Welcome to the University of Maryland Extension (UME) of Charles County which is part of a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland, College Park. This partnership also includes support from USDA as well as the county government. The Charles County UME faculty and staff provide a broad range of outreach through workshops, seminars, classes, clinics, newsletters, consultations, and media efforts.
The Extension Advisory Committee is a diverse group of professionals, community leaders, and stakeholders dedicated to informing program development, assisting with outreach efforts, and identifying community needs by helping the UME faculty with overall advisory services to support program determination and issues. These members represent various partnerships and institutions, bringing their expertise, resources, and perspectives to support UME's mission. Their contributions ensure that programs and strategies are inclusive, relevant, and impactful. Our current Charles County EAC comprises individuals from these organizations, partnerships, and backgrounds:
-
Charles County Public Schools
-
4-H Representatives
-
Small Business Owners
-
Charles County Master Gardener Volunteers
-
Community Members/Stakeholders with agricultural background and experience
-
Community Members/Stakeholders with social services background and experience
The Charles County Extension Office is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; no appointment is required.
Please call the office at 301-934-5403, if you need to leave a message.
Thank you!
Position Announcements
STATE SOIL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE (SSCC)
Charles
SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT (SCD) SUPERVISOR TO BE APPOINTED
The Charles SCD is seeking individuals with knowledge and a sincere interest in proper land use and conservation of natural resources to be considered for an at-large appointment to its Board of Supervisors. Supervisors must reside within the county boundary associated with the SCD and are expected to attend monthly meetings of the Board. The appointment will be for a term to expire on April 18, 2030, and will fill the expired term of John “Jack” Welch. All appointments to the Board of Supervisors are made by the Maryland SSCC. More information (including Facts Supervisors Should Know) and the application form can be downloaded at the website below:
https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/Pages/md-soil-conservation-committee.aspx
Application forms may also be picked up at the Charles County Extension Office (9501 Crain Highway, Bel Alton, MD 20611) OR the Charles Soil Conservation District Office (42000 Gardiner Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601).
Completed forms may be sent by email to loretta.collins@maryland.gov OR by regular mail to the address below: State Soil Conservation Committee, Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Room 306, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. For best consideration forms should be received by April 9, 2025.
What does UME do and how can it help?
Watch the video to learn what University of Maryland Extension does and how it can help YOU!
Free Internet Training
Marylanders Online offers FREE internet training and support to help you learn to use the internet. Call the Marylanders Online Call Center to build your internet skills and online confidence at your own pace.
Sign up today. 1-866-206-8467. Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, marylandersonline@umd.edu.
If you wish to speak with the Southern Maryland Tech Educator, contact Maria Barga at 301-226-7511.
Our 2023 Annual Report is ready for your review! Take a look at how the Charles County Extension impacted the Community!
Revised 7 CFR Part 16 "Nine Agency Rule"
The USDA Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) sent out priority guidance regarding the revised 7 CFR Part 16 “Nine Agency Rule” on July 2, 2024.
The revisions have clarified various provisions regarding notification requirements under the rule, which reestablishes important religious liberty protections for beneficiaries of federally funded social services (all extension programs).
Read the notice and know your rights.
Our Vision: University of Maryland is the preeminent Extension organization in the nation by providing the residents of Maryland with the highest quality of public service, distinguished educational programming, and cutting-edge research that addresses their needs.
Our Mission: To enhance the quality of life for people and communities by disseminating unbiased, research-based, educational information.
Who we are... Extension is a national partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state land-grant universities, and county government. In Maryland, Extension comprises the off-campus educational arm of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland, College Park. As faculty members of the university, county Extension agents and educators teach residents research-based information concerning agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development in their communities.
University of Maryland Extension has continued to provide science-based solutions for over 100 years and our goals have never wavered. We are passionate about building healthier families, homes, and communities, improving our agricultural production systems, instilling valuable life skills in our youth, and creating a sustainable environment and Chesapeake Bay.
Our Programs
UME-Charles Annual Reports
Learn more about our mission, vision, priority areas, goals and successes
Location - Charles County is on the Southern Maryland peninsula. It is bordered by Prince George's County to the north, St. Mary's County to the south, Calvert County to the east and the Potomac River to the west. It is 30 miles south of Washington, 61 miles southwest of Baltimore and 96 miles north of Richmond.
From MD Interstate 95...take exit 7 Branch Avenue South towards Waldorf; Branch Avenue will turn into Crain Highway (Route 301 South); Follow Crain Highway into Charles County. Once across County Line go approximate 17 miles. We will be on the right in the Historic Bel Alton High School, near mile-marker 10.