Publications

Authors: Emily M. H. Woerner - Neith Little - Donald Murphy - Richard Francis - Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein

Interested in harvesting rainwater on your urban farm? Harvesting rainwater could provide a supplemental source of irrigation water. Learn about collecting rainwater on urban farms by adding gutters to high tunnels. Authors: Emily M. H. Woerner, Neith Little, Donald Murphy, Richard Francis & Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein; Title: Rainwater Harvesting on Urban Farms: Adding Gutters to Collect Rainwater from a High Tunnel (FS-2025-0765).

Authors: Amy Lang

This resource provides a bank of tools that 4-H leaders can apply the Thriving Model and facilitate a strong sense of belonging among youth participants. Author: Amy Lang; Title: Putting the 4-H Thriving Model into Practice (EBR-2025-0762).

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: Jena Pinkard - Catherine Sorenson - Shauna Henley

This factsheet covers what to do with food in the event of a power outage. It explains food safety guidelines to help determine what food can be kept and what food needs to be thrown away. It also explains how to use homeowners or renter’s insurance to cover the cost of replacing any food that needs to be thrown away. Authors: Jena Pinkard, Catherine “Carrie” Sorenson, and Dr. Shauna C. Henley; Title: Am I Losing a Refrigerator Full of Food After a Power Outage? (FS-2025-0791).

Authors: Dorothy Nuckols

Ongoing federal student loan reforms were implemented in 2025 and continue into the future. They shape repayment plans, forgiveness rules, and borrowing limits. Borrowers must meet key deadlines to optimize costs and avoid losing benefits. Here is what to know. Author: Dorothy Nuckols, MPH, AFC; Title: Federal Student Loan Reform 2025-2028: Your Guide to Repayment, Forgiveness, Borrowing Limits, and What You Need to Do (FS-2025-0788).

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).

Authors: Caroline DiGiovanni - Claire Cambardella - Amanda Rockler - Eric Buehl

arvesting Rainwater with Rain Barrels is an introductory fact sheet to the practice of harvesting rainwater, and its benefits, including stormwater management, water conservation, financial incentives, and practical reasons. Information on rain barrel assembly and installation can be found in follow-up publications. By Caroline DiGiovanni, Claire Cambardella, Amanda Rockler, and Eric Buehl; Title: Harvesting Rainwater with Rain Barrels (FS-2025-0769).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson - Michael Elonge

This fact sheet examines the relationship between housing needs and the family life cycle, highlighting housing as a critical factor in family well-being and social stability. As families move through life stages - from childbearing years to retirement - their housing needs evolve, requiring flexible and affordable living options. Rising housing costs, inflation, and income inequality create significant financial barriers for many households, making it increasingly difficult to secure stable housing. Challenges such as saving for down payments, navigating mortgage rates, and managing property taxes further complicate the path to homeownership. The article also discusses homelessness in Maryland, noting that a shortage of affordable housing contributes significantly to the issue. Strategies for families include financial planning, utilizing housing assistance programs, and exploring alternative housing arrangements. Ultimately, the authors call for a comprehensive, multi-sector approach that combines program support, financial education, and community resources to ensure families have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson & Michael Elonge; Title: The Financial Implications of Housing Needs on the Family Life Cycle (FS-2025-0776).

Authors: Shannon Dill - Sarah Hirsh - Kurt Vollmer - Dr. Nicole Fiorellino - Andrew Kness - Macy Cook

This publication highlights the impact of the 2024-2025 UMD Extension (UME) Winter Agriculture Production Meetings, focusing on participant engagement, UME program delivery, and nutrient management. Results demonstrate the continued importance of UME winter programming in supporting informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and farm profitability across Maryland’s agricultural sector. Authors: Shannon Dill, Sarah Hirsh, Kurt Vollmer, Nicole Fiorellino, Andrew Kness, and Macy Cook; Title: University of Maryland Extension Winter Meeting Data 2025 (FS-2025-0780).

Authors: Becky Ridgeway - Anna Glenn

When preparing to show poultry in 4-H, it can be overwhelming at times with the rules and guidelines that are found within the Maryland 4-H program and specifically in your individual county. If you take the time to read over the rules and guidelines and have open communication with your 4-H Extension Educator, 4-H Poultry Department Superintendents, and your Club Leader, it becomes an easier process to ensure a positive experience. Authors: Becky Ridgeway and Anna Glenn; Title: Maryland 4-H Requirements and Tools for Exhibiting Poultry (FS-2025-0773).