Publications

Authors: Veronica (Johnson) Yurchak

This guide equips high tunnel growers to manage thrips and mites using biological control. Learn to select effective natural enemies, optimize environmental conditions, and successfully integrate these tactics with your existing pest management plan. Author: Veronica Yurchak; Title: Using Augmentative Biological Control for Managing Thrips and Mites in Maryland High Tunnels (FS-2025-0749).

Authors: Karen Basinger - Jennifer Dixon Cravens - Mona Habibi - Shauna Henley - Beverly Jackey - Jeanette Jeffrey - Erin Jewell - LIsa McCoy - Dhruti Patel

Capture the Flavor: Herbs & Spices" is a national program for adults, led by trained Extension Agents or their volunteers and/or interns. The 75-minute program can take place in-person or virtually and takes participants through the herbs and spices journey, including its history, culinary best practices, storage, food safety/processing, and health benefits. Trained Extension agents will receive an educator manual, access to digital materials for the program, a mechanism to capture program impact, and resources for participants. Authors: Karen Basinger MS, CFCS, LDN​, Jennifer Dixon-Cravens MS​, Mona Habibi, PhD​, Shauna Henley, PhD; Project Director​, Beverly Jackey MS, RDN, LDN; Co-Project Director​, Jeanette Jeffrey MS, MPH, MCHES​, Erin Jewell MS, RDN, LDN​, Lisa McCoy MS, RDN, LDN​,and Dhruti Patel MS, P.G.Dipl.; Title: Capture the Flavor: Herbs & Spices (EC‑2024‑0726)

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).