Habitat Management

Authors: Sarah Hirsh - Shannon Dill - Caroline Kuchta - Neith Little - Kelly Nichols - Margaret Todd

This guidebook aims to increase knowledge of conservation practices and resources available to help farmers and land managers plan for and incorporate conservation onto their land. The guidebook discusses how conservation can fit into whole farm planning, conservation plans, the Web Soil Survey resource, an overview of agencies and conservation programs, and Natural Resource Conservation Service program eligibility and contract requirements. Authors: Sarah Hirsh, Shannon Dill, Caroline Kuchta, Neith Little, Kelly Nichols, and Margaret Todd; Title: Cultivating Conservation for Maryland and Delaware’s Historically Underserved Farmers (EM-2025-0752).

Authors: Luke Macaulay

Discover the four pillars for managing deer damage to crops, forests, and gardens: hunting for population control, habitat management to divert deer, repellents/deterrents/predators, and fencing. Practical strategies from UMD Extension Wildlife Specialist Luke Macaulay, Ph.D. for Maryland landowners. Author: Luke Macaulay, Ph.D.; Title: The 4 Pillars of Managing Deer Damage (EB-2024-0740).

Authors: Daniel Pratson - Luke Macaulay - Kyle Magdziuk - Ben Larson

Early successional habitat, characterized by high densities of small trees and shrubs, is important for native wildlife in Maryland. However, this habitat type covers only a small portion of Maryland's landscape and has declined significantly in recent years. Many tree- and shrub-planting projects are underway across the state, and these efforts can help reverse the decline of early successional habitat conditions by establishing plantings consisting of short-statured trees and shrubs. This publication lists short-statured trees and shrubs native to Maryland that are commonly available from nurseries statewide. It also provides recommendations for establishing and managing early successional habitats. Authors: Daniel F. Pratson, Luke T. Macaulay, Kyle Magdziuk, and Ben Larson Title: Birds and Other Wildlife Need Small Trees, Shrubs, and Early Successional Habitats (EB-2025-0771).