Environment & Natural Resources in Worcester County 

The 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 program offers educational opportunities 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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Worcester County ENR Programs & Resources

In Worcester County, UMD Extension staff offer a variety of exciting programs in the field of Environment and Natural Resources. Explore our local Extension's ENR program offerings below or contact our office to learn more.

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

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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UME Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics

University of Maryland Extension and research faculty in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics continue to study policies that address the complex interactions among agriculture, natural resources, and environmental quality.  To date, they have concentrated on the following areas:

  • Nutrient and poultry litter management
  • Nutrient trading and water quality
  • The use of best management practices for erosion and runoff control
  • The economics of riparian buffers
  • The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

Farming’s impacts on natural resources and the environment are getting more and more attention these days—nowhere more so than here in Maryland, where the Chesapeake Bay is so important for commercial, recreational, and symbolic purposes.  Farmers have traditionally focused on protecting the natural resources that support continued agricultural productivity.  They have installed erosion control measures to guard against topsoil loss, changed farming practices to maintain soil quality, and adjusted pest management strategies to make best use of natural enemies, among other measures, as part of their efforts to use those resources more efficiently.  More recently, nutrient management has been a focal point for efforts to improve fertilizer-use efficiency while protecting water quality.  Maryland has also made significant efforts to protect and expand agriculture's positive contributions to environmental quality by providing open space, scenery, and habitat for wildlife.

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Extension ENR Resources

From flooding and forestry to watershed restoration and wildlife, UME has hundreds of ENR resources to discover. Find expert-curated tips to manage your lawn, plants, and food gardens, or get answers from our team of Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists, Extension Faculty, and Master Gardeners. View all ENR resources.

More Worcester County Extension Programs