Welcome to the University of Maryland Extension (UME) of Charles 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. This partnership also includes support from USDA as well as the county government. The Charles County UME faculty and staff provide a broad range of outreach through workshops, seminars, classes, clinics, newsletters, consultations, and media efforts.
Emergency Flood Resources
Find resources for emergency flood recovery, safety, and clean up.
Free Forestry and Natural Resources Webinar Series!
Please join Dr. Daniel Pratson, Natural Resources Extension Specialist with University of Maryland, for the 2025 Forestry and Natural Resources webinar series. Through these webinars, you’ll learn the basics of Maryland’s forests along with how current research is advancing how we understand and steward these ecosystems.
Each webinar will be held on the second Wednesday of the month, starting in October, from Noon to 1 PM. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
What is it? This webinar series explores aspects of Maryland’s forests and natural resources. Each session will cover the basics of concepts linked to Maryland's forests, then highlight recent, relevant research advancing the field.
Who this is for? Anyone interested in learning about Maryland's forested landscape! Including landowners, natural resource professionals, educators, students, etc.
Other questions? Contact Daniel Pratson, Natural Resources Specialist, at dpratson@umd.edu with questions or accommodation requests prior to each webinar.
Wednesday, November 12, Noon to 1 PM EST: Learn about the factors that shape how and why Maryland’s forests grow. Register here: https://go.umd.edu/NovForests2025
Wednesday, December 10, Noon to 1 PM EST: Learn about some of the ways Maryland communities value, manage, and interact with forests. Register here: https://go.umd.edu/DecForests2025
Job Vacancy
Agent Associate, Financial Wellness (Family and Consumer Sciences Educator)
This office is located in Bel Alton, Maryland, and provides programming to Charles county.
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month appointment Extension Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. FCS program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. FCS Programs focus on improving the health and economic prosperity of residents and communities in Maryland. Programs will focus on financial well-being for families, youth, and communities and may also address health and well- being.
This position will also create and facilitate community partnerships with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, school systems, businesses, and others that support extension programs and policy, as well as 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 their Area Extension Director.
For more information and to apply, go to the announcement.
The Extension Advisory Committee is a diverse group of professionals, community leaders, and stakeholders dedicated to informing program development, assisting with outreach efforts, and identifying community needs by helping the UME faculty with overall advisory services to support program determination and issues. These members represent various partnerships and institutions, bringing their expertise, resources, and perspectives to support UME's mission. Their contributions ensure that programs and strategies are inclusive, relevant, and impactful. Our current Charles County EAC comprises individuals from these organizations, partnerships, and backgrounds:
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Charles County Public Schools
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4-H Representatives
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Small Business Owners
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Charles County Master Gardener Volunteers
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Community Members/Stakeholders with agricultural background and experience
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Community Members/Stakeholders with social services background and experience
The Charles County Extension Office is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; no appointment is required.
Please call the office at 301-934-5403, if you need to leave a message.
Thank you!
What does UME do and how can it help?
Watch the video to learn what University of Maryland Extension does and how it can help YOU!
Free Internet Training
Marylanders Online offers FREE internet training and support to help you learn to use the internet. Call the Marylanders Online Call Center to build your internet skills and online confidence at your own pace.
Sign up today. 1-866-206-8467. Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, marylandersonline@umd.edu.
Revised 7 CFR Part 16 "Nine Agency Rule"
The USDA Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) sent out priority guidance regarding the revised 7 CFR Part 16 “Nine Agency Rule” on July 2, 2024.
The revisions have clarified various provisions regarding notification requirements under the rule, which reestablishes important religious liberty protections for beneficiaries of federally funded social services (all extension programs).
Read the notice and know your rights.
Our Vision: University of Maryland is the preeminent Extension organization in the nation by providing the residents of Maryland with the highest quality of public service, distinguished educational programming, and cutting-edge research that addresses their needs.
Our Mission: To enhance the quality of life for people and communities by disseminating unbiased, research-based, educational information.
Who we are... Extension is a national partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state land-grant universities, and county government. In Maryland, Extension comprises the off-campus educational arm of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland, College Park. As faculty members of the university, county Extension agents and educators teach residents research-based information concerning agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development in their communities.
University of Maryland Extension has continued to provide science-based solutions for over 100 years and our goals have never wavered. We are passionate about building healthier families, homes, and communities, improving our agricultural production systems, instilling valuable life skills in our youth, and creating a sustainable environment and Chesapeake Bay.
Our Programs
Location - Charles County is on the Southern Maryland peninsula. It is bordered by Prince George's County to the north, St. Mary's County to the south, Calvert County to the east and the Potomac River to the west. It is 30 miles south of Washington, 61 miles southwest of Baltimore and 96 miles north of Richmond.
From MD Interstate 95...take exit 7 Branch Avenue South towards Waldorf; Branch Avenue will turn into Crain Highway (Route 301 South); Follow Crain Highway into Charles County. Once across County Line go approximate 17 miles. We will be on the right in the Historic Bel Alton High School, near mile-marker 10.