Environment & Natural Resources in Charles 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 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

Learn More About ENR           ENR Events Calendar

Welcome to the Master Gardeners of Charles County

We are volunteer representatives of the University of Maryland Extension who are trained to educate citizens about effective and sustainable horticulture practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. Master Gardeners offer landscaping problem-solving through presentations, demonstration projects, partnerships with other organizations, and public outreach activities.

Our vision is to create a healthier world through environmental stewardship. We accomplish these goals across Charles County through a variety of projects and partnerships. 

To see what we are currently working on, please visit our About Page. 

If you or your organization in Charles County would like assistance with planting techniques, or design, or would like to request a gardening presentation, please complete this form.

Callout: Contact an ENR Agent

Check Us Out!

Master Gardener Subprograms

More resources . . .

Top of Page

Charles County Master Gardener Program

In Charles 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.

About the Master Gardener Program

Master Gardeners are volunteer representatives of the University of Maryland who are trained to educate citizens about effective and sustainable horticultural practices. Master Gardeners offer landscaping problem-solving through demonstration projects, partnerships with other organizations, and public outreach activities. For more information, visit the UME's Master Gardener webpage.

Become a Master Gardener

Charles County Master Gardeners work to create a healthier world through environmental stewardship. We accomplish these goals across Charles County through a variety of projects and partnerships. 

Learn More about the Charles County Master Gardener Program

If you or a Charles County organization would like help with planting techniques or design, or would like to request a gardening presentation, please complete this request form.

Upcoming Events Calendar

Demonstration Gardens

Master Gardeners utilize demonstration gardens for hands-on teaching and self-guided tours to showcase sustainable gardening practices in Maryland. The plants featured in these gardens vary from herbaceous annuals and perennials, shrubs, and trees to fruits and vegetables. Some focus on themes such as container or pollinator gardening. 

Find a Demonstration Garden

Bay-Wise Program

The Charles County Bay-Wise Program is a homeowner education program conducted by UME Master Gardeners that focuses on improving water quality through smarter gardening practices. 

Learn More

Ask A Master Gardener Plant Clinic

On Saturdays from May through September, Master Gardeners of Charles County offer plant clinics at the Waldorf and La Plata Farmers’ Markets to provide free, science-based advice on all your gardening challenges.

Learn More

Composting

Charles County Master Gardeners join the Charles County government each year to host community workshops for county residents on composting and installing rain barrels.

Learn More

Grow It, Eat It

Grow It Eat It (GIEI) is an educational program that teaches county residents how to grow vegetables and address plant pests and fungal diseases.

Learn More

Native Plants of Charles County

Native plants support a healthier local environment. Once established, they require minimal water and thrive without fertilizers or synthetic chemicals—all while eliminating the need for routine lawn mowing.

Learn More