Educational Outreach / Training
To meet clean energy goals while preserving farmland, the University of MD, along with other researchers, are gathering input how Marylander’s view “solar development” on agricultural lands. They are requesting this survey, https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_2u8Hm0XpoBtKVme, be completed. (Those who complete the survey are eligible to enter a raffle for a chance to win one of seven $200 Amazon gift cards!)
Antietam Creek’s Watershed Report Card (2025) Released! Click the link to read about water quality indicators, vital signs, bacteria in the water, watershed associations and more!
Public Outreach Meeting scheduled at the American Legion, Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, Monday evening, July 14, 2025 for our planned stream restoration project (City of Hagerstown – Hamilton Run), along Northern Avenue! Let Catoctin Land Trust know if you plan to attend – Click Here for event details and notification information!
University of Maryland is planning to host several training and certification sessions for producer’s to write their operation’s Nutrient Management Plan. Contact the University of Maryland Extension Office at 301-791-1304 for additional details!
Maryland Department of Agriculture announces,
Conservation Education Outreach Program for Small Horse Farms!
Click here for details
Farm Stress Management – Information!
Conservation Grants
2025-2026 Cover Crop Program – Click Here
Contact our office at 301-797-6821 to answer questions or schedule an appointment!
Cost-Share now available for Manure Transport and Injection!
Please contact our office for further details and appointment scheduling at 301-797-6821 and/or visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture website: Manure Transport Program (maryland.gov)
REMEMBER! Participants of Maryland Agricultural Cost-Share (MACS) must certify the agricultural operation associated with the cost-share practice(s) is following a current Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). Click the link for the form required when application is made: Certification Form
Soil Health
Is your SOIL healthy?? See the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Website – Soil Health!!
Community
Bird Feeders/Blue Bird Houses/Bat Houses/Owl Houses
For Sale!! – (Bird/Bat Boxes – Featuring kiln dried cedar, stainless steel screws, and aluminum hinges)
Contact our office for details (301-797-6821)!
Have you moved or moving to a rural area?
Is your neighbor a farmer?
What you need to know (Click Here)!
Maryland’s Bay-Friendly Farming!
Click Here to learn more.
Per the Maryland Department of Agriculture –
IF YOU SEE IT…STOMP IT!
Spotted lanternflies are being reported in a wide area across the state. These invasive pests feed on over 70 types of agricultural products and crops, making them a widespread danger to the agricultural industry. They are currently in their adult life stage. If you see one, stomp it, and report it to MDA online – Additional Information!
Maryland Department of Agriculture requests survey response (Deer Damage Policy Development): Survey
Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity
MDE’s General Discharge Permit For Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity
Maryland General Permit No. 20-CP – Training Availability!!
The Department has reissued this State/National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity, effective April 1, 2023. The final permit and associated documentation may be found on the Department’s website by using this link https://mdewwp.page.link/CGP.
Many of our permits are issued with training material and useful guidance available. To make this more accessible, our Program has launched a standalone webpage and will be filling it with presentation materials over time to create a library for operators or consultants to make use of. If you have suggestions or requests for additional training please let us know. The webpage is: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/wwp/Pages/WPPRPTraining.aspx. One upcoming session for the 20CP is listed on the website for February 15. This training will focus on how to stay in compliance with the permit. You can sign up for the training on the website.
If you have any questions on the 20-CP contact Jennifer Nitsch at “jennifer.nitsch@maryland.gov” or Matt Perry at “matt.perry@maryland.gov” and for Chemical Additives/Polymer Use Lillian Deery at “lillian.deery@maryland.gov”.
Other Resources
Backyard Flocks – (Sick Bird Reporting) – Avian Flu
Free resource for Farmers and Landowners in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed! – Conservation Ag Lease Builder (www.AgLeaseBuilder.org)
WCSCD Information
District staff attended our annual Maryland Association of Conservation Districts Winter Meeting in Annapolis, also meeting with Legislation to discuss conservation needs, accomplishments…!
Board Meeting, scheduled, July 23, 2025 – Announcement!
The Washington County Soil Conservation District
2020-2025 Strategic Plan – (Update/Progress)
National Association of Soil Conservation Districts (NACD),“Hall of Distinction“, names one of our own! – Don Spickler (Service beginning in 1971)
Public Information Act (PIA)
For Inquiries/Requests, please submit to:
Dee Price, CESSWI, CSI, District Manager
Washington County Soil Conservation District
1260 Maryland Avenue, Suite 101, Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-797-6821
dee@conservationplace.com
Back to Top