to offer a Master Gardener Train-the-Trainer opportunity entitled Growing Habitat: Teaching Tools to Inspire Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Conservation. This effort was led by Madeline Potter, Faculty Specialist for Entomology and Integrated Pest Management at the Home and Garden Information Center. 30 Master Gardeners from Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties were invited to this hands-on training to get inspired to share and make positive impacts and changes in their landscapes and communities!

We are thrilled to share the official release of the 4-H Investigating Oysters Curriculum - an interactive, STEM-oriented educational resource designed to captivate youth in the areas of oyster biology, aquaculture, and robotics. This curriculum was led by the Garrett County Team Willie Lantz, Phil Malone and Karen Wood.

The “Investigating Oysters” underwater science activity booklet serves as an educational element of the Smart, Sustainable Shellfish Aquaculture Management (S3AM) program. S3AM is a nationwide, multi-institutional initiative funded by the USDA that employs smart technology to enhance farming efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability in oyster aquaculture. This guide introduces young learners to oysters and provides an overview of underwater robotics through engaging activities that connect them to the future of oyster harvesting. The booklet includes activities such as a virtual oyster dissection, experiments in buoyancy and propulsion, and a guide for constructing the 4-H SAM underwater robot.

This curriculum is now available on the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Publications Page.

https://go.umd.edu/InvestigatingOysters

The 4-H team was recently invited to spotlight 4-H in this month's window display at the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County, centered around the National 4-H theme, "Beyond Ready." The theme "Beyond Ready" emphasizes the readiness of youth to take on future challenges, develop leadership skills, and contribute positively to society. This display not only celebrates the accomplishments of 4-H members but also inspires others to embrace the values of learning, leadership, and service.

Helen Craig is a graduate student at the University of Maryland studying the potential benefits and challenges of using insect protein as a partial substitute for soybean meal in dairy rations. In addition to studying how cow health and production are affected by this protein, she is conducting two surveys — one for the public and one for dairy farmers — to gather information that reflects real-world opinions, concerns, and economic realities of insect protein as a supplement in dairy rations. The goal of this survey is to ensure that future research, policy, and extension efforts are shaped with consumers, not around them.

Anyone over 18 (regardless if you consume dairy or not) is eligible and you can get a free set of stickers as a thank-you!

The survey link can be found here: https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_aV6h2PXyhqe252m or through the QR code here:"

Dean Wendy Powers visited the Western Maryland Research and Education Center on Tuesday, September 16th, to engage with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) faculty and staff. During the meet and greet sessions she actively listed and exchanged ideas with each of the attendees.

Pictured with Dean Powers is Dr. Jesse Ketterman.

Are you receiving our monthly AG Newsletter? If not, please click here to update your contact information and to stay updated on everything agriculture-related in Garrett County and the tri-state area.

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 8:30 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.