Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

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.

Herbs will thrive in containers on your patio or balcony. Alongside Master Gardeners, learn how to grow companion herbs for your favorite recipes or try different varieties of a favorite herb in one beautiful container.

You’ve removed some of your lawn, now what? Baltimore County Master Gardeners will provide inspiration via our lawn alternatives garden site and other native plants around the demo gardens.

Take a guided tour of what is growing in our edible garden area, sample the sun-ripened produce and
gain insight into the best practices for growing vegetables and berries in your home garden. 

Come learn with us at the Monarch Way Station: How we can help these beautiful creatures on their journey!

Alongside a seasoned Master Gardener, learn how to care for fruits and berries. From pruning to picking, there is plenty to do!

Alongside a Master Gardener, learn essentials of composting using commercially available composting systems as well as Do-It-Yourself Designs.

Alongside a Master Gardener who has created half a dozen rain gardens on his own property, learn about native plants that can thrive in various environments, and why they’re so important for the health of the Chesapeake bay!

Alongside a Master Gardener, learn the many reasons why we need to reduce our turfgrass lawn areas. It will surprise and amaze you the difference you can make with sustainable choices on your property.