UME Response to COVID-19

In response to the University of Maryland, Washington County Government and Governor Larry Hogan's actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the University of Maryland Extension, Washington County Office is implementing policies to limit in-person transactions and safeguard the health of its employees, stakeholders and the general public.

Effective immediately, University of Maryland Extension is currently functioning, however, building access is limited to staff only. Our employees are teleworking so appointments will be held via email and/or conference call between 8 am and 4:30 pm. During this time, our staff will continue to be available by phone and email. They can be reached as follows:

Jennifer Bentlejewski – 301-616-9445; jthorn@umd.edu
Annette Cormany – 301-791-1604 - Voice Mail 314; acormany@umd.edu
Rachel Forlifer – 301-791-1304 – Voice Mail ; forlifer@umd.edu
Jesse Ketterman – 301-791-1304 – Voice Mail ; jketterm@umd.edu
Lisa McCoy – 301-791-1504 – Voice Mail 315; lmccoy@umd.edu
Diane Montgomery – 301-791-1304 – Voice Mail 310; dianem@umd.edu
Jeff Semler – 301-791-1304 – Voice Mail 325; jsemler@umd.edu
Amanda Shank – 301-1404 – Voice Mail ; ashank1@umd.edu
Amy Simmons – 301-791-1404 – Voice Mail 311; simmons@umd.edu
Brian Sweeney – 301-791-1304 – Voice Mail ; sweeney@umd.edu
Ashley Travis – 301-791-1404 – Voice Mail ; ashley90@umd.edu

Additionally, all in-person public meetings will be cancelled, postponed or held via teleconference. Information and updates on individual meetings will be posted on our office website and social media accounts (WashCo Ag Facebook, WashCo 4-H Facebook) as it becomes available.

As part of the state's strong response to COVID-19, Governor Hogan issued an executive order providing a grace period for any state licenses, permits and/or registrations that may be expiring or up for renewal during the state of emergency. Renewal deadlines will be extended up to 30 days after the state of emergency is lifted. This order applies to a number of items issued by MDA programs, including but not limited to: pesticide applicator licenses, State Chemist product registrations and nutrient management certifications.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and University of Maryland Extension will continue working hard to maintain normal operations as much as possible. Any questions regarding specific programs or services should be sent to UME-Washington County.

For more information on the statewide response to COVID-19, please visit governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus.

Welcome to the University of Maryland Extension (UME) of Washington 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 and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.  This partnership also includes support from USDA as well as county government.  The Washington County UME faculty and staff provide a broad range of outreach through workshops, seminars, classes, clinics, newsletters, consultations, and media efforts related to the following topics:   

• 4-H & Youth 
• Agriculture
• Environment & Natural Resources
• Home Gardening
• Food & Nutrition
• Health & Wellness
• Money