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FRIENDLY REMINDER... DON'T MISS OUT
The 2025 sign-up period for MDA's Healthy Soils Competitive Fund and Conservation Buffer Initiative ends soon. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to apply for attractive grants to plant streamside buffers on your property or implement soil health and agroforestry practices.
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APPLY NOW FOR SMALL ACREAGE COVER CROP GRANTS
MDA is now accepting applications for its 2025 Small Acreage Cover Crop Grants. This program offers up to $1,500 a year to small-scale and urban growers who plant cover crops in their production areas to build healthy soils, improve crop yields, protect local water quality, and deliver other environmental benefits. Apply by April 25, 2025.
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In this short Maryland Farm and Harvest video, Al Spoler visits Unity Church Hill Nursery, where owner Michael Jenkins shows him around a customer's new residential garden featuring native species. Most gardens rely on hybrid or imported flowers and trees, but native species gardens are gaining in popularity because of their natural look and positive environmental impacts.
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HOW IS NOW ON FACEBOOK!
The Horse Outreach Workgroup (HOW) is excited to announce that it is now on Facebook! Connect with How for valuable tips and tricks on pasture and manure management, and stay informed about the latest news and events in equine conservation. Visit HOW at: facebook.com/HorseOutreachWorkgroup
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LAWN FERTILIZER BLACKOUT DATES HAVE ENDED
March 1 marked the end of lawn fertilizer blackout dates. Fertilizer products containing nitrogen and phosphorus may now be applied to lawns as long as the ground is not hard-frozen or snow-covered and heavy rain is not predicted. A soil test is required before phosphorus may be applied to established lawns. For soil testing information, click here.
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JUMPSTART YOUR SPRING PLANTING
MDA reminds farmers that cost-share funding is available to transport all types of manure to crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Additionally, grants are available to offset the cost of injecting liquid manure into the soil to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors.
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MARYLAND LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD SEEKS NOMINEES
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.
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MEET OUR NEWEST CONSERVATION TEAM MEMBERS...
Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialists:
Allegany SCD: Sara Mack
Anne Arundel SCD: Zachary Felch
Calvert SCD: Kane Aguila and Jack Hines
Dorchester SCD: Chelsey (Tull) Miles
Harford SCD: Samuel Hogue and Kate Rutt
Saint Mary's SCD: Danielle Pressley
Talbot SCD: Grayson Smith
Washington County SCD: Aaron Bishop
Wicomico SCD: Matthew Blades and Faith Selva
Soil Conservation Associates:
Cecil SCD: Addis Tekle
Frederick County SCD: Cooper Sweeney
Garrett SCD: Samantha Miller
Prince George's SCD: Vern Crocker
Queen Anne's SCD: Julia Langenfelder and Garrett Temples
Talbot SCD: Andrea Negele
Washington County SCD: Monica Grosh
SO LONG AND GOOD LUCK...
MDA wishes Patrick Felch, Conservation Grants Program, all the best in his new position at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
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NEED HELP WITH A CONSERVATION PROJECT?
Please contact your local soil conservation district for additional information on MDA conservation programs, grants, and services.
WANT TO WORK FOR MDA?
Check out the latest job openings on our website.
Bird feeder image courtesy Jim Ensor, Baltimore County SCD
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