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APPLY FOR OUR SMALL ACREAGE COVER CROP GRANTS
MDA is now accepting applications for its 2023 Small Acreage Cover Crop Grants. This program offers up to $1,500 per grower per year to small farms and urban growers who plant cover crops in their production areas to build healthy soils, improve crop yields, protect water quality, and strengthen climate resilience. Applications must be received by May 26, 2023.
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GOVERNOR MOORE VISITS MDA
Governor Wes Moore visited the department earlier this month to announce two MDA initiatives to establish new market connections between farmers, watermen, and Maryland food banks. Federal funding secured for the Maryland Food Bank and the Capital Area Food Bank will help provide Marylanders in need with fresh local food.
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This short video by Sustainable Chesapeake features Maryland and Pennsylvania farmers candidly discussing the benefits and challenges of manure injection. Maryland farmers interested in this practice should check out our cost-share grants for manure injection.
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EARN RECERTIFICATION CREDITS AT MDA'S LIVE WEBINAR ON MAY 18
MDA will host a live online recertification class for Professional Lawn Care Applicators (PFAs) on May 18 from 9-11 am. This webinar earns 2 credits toward the renewal of PFA certificates. The class is free and open to trained employees who want to increase their knowledge of best fertilizer practices. Advance registration is not required. Click the link for registration info.
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BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
MDA has expanded its spotted lanternfly quarantine to include Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Washington, and Wicomico counties, as well as Baltimore City. The quarantine restricts the movement of regulated articles that might contain the spotted lanternfly in any of its life stages, including egg masses, nymphs, and adults.
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ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY IS MAY 19
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Restoring wildlife habitat on your land can help reclaim populations of endangered species like the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta). This freshwater turtle is threatened by poaching, development, and the loss of streamside forests. Learn about efforts to restore this endangered species in Maryland.
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THE OFFICE OF RESOURCE CONSERVATION IS HIRING!
District Operations has multiple openings for a Soil Conservation Associate II in soil conservation district offices across the state. These are permanent full time positions with benefits:
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Maryland's Eastern Shore:
Caroline Soil Conservation District (Denton, MD)
Talbot Soil Conservation District (Easton, MD)
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Southern Maryland:
Charles Soil Conservation District (Waldorf, MD)
St. Mary's Soil Conservation District (Leonardtown, MD)
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Western/Central Region:
Baltimore Soil Conservation District (Cockeysville, MD)
Carroll Soil Conservation District (Westminster, MD)
Frederick Soil Conservation District (Frederick, MD)
Garrett Soil Conservation District (Mt. Lake Park, MD)
Harford Soil Conservation District (Street, MD)
- APPLY HERE BY MAY 10, 2023
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For additional information on MDA conservation programs, please contact your local soil conservation district.
Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg, MDA, Patrick Siebert (Governor's Photo Office), Sustainable Chesapeake, soil conservation districts, iStock, and Shutterstock.
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