Frederick County

Welcome to Frederick County's home page, we're glad you stopped by!

Here at Extension, we work hard to pass along to you research based information that will help you in your everyday life.  We do this through a variety of venues like educational programs, events, field days, seminars and camps.  Our program areas include:

Agriculture and Food Systems
Family and Consumer Sciences
Home Gardening
4-H Youth Development

Our Ag Agents assist farmers and landowners by providing technical assistance and educational programs to offer the latest best management practices to improve profitability and minimize environmental impacts on the county's natural resources.  

FCS Educators provide youth, individuals and families with the information and skills to make informed decisions about their health, finances, food, healthy homes, and overall well-being.  These programs are provided in schools, libraries, senior centers, faith-based organizations, in partnership with other agencies, and many other settings.  

Our Horticulture Educator directly assists county residents and businesses with home and garden questions and provides education to the community on various topics related to horticulture.  She also provides and coordinates training for the Master Gardener volunteers who significantly increase the reach of these educational opportunities to the community.

Frederick County has a large and active 4-H Youth Development Program with over 25 active clubs, more than 600 members and over 300 volunteers spread throughout the county.  Through participation in projects, clubs, camp, fair, competitions and volunteer activities, youth between the ages of 5 and 18 learn life skills such as citizenship, public speaking, leadership, record keeping, responsibility and teamwork -  skills that are valuable to them not only now but throughout their lives. 

Take a look at the program pages for more information.  
Got questions, get in touch with us and we'll be happy to help you out!

  • Agent Associate FCS

    This full-time position provides the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programming in Frederick County, as well as the surrounding region as appropriate. The FCS promotes health and well-being of all Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach. The Agent Associate is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational and outreach programs. The programs will be based on evidence-based programs that support statewide priorities as determined by the UME and local needs. Programs will focus primarily on financial well-being for families, youth, and communities and may also address health and well-being. This position will also create and support community partnerships (e.g., financial institutions, economic development agencies, public schools, libraries, senior centers, community organizations) that support extension programs and policy, systems, and environmental approaches. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic leadership. For administrative matters, the individual is responsible to the Area Extension Director. BS required.

    To apply online go to: ejobs.umd.edu  position #117735 closing date - 3/24/23

  • Nutrient Management Advisor

    The University of Maryland Agricultural Nutrient Management Program is hiring Nutrient Management Advisors across the state, including two Central Maryland counties. Nutrient Management Advisors serve the local agricultural community by providing valuable soil and crop fertility guidance in accordance with best management practices. Advisors work alongside county Extension Agriculture Agents to offer additional educational support and are a valuable member of the county Extension office team. Please consider applying for the open positions found here: ejobs.umd.edu closing date - 4/8/23

    Locations:

    Montgomery County (position number 128121)
    Frederick County (position number 128104)
    Allegany County (position number128122)

A Note From Our Area Extension Director

FAQ's

Pond Management

Extension Resources

Pond maintenance does not require a permit; however, pond construction, repair, or modifications will likely require a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). For more information, visit MDE's Dam Safety Permits web page, or call their office at 410-537-3538.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They may have information regarding the size of a pond, its age, data on when the pond was built and its specification at that time, materials on renovating it, and local contractors who may provide construction/renovation services. They are often able to calculate size by using aerial survey records. The Frederick County NRCS Office can be reached at 301-695-2803. [If you search 'ponds' on their website several web pages are available to view].

Penn State University - this web page videos, articles, guides, and publications.

Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension - this web page contains links to a vast library of Extension publications on a range of pond topics, including basic design principles, water quality, and fish stocking and management.

Texas A&M Aquaplant - this web page is specifically designed for identification and control of nuisance aquatic plants. Once identified, the site provides suggested control options. The section for chemical control includes ratings for approved herbicides and links to manufacturer's labels. Please note that, while the website often suggests the use of grass carp as a biological option, these are NOT LEGAL in Maryland and their importation can result in a violation of the federal Lacey Act.
 

Well Water and Septic Systems

Whether you’ve grown up with private drinking water and waste disposal systems, or are new to these devices, there is a lot to learn about maintaining your equipment and ensuring safe drinking water.

Extension Wells, Septic Systems and Water Quality

Extension Water Quality YouTube videos

Frederick County Government Well and Septic

MD Department of the Environment - Water Quality Laboratories Certified in MD

Tick Information

Although ticks appear like small insects, they are actually arachnids (like spiders and mites). They have four life stages (egg, larva, nymph, adult) and they require three blood meals to complete their lifecycle. Ticks find their host by hanging on to leaves or grasses with their back legs and reaching out with their front legs. When a host comes by, they grab on and quickly crawl on to the host. Ticks do not fly, jump, or fall from trees. Ticks are not killed by freezing temperatures and are active on days when temperatures are above freezing. Find out more - Ticks in Marylandthis web page has a link to the Maryland Department of Health with information about Lyme Disease.

Maryland Department of Health - Tick ID through the University of MD; this is only for ID and not to test for Lyme Disease.

The University of Rhode Island has labs listed for Tick ID and Lyme Disease testing.

Mosquitos

Wearing repellants and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites in your yard are two of the most effective things you can do to protect yourself from mosquito bites. In some communities, spraying for mosquitoes may be done to control large populations and/or mosquito-borne diseases.  Find out more - Controlling Mosquitos

 

Beekeepers

Maryland Department of Agriculture keeps a list of beekeepers who are interested in removing honey bees swarms, yellow jackets and hornet nests.  Call our office for contact information of a beekeeper in your area.

For information about bees and wasps go to: Home and Garden Information Center - Outdoor Insects

Extension Advisory Council

The purpose of the Extension Advisory Council is-

  • To serve in an advisory capacity to the County Extension faculty
    • Developing the overall County Extension program
    • Identifying problem areas that Extension could address
    • Establishing program priorities
  • To maintain adequate fiscal internal control procedures to handle any direct county funds and/or local groups and organizations involvement in and with Maryland Extension programs
  • To assist with informing clientele, support groups and the general public about Extension programs, activities and accomplishments
  • To assist with building support for Extension programs

Members of the EAC consists of representation from the county who will contribute to the program development of the UME county initiatives.