Southern MD Resource Conservation & Development

10/16/2026

🍂 WEEK 2: COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 🍂

🌳 Maryland’s Fall Foliage

This Friday, we’re highlighting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and its annual Fall Foliage Report!

🍁 Did you know that fall colors don’t change everywhere in Maryland at the same time? Differences in temperature, tree species, and local conditions influence when and how leaves change color.

📍 From the mountains of Western Maryland to the forests and waterways of the Eastern Shore, each region offers a unique view of autumn.

🌿 Why this matters: Fall foliage gives us an opportunity to appreciate Maryland’s diverse forests and the importance of protecting the natural spaces that support wildlife and our communities.

🔎 Explore the report: Discover the latest foliage observations and photographs from Maryland’s foresters and park rangers.

🔗 https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/10/15/maryland-fall-foliage-report-oct-15/

Join the conversation! What part of Maryland do you enjoy visiting to see the fall colors? Share your favorite spots or autumn photos in the comments!

10/09/2026

🍂 WINTER SEMINAR SERIES 🍂

🌳 October Topic: The Ecology of Fall — More Than Just Changing Leaves!

Welcome to our Winter Seminar Series! Every Friday, we’ll explore a new environmental fact, local conservation topic, or simple way to protect Maryland’s natural resources. Join us at the end of the month for a video presentation from a local environmental professional!

This month, we’re celebrating Maryland’s fall forests! 🍁

🌿 Did you know? Fallen leaves are more than autumn decorations! Leaf litter provides food and shelter for many invertebrates, while native trees offer wildlife food, nesting sites, and protection throughout the year.

🌰 Why does it matter? As autumn transitions into winter, trees and other plants continue to play an important role in supporting Maryland’s wildlife. Acorns from native oaks, for example, provide food for squirrels, birds, deer, and other animals.

Your Friday environmental challenge:
🍂 Leave some fallen leaves in your garden or beneath trees where practical.
🌳 Learn to identify a native Maryland tree in your neighborhood.
📸 Take a photo of your favorite fall colors and share what you discover in the comments below!

Small actions can help us appreciate and protect the natural world around us.

💬 Question of the week: What is your favorite sign of fall in Maryland?

Join us next Friday for another environmental spotlight!



📷 Maryland Department of Natural Resources. (2024). Fall foliage report for October 31, 2024. https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2024/10/31/fall-foliage-report-for-october-31-2024/

10/07/2026

08/07/2026

EcoSchool is happening today and it's not too late to register! If your kids are looking for something to do today, bring them to the Barns at New Market at 1 to learn about soil featuring live worms! Click the link below to register for this FREE event!

Lumbri Worms & Garden, LLC is coming to Eco-School to lead an engaging lesson on Soil Health and Conservation! Participants will get up close with live worms and enjoy a hands-on soil exploration experience. This is sure to be one of our most exciting and interactive lessons yet—don't miss out!

To register for this lesson, click: https://forms.office.com/r/iFver46wT3

08/05/2026

Lumbri Worms & Garden, LLC is coming to Eco-School to lead an engaging lesson on Soil Health and Conservation! Participants will get up close with live worms and enjoy a hands-on soil exploration experience. This is sure to be one of our most exciting and interactive lessons yet—don't miss out!

To register for this lesson, click: https://forms.office.com/r/iFver46wT3

06/01/2026

St. Mary’s and Charles Counties are both updating their Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plans and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is asking for public comments on their comprehensive plan:
https://engageberrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/charles-county-md-land-preservation-parks-and-recreation-plan
https://engageberrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/st-marys-county-lpprp-update

https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=196&projectID=136142&documentID=151363

Public engagement and participation go a long way with guiding these efforts! Please share your experiences with planners so they can be sure to accurately represent the wants and needs of our region!

This is a shell site

06/01/2026

Mark your calendars for the Crop and Forage Field Day and Tour on June 23, 2026.

No registration required. Lunch provided.

Private Applicator Pesticide Credits and Nutrient Voucher Credits approved.

04/28/2026

Apply for a Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarship!

Eligible individuals wishing to apply for a Maryland 4-H Foundation scholarship must apply online by 11:59PM on June 15, 2026.

General Eligibility Requirements:

The following requirements apply to all scholarships awarded by the Maryland 4-H Foundation. Please note that some scholarships may have additional eligibility requirements. Refer to the Available Scholarships section for more details.

Must be a currently enrolled Maryland 4-H member or a Maryland 4-H Alumni in good standing who has completed at least two (2) years of membership in Maryland 4-H.

Must be planning to enroll in an accredited college, university or post-secondary technical training program for both the fall and spring semesters of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Each applicant may only receive one (1) scholarship per year for two (2) years before becoming ineligible to apply.
*Students completing their post-secondary education in December of 2026 are ineligible to apply.

Application Requirements:

Scholarship applications must be submitted online and are to be time stamped by 11:59pm of June 15th. The scholarship application must be typed and signed by the candidate.

In addition to their application, candidates must provide the following documentation:

Unofficial transcript from most recent academic institution.

Essay – Describe a passion you have discovered, developed, or shared through your 4-H experience. Include specific examples of your 4-H involvement and explain how these experiences have prepared you to be “Beyond Ready”. How has this passion influenced your academic interests and future career goals?

Leadership, 4-H Involvement, and Citizenship charts provided in application.

A letter of recommendation from someone involved in your 4-H career (ie. 4-H Club Leader, 4-H Educator, influential 4-H volunteer, etc.).

Any application that does not meet the requirements or is missing required information will be considered incomplete and will NOT be reviewed.

Please visit the link below to apply:

Please click the link to complete this form.

04/22/2026

Join us this summer for Eco-School! 🌿

Explore exciting environmental topics, learn about conservation, and connect with nature in a fun, engaging way. This FREE program will be held at the Barns at New Market on the Fridays listed below from 1-2 PM.

To register, please click the link below:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=MDv3r2ZVC0664cufsSC61p9aml0QiddKv0xxlpeYF2xUNFpJOEdGSjJBVlFBUFNHVDBVVTRGVVhEVS4u

We hope to see you there!