GARRETT COUNTY

The Maryland 4-H Camping Center was thrilled to be featured on UMD Giving Day on March 4th. This one-day giving campaign aimed to raise as much as possible in 24 hours to support its work across Maryland, offering a fantastic opportunity for the Maryland 4-H Camping Center to gather funds for improvement projects.

Thanks to your incredible support, we are delighted to announce that $4,000 was raised for our camp! These funds will directly contribute to essential upgrades, ensuring the continued creation of cherished memories for generations to come.

If you missed Giving Day and would still like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call our office at 301-334-6960. Camping season will be here before we know it!

Stay connected by following our Facebook page: Maryland 4-H Camping Center Facebook. Thank you all for your unwavering support!

Garrett County 4-H is proud of Dustin DeBerry, a senior member of the Country Explorers 4-H Club, for participating in the Maryland 4-H State Livestock Skillathon Contest on March 7th.

This contest tests knowledge in animal science as it pertains to livestock. Dustin placed 15th out of 34 senior contestants. The competition is open to all 4-H youth ages 8-18.

How do penguins and arctic animals stay warm in icy water? Youth had fun in this hands-on class led by Karen Wood and Emily Pysell as they learned how animals survive in the coldest places on Earth. They enjoyed a blubber experiment that showed how fat insulation protects animals in freezing water. After experimenting, the group got creative by making their own sock penguins.

4-H STEM Educator, Karen Wood traveled to after-school programs throughout the county to teach the science of lava lamps. In the hands-on class, youth made their own bottle lava lamp and explored the fascinating science behind density, chemical reactions, and liquids that don’t mix.

This month, students from Friendsville and Crellin Elementary embarked on an exciting journey into nutrition education. Kenzie Mousch, Nutrition, Health & Wellness Educator, taught the importance of creating healthy meals by ensuring that half of their plate is filled with fruits and vegetables. This simple step is crucial for a balanced diet and overall well-being. Additionally, students explored the concept of whole grains, discovering the variety of foods they are found in and the essential nutrients and minerals they provide. By understanding these key elements, our students are building a foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits.

Also the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior just released their new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) for 2025-2030. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Small changes can stretch your food budget and keep your family feeling good! Check out this new flyer for nutrition tips that follow the new Dietary Guidelines.

Tips to try at home:

• Cook more meals at home using simple, real foods
• Add fruits & veggies to meals and snacks (fresh, frozen, or canned- all count!)
• Choose filling ingredients like beans, eggs, whole grains, and dairy
• Eat together when you can - it helps kids build healthy habits

Check it out---- free gardening resources! Seed swap, hands-on activities, and a place to share any extra gardening items.

Join the Seed Saving Movement with our first annual Seed Circle Project!

Each year we will highlight a different heirloom plant and show you how to save seeds. You can get free seeds or plants to start with and the only thing that we ask is that you pass along seeds to friends, neighbors, and donate what you can back to seed libraries across Allegany and Garrett Counties.

Register HERE to receive seeds or 2 tomato seedlings.

Join Master Gardener volunteers for free hands-on, family-friendly activities at each of the Ruth Enlow Library Branches! At each session, participants will leave with an item to enhance their garden experience for 2026! Register by calling the corresponding library branch.

View the April Soil Blocking & Seed Starting details below.

Looking for free garden or flower seeds? Be sure to check out this awesome source in Garrett County! Visit the Extension Office to pick up your free seeds and start planting!

Nutrient management planning is in full swing as farmers plan their 2026 crops and nutrient applications.

Maryland law requires all farmers grossing at least $2,500 a year or livestock producers with 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure.

Farmers are required to have an updated nutrient management plan before applying nutrients to their soil. 2026 Nutrient Management Plans have been written for 80 farmers on 10,809 acres in Garrett County so far.

If you have questions about nutrient management or are in need of a nutrient management plan for your operation, email or call Andrea at auphold@umd.edu or 301-334-6960

Recently Maryland-Delaware Forage Council partnered with University of Maryland Extension to deliver local farmers the Annual Hay & Pasture Conference. University of Maryland Extension hosted the Western Maryland Agronomy Meeting. These workshops provided an overview regarding pesticide record keeping and storage, personal protection, native warm-season grasses, pasture systems for smaller farms, timothy as an annual forage to name just a few topics. Farmers were able to obtain Private Applicator Pesticide and Nutrient Applicator Vouchers and Consultant recertification credits for attending.

On March 2, dairy enthusiasts from Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania gathered at Garrett College CTTC to enhance their dairy operations. The focus was on Dairy Cost of Production and Feed Management.

• Dale Johnson from the University of Maryland Extension shared tools for tracking and managing dairy production costs.
• Dr. Fabiana Cardoso and Jeff Semler led sessions on effective feed management and high-quality silage production.
• Dr. Leoni Martins from Penn State discussed ration protein and fat options.
• Dr. Amanda Grev presented on annual forage options for dairy rations.

The event provided valuable insights and strategies for dairy producers.

Jesse Ketterman with University of Maryland Extension and other colleagues are offering a free VIRTUAL three-week program series for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Pick the best option suitable for your schedule.

Option 1: April 2, 9, and 16. Sessions at 5.30 pm-7.30 pm
Option 2: May 6, 13, 20. Sessions at 10 am-noon

Register for the program at: go.umd.edu/NDC_SPRING2026

For more information, contact Dhruti Patel (dhrutip@umd.edu).

The Pathways For Success (TRiO) at Allegany College of Maryland is a Student Support Services program which seeks to increase retention, grade point average, graduation and transfer rates of first generation, income eligible and students with disabilities. At a recent visit, Dr. Ketterman played financial jeopardy with the students teaching financial literacy and accounting concepts in an engaging way.

As I get closer to my retirement date of March 31, 2026, it becomes more real that one journey in my life is ending and another journey is about to begin. It is hard to imagine that I have worked for the State of Maryland for over 35 years, beginning with the Washington County Health Department and ending with University of Maryland Extension. I want to savor my journey with the University of Maryland Extension. When I was hired back in 2013, I was so excited because being an FCS Educator with UME had always been my “dream job”. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to live out that dream with a wonderful group of people. It has been an adventure that I will never forget. I have forged lasting friendships with co-workers and have many wonderful memories from the past 12 years. This job has allowed me to learn more, help others to improve their life, explore new places, meet new people, find new ways to serve others, take on leadership roles, and enjoy the journey. Thank you to everyone who has touched my journey along the way. As Winnie the Pooh once said “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”.

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 8:00 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.