Publications

Authors: Haley Sater

We are pleased to announce that this publication will be available shortly. Please check back for updates and access to the full publication.

Authors: Haley Sater

We are pleased to announce that this publication will be available shortly. Please check back for updates and access to the full publication.

Authors: Amy Lang

This publication provides a helpful reflection tool for use in planning and evaluating a great 4-H program. Author: Amy Lang; Title: 4-H Thriving Model – Signs of a Great 4-H Program (EBR-2025-0761).

Authors: Kelly Nichols

Chelated iron is one of a limited number of active ingredients allowed for use in weed control in lawns in Montgomery County. Research trials were conducted from 2023 to 2025 near College Park, Maryland, to determine the efficacy of chelated iron (Fiesta®) on summer weeds. Various rates and application timings of the liquid and granular formulations were used. Higher rates and applications closer together (less than four weeks apart) are more effective for weeds such as white clover, large crabgrass, and dandelion. More than two applications throughout the year, including in late summer, may be needed to control dandelion and plantain, perennial weeds with more carbohydrate storage in their taproots. While chelated iron shows some efficacy and can have a place in a turf weed control program, cost and labor requirements should be weighed (e.g., spot spraying instead of broadcast applications), and cultural control practices should be continued. Author: Kelly Nichols; Title: Efficacy of Chelated Iron in Turf Weed Control (FS-2026-0806).

Authors: Rashmi Sahu - Hemendra Kumar, Ph.D. - Andrew Ristvey - Luke Macaulay - Stanton Gill

This guide provides an overview of the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA Part 107 and registering drones for legal operation in the United States. It explains eligibility criteria, knowledge test requirements, and the certification process for commercial small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) operators. In addition, it summarizes key operational rules under Part 107, such as visual line-of-sight, altitude limitations, airspace authorization, and safety responsibilities. Designed for students, researchers, agricultural professionals, and new drone operators, this resource serves as a practical reference for understanding FAA compliance and promoting safe, responsible, and lawful drone operations. The guide supports the growing use of drones in applications such as precision agriculture, mapping, environmental monitoring, and aerial data collection. Authors: Rashmi Sahu, Dr. Hemendra Kumar, Dr. Andrew Ristvey, Dr. Luke Macaulay, and Stanton Gill; Title: Guide for FAA Part 107 Certification and Drone Registration (FS-2026-0803.

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).