Alumni

Spring is in the air, and the Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners are getting ready for their 11th Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., rain or shine. The sale will be held at the University of Maryland Extension–Queen Anne’s County Office, located at 505 Railroad Avenue in Centreville.

This much-anticipated spring event is a great way to kick off the gardening season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you’ll find plenty of inspiration—and plants—to take home. Browse a wide selection of plants for vegetable gardens, landscapes, and pollinator-friendly spaces while chatting with a group of friendly, knowledgeable gardeners who love to share their passion.

Have a question about your yard or garden? Stop by the “Ask a Master Gardener” Plant Clinic, where University of Maryland Extension–trained volunteers will be ready to help with advice on flowers, fruits, vegetable gardens, and plants that attract wildlife such as songbirds, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Looking to grow fresh herbs by your kitchen door, try a new pepper variety, or add a unique heirloom tomato to your garden? Master Gardeners will be there to help you find the perfect plants—including fun and flavorful varieties like fish pepper and lettuce leaf basil.

Bring the kids, bring your gardening questions, and don’t forget to bring a wagon or cart to carry home your new plants!

Proceeds from the cash sale support the many community projects and educational programs led by the Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners throughout the year.

For more information about the Master Gardener program and upcoming events, contact the University of Maryland Extension–Queen Anne’s County Office.

For further information, please call or reasonable accommodations to participate in this event email the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County, Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator,  Rachel J. Rhodes, at 410-758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu  by Friday, April 10, 2026, or see us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/QueenAnnesCountyMasterGardeners

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.

We hope you can celebrate Earth Day with us at the Department of Environmental Science and Technology as we explore Technology for Environmental Good!

Our event will include two riveting panels including National Geographic's Exploration Technology Lab, innovative building and design companies, soil acoustics technology, environmental restoration projects and more!

Make sure to RSVP Today!

Panelists or Exhibits:

• Kasie Coccaro, Senior Director of National Geographic's Exploration Technology Lab

• Dan Nadash, Vice President of InventWood

• Michael Carmichael, Stormwater Manager at UMD overseeing the Campus Creek restoration

• Shue-kei Joanna Mok, Earthbound Expressions exhibit of Art/Soil Science and Acoustics

• Matt Parker, Aquaculture Business Specialist with UMD Extension

• Mitch Pavao-Zuckerman, Urban Ecologist and Agrivolatics Specialist with UMD Environmental Science & Technology

• Hannah Spates, Sustainability Lead at Cooper Carry Architecture and Design

• Robert Swam, Environmental Project Manager at Rodgers Consulting

• And a few other potential panelists and/or table exhibitors

Join us Wednesday, April 22, from 4:00 - 6:30 pm, likely under a tent in the Animal Sciences Building Courtyard. Our event is open to all, including students, faculty, staff, community and our fantastic alumni. Hope to see you there!

Tentative Schedule:

• 4:00 pm: Opening, Panel 1

• 5:00 pm: Panel 2

• 6:00 pm: Exhibit Tables, Posters, Alumni Award and Dinner

Join us for an informative class with Garrett Dickel, Certified Arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts, on Beech Leaf Disease and learn how this emerging issue is impacting our forests and landscapes. Participants will gain an understanding of how to identify symptoms, learn about current research, and explore management considerations for homeowners and land managers. This timely program is ideal for anyone interested in tree health, forest stewardship, and protecting our local ecosystems. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office, Rachel Rhodes (410) 758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by April 3, 2026.

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.

This webinar outlines the landowner perspective on utility-scale solar: land use and environmental considerations, due diligence steps, common lease terms and clauses, and how property ownership and easements can influence development. We’ll discuss practical questions to ask and how to work with advisors when reviewing proposals. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

This session explains the fundamentals of community solar; what it is, who it serves, and how subscription structures allocate benefits and costs. We’ll discuss enabling policies and program features, compare community solar scale to other sectors, and outline practical steps and resources to evaluate offerings and join a program. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

This webinar explores the financial side of solar PV, including system cost components and soft costs, incentive structures, net metering and interconnection considerations, and approaches to estimating cash flow and simple payback. We’ll compare ownership and leasing models and outline how to assemble a straightforward economic case for homes, farms, and small businesses. Hosted by Drew Schiavone, Energy Specialist with University of Maryland Extension.

Earn a Certificate of Applied Agriculture at the University of Maryland, College Park. The IAA offers nine tracks to jump-start your career in agribusiness, sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, horticulture, landscaping, turfgrass management, or ag communications. Explore areas of study, financial aid and scholarships, world-class facilities, campus life, and more. Registration required!

For many gardeners, few winter pleasures rival the joy of leafing through seed catalogs, imagining the colors, scents, and harvests to come. That sense of anticipation will be in full bloom at this year’s annual Seed Swap, where community members are invited to browse, share, and take home seeds for the upcoming growing season.
From unique varieties of herbs to beloved annual flowers and coveted, prize-winning tomatoes, the event will offer a generous selection of seed packets. Attendees don’t need to bring seeds to participate, but those with extra or leftover packets are encouraged to contribute. Organizers ask that all donated seeds be clearly labeled so fellow gardeners know exactly what they’re receiving.
The Seed Swap provides both novice and seasoned growers an opportunity to expand their gardens and enhance their landscapes at no cost. Seeds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, making early arrival a smart strategy for those looking for specific varieties.
Whether you’re planning your first container garden or dreaming of a full backyard harvest, the Seed Swap invites everyone to share in the excitement and promise of a new growing season. This program is sponsored by the Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners volunteers and our generous sponsors.
Seed Swap Dates:
Saturday, March 7, 2026
10 am to noon
Queen Anne’s County Library-Kent Island Branch (200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666)

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6 pm to 7:30 pm
Queen Anne’s County Library-Centreville Branch (121 S. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617)

For further information, please call or make reasonable accommodations to participate in these events email the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County, Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator, Rachel J. Rhodes, at 410-758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by February 21, 2026 the events or see us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/QueenAnnesCountyMasterGardeners

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

For many gardeners, few winter pleasures rival the joy of leafing through seed catalogs, imagining the colors, scents, and harvests to come. That sense of anticipation will be in full bloom at this year’s annual Seed Swap, where community members are invited to browse, share, and take home seeds for the upcoming growing season.
From unique varieties of herbs to beloved annual flowers and coveted, prize-winning tomatoes, the event will offer a generous selection of seed packets. Attendees don’t need to bring seeds to participate, but those with extra or leftover packets are encouraged to contribute. Organizers ask that all donated seeds be clearly labeled so fellow gardeners know exactly what they’re receiving.
The Seed Swap provides both novice and seasoned growers an opportunity to expand their gardens and enhance their landscapes at no cost. Seeds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, making early arrival a smart strategy for those looking for specific varieties.
Whether you’re planning your first container garden or dreaming of a full backyard harvest, the Seed Swap invites everyone to share in the excitement and promise of a new growing season. This program is sponsored by the Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners volunteers and our generous sponsors.
Seed Swap Dates:
Saturday, March 7, 2026
10 am to noon
Queen Anne’s County Library-Kent Island Branch (200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666)

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6 pm to 7:30 pm
Queen Anne’s County Library-Centreville Branch (121 S. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617)

For further information, please call or make reasonable accommodations to participate in these events email the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County, Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator, Rachel J. Rhodes, at 410-758-0166 or rjrhodes@umd.edu by February 21, 2026 the events or see us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/QueenAnnesCountyMasterGardeners

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

The Global Community of Practice (CoP) is creating a space for faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to collaborate, learn, access resources, and advance the goals of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) through increased international engagement.