Western Maryland Research and Education Center - MAES

The Western Maryland Research and Education Center (WMREC) consists of a single 491 acre facility located in Washington County. Housed at this facility are faculty and staff of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) and Maryland Cooperative Extension (MCE) - both components of the University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR).

Research projects conducted at the facility support the programs for faculty from the Departments of Entomology, Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science and Technology, and Maryland Cooperative Extension. Agronomic projects include small grain variety improvement trials, corn hybrid variety trials, perennial weed control, cropping systems, and nutrient management. Research and extension projects for tree fruit (apples, Asian pears, beach plum), small fruit (grapes and raspberries, etc.), and grape and wine processing are integral components of the facility's activities. Integrated pest management techniques are researched by faculty in the Department of Entomology. A 10 acre area has been developed for pasture management and rotational grazing research projects.

In addition, the facility has some cooperative research projects with agricultural industry representatives, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) scientists, and also hosts tours led by area MCE Educators.

Frank Allnutt is the Center Director for WMREC, as well as for the Central Maryland and Lower Eastern Shore Research and Education Centers (CMREC & LESREC). WMREC is the administrative home for the MCE West Region Director, Mary Ellen Waltemire. Extension specialists conduct educational outreach programs in the areas of farm management, natural resources, small ruminants (sheep and goats), viticulture & small fruit, nutrient management, and 4-H human sciences.

University of Maryland
Western Maryland Research & Education Center
18330 Keedysville Road
Keedysville, Maryland 21756-1104
Phone: 301.432.2767
Fax: 301.432.4089