Environment & Natural Resources

Environment & Natural Resources Programs in Cecil County

UME's Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) program provides research-based education and technical assistance to help individuals, communities, and organizations conserve and manage Maryland's natural resources. Programs focus on protecting water quality, supporting healthy ecosystems, promoting sustainable landscapes, and increasing resilience to environmental challenges.

The ENR programs are offered through workshops, demonstrations, community partnerships, volunteer programs, and technical resources for homeowners, landowners, professionals, and local governments.

Areas of Focus

  • Home horticulture and integrated pest management
  • Water quality and watershed protection
  • Forestry and wildlife management
  • Aquaculture and seafood systems
  • Climate resilience and adaptation
  • Sustainable landscaping and green infrastructure
  • Energy conservation and renewable energy
  • Environmental stewardship and natural resource conservation

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Cecil County ENR Programs

In Cecil County, UMD Extension staff offer a variety of exciting programs in the field of Environment and Natural Resources. Explore our programs below or contact our office to learn more.

Watershed Stewards Academy

The Cecil County Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) is a partnership with the Cecil County Department of Public Works-Stormwater Management Division and the University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension.

The WSA program trains adult community leaders in ways to reduce polluted stormwater runoff and improve local water quality. Participants complete an intensive 16-course training program with classroom and hands-on fieldwork, a class project, and an individual capstone project in their community.

Once trained, participants achieve the designation of Master Watershed Steward and work with other members of their communities to assess watersheds to help identify sources of pollution and restoration opportunities, educate their community on pollution sources and how to reduce them, implement small-scale stormwater management practices such as installing rain barrels or constructing rain gardens, inspect and/or maintain small-scale stormwater management Best Management Practices (BMP), and connect communities with environmental resources and people who can help restore watersheds.

Learn More About Cecil County Watershed Stewards Academy

If you are interested in this program, please contact Eric Buehl ebuehl@umd.edu with the University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension or Marshall McSorley MMcSorley@ccgov.org of the Cecil County Department of Public Works-Stormwater Management Division.

Woodland Stewardship Education

Did you know that three-quarters of Maryland's forests are owned by a diverse group of private landowners? You may be one of them.

The Woodland Stewardship Education (WSE) program helps connect woodland property owners to their land. Through a variety of Extension offerings, WSE brings together professionals from fields such as forestry, wildlife ecology, and natural resource management to help woodland property owners make sound, informed decisions about managing their land.  

Learn More About WSE

UMD Extension ENR Programs

Aquaculture and Seafood Technology

UME educational programs that support sustainable aquaculture, seafood safety, ecosystem restoration, and Maryland's seafood industry. 

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Forestry and Natural Resources

The University of Maryland Extension ENR program offers resources on forest stewardship, wildlife habitat, conservation practices, renewable energy, and natural resource management. 

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Home Horticulture & Master Gardener Program

UMD Extension agents provide the community with science-based information on gardening, landscaping, integrated pest management, and sustainable landscape practices. 

Water and Climate

UME agents offer education on water quality, watershed protection, climate resilience, stormwater management, and the proper care of private wells and septic systems. 

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ENR Resources

From flooding and forestry to watershed restoration and wildlife, UME has hundreds of ENR resources to discover. Find research-backed tips to manage your lawn, plants, and food gardens, or get answers from Extension experts. Explore all ENR resources.

More Cecil County Extension Programs