BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prince George's Soil Conservation District - ECPv6.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.pgscd.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prince George's Soil Conservation District REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260414T163000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260414T183000 DTSTAMP:20260530T140722 CREATED:20260311T125241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T182559Z UID:3105-1776184200-1776191400@www.pgscd.org SUMMARY:Open Mic Night (April) DESCRIPTION:Join us at Asawana Farms for an engaging Open Mic gathering where we’ll spotlight the traditional crops we grow and the farming practices that connect agriculture to culture\, health\, and conservation. This experience explores how growing culturally significant crops is more than food production — it’s a way of preserving plant diversity\, protecting ancestral knowledge\, and keeping food heritage alive in a world dominated by monoculture farming. In a time when many ethnic crops are being left behind\, we’re bringing them back to the center — where they belong. \nRegister Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conserving-culture-through-ethnic-crops-tickets-1984825785354?aff=oddtdtcreator \nThis will be an in-person event! Networking and refreshments begin at 4:30pm. The program will start promptly at 5pm. \n\nWhat we’ll explore: \n\nA guided walk through what’s growing now — and what will be planted in Spring 2026\nHands-on bed preparation for medicinal crops like bitter leaf\, scent leaf\, and Ugu\nOpen mic storytelling and discussions on the origins\, traditional uses\, and modern relevance of some of these crops\n\nConnecting farming to conservation through: \n\nAgrobiodiversity through heirloom and non-GMO ethnic crops that support pollinators naturally\nRegenerative soil practices rooted in traditional farming wisdom\nCultural preservation through food\, language\, recipes\, and history — keeping names like Njamanjama and Ugu alive and connecting the African American diaspora to the motherland through food crops\nCommunity empowerment that strengthens food sovereignty\, resilience\, and health\n\nWith growing recognition — including institutions like the University of Maryland Medical Center incorporating ethnic crops into wellness and nutrition — traditional foods are proving their value today more than ever. Come learn\, share and preserve culture with us — one story and one seed at a time. And be prepared to taste ‘bitter leaf’ or the signature and right of passage crop. \nAbout Isaac Zama \nIsaac Zama’s journey into regenerative organic farming began in Njong village near Bamenda\, in Southern Cameroons\, where he learned to farm alongside his mother and discovered that agriculture is not just work\, but culture\, community\, and care for the land. That foundation grew into a lifelong mission supported by advanced training at University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Agriculture & Life Sciences\, deepening his focus on sustainability and food as medicine. Today\, he brings this vision to life at Asawana Farms in Upper Marlboro\, where he grows medicinal Afro-Caribbean crops and teaches communities how to restore soil\, improve health\, and strengthen food security. His work also extends globally through training farmers in Walewale\, Ghana with USAID Farmer-to-Farmer program\, sharing knowledge through SCBC TV\, and contributing research at the École Nationale des Eaux et Forêts in Gabon—all guided by one purpose: using regenerative farming to empower communities\, preserve culture\, and heal both people and the planet. \nUMD Local Food Systems & Entrepreneurship Program Updates with Dr. Pride Ebile \nOne thing Pride has consistently heard from farmers across the state: farming isn’t just hard in the field; it’s hard in business. Rising costs\, paperwork\, regulations\, marketing decisions\, labor\, and recordkeeping can quietly drain time and money\, even when production is strong. In the coming months\, UMD Extension will offer practical programs and webinars focused on the real farm business issues farmers raise. Tonight\, Pride will touch on the challenges smallholders face and why making a profit isn’t enough for them to stay in business. Dr. Pride Ebile is the Local Food Systems and Entrepreneurship Specialist with University of Maryland Extension\, based in Prince George’s County. He leads initiatives in local foods\, entrepreneurship\, and marketing\, working with partners to strengthen farm and food businesses\, support rural communities\, and promote economic growth statewide. URL:https://www.pgscd.org/event/open-mic-night-april/ LOCATION:Asawana Farms\, 601 Watkins Park Drive\, Upper Marlboro\, 20772\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260512T163000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260512T183000 DTSTAMP:20260530T140722 CREATED:20260430T174039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T174039Z UID:3686-1778603400-1778610600@www.pgscd.org SUMMARY:Open Mic Night (May) DESCRIPTION:Join us for a tour and discussion focusing on growing strawberries\, other small fruits\, and specialty vegetables\, from planting to harvest with conservation practices! \n\nTopics will include: \n\nStrawberry Types (June Bearing\, Day Neutral)\nSourcing Plants (Seeds\, Bareroots\, Plugs)\nPreparation and Conservation (Crop rotation schedule\, cover cropping\, water\, and nutrient management)\nGrowing methods (Plastic Mulch vs Matted Row\, Spacing)\nPlant Management (Nutrient needs\, planting times\, pests and disease)\nHarvest Schedule (Time of year\, Time of Day\, Frequency)\nWash-Pack and Storage (How to clean\, how to store)\nDistribution (Direct to Consumer\, Retail\, Wholesale)\n\nAnd if time allows: \n\nOther fruits – Blueberries and types (Maturity times\, better pollination)\nOther crops – Heirloom vs Hybrid (Plant genetics)\n\n\nRegister here: https://conservation-and-strawberries-Open-Mic.eventbrite.com URL:https://www.pgscd.org/event/open-mic-night-may/ LOCATION:Prince George’s Soil Conservation District\, 5301 Marlboro Race Track Road\, Upper Marlboro\, MD\, 20772\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260529T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260529T130000 DTSTAMP:20260530T140722 CREATED:20260511T134354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T134542Z UID:3713-1780045200-1780059600@www.pgscd.org SUMMARY:NRCS Soil Health Test Sampling Training DESCRIPTION:Learn how to correctly take soil samples to be submitted for Soil Health Testing for NRCS program participation! \nThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)\, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Prince George’s Soil Conservation District welcome you to attend a Soil Health Test Sampling Training on Friday\, May 29th at Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro\, MD. This training is for Southern Maryland farmers interested in learning how to correctly take soil samples to be submitted for Soil Health Testing (this includes the Cornell Soil Health test and similar tests). This training is particularly geared toward training farmers and “Qualified Individuals” who are completing Soil Health Testing(216) as part of a contract with NRCS’s Regenerative Ag Pilot Program. \nNRCS Soil Scientists will provide in-field training and demonstrations of sampling techniques and procedures for collecting and evaluating soil samples. These tests can be a helpful tool for farmers looking to improve their soil health. This type of testing goes beyond typical sampling methods for traditional nutrient management samples. \nRegister Here: NRCS Soil Health Test Sampling Training Tickets\, Friday\, May 29  •  9 AM – 1 PM | Eventbrite \nPlease RSVP by May 22nd to guarantee your spot. For questions about this event please contact Colleen Kiefer at colleen.kiefer@usda.gov. URL:https://www.pgscd.org/event/nrcs-soil-health-test-sampling-training/ LOCATION:Clagett Farm\, 11904 Old Marlboro Pike\, Upper Marlboro\, MD\, 20772\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260530T103000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T123000 DTSTAMP:20260530T140722 CREATED:20260311T140740Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T120849Z UID:3116-1780137000-1780144200@www.pgscd.org SUMMARY:PGSCD’s 2026 Spring Seedling Giveaway + Seed Swap DESCRIPTION:Join us on one of many stops on the 2026 Spring Seedling Giveaway Tour! This stop will be a seedling giveaway and seed swap at the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District headquarters in Upper Marlboro (address below) and we’ll be joined by an arrange of exhibitors! \nUrban Farmer and Master Gardener\, Linda Jones of Elements of Nature\, will facilitate the seed swap\, so please bring seeds to share! Linda will also present “Seed Snails  – Hype or  Hope for Getting Seeds and Transplants Started and Ready to Roll” at 11:00 am. Here’s a quote from Linda herself: \n“Seed snails are a trending global growing best-practice technique currently being used by gardeners and growers all over the world to plant seeds and grow transplants. If you are a serious gardener and you want to grow more using less space\, less time and less resources\, recycle and re-use seed starting supplies\, then this is for you. Come out and join us as we do a hands-on demonstration on how to make seed snails for your home garden or farm. You won’t be disappointed. Let’s get ready to roll. Hope to see you there.” \nMaryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission’s (M-NCPPC) Parks Department grew the seedlings at Randall Farm and will chat about their food and agricultural initiatives in Prince George’s County. Their beekeeper will bring a mobile hive and resources on bees and beekeeping. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the Planning Department’s new Food Systems Planner and share your vision for what food and agriculture should look like in the County. \nYou’ll also hear both fresh and seasoned sounds for growers by DJ C-Nile! \nLastly\, The Capital Market will send you off with a delicious bike-powered smoothie (the sweat is worth it!) and inspiration to get involved in your local food system. \n\nInterested in trying to grow your own food? Join the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District at one of the stops on its Spring Seedling Giveaway Tour! These heirloom seedlings are started from seeds produced by the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance and grown by the awesome staff of one of our valued partners\, Maryland-National Capital Parks & Planning Commission’s Randall Farm. We’ll have Black Cherry Tomato and Sweet Basil seedlings to give away along with our famous Native Northeast Wildflower Seed Mix packets! \nEvery plant needs proper love. Click each picture for additional care instructions! \n        \nPlease note that seedlings and seed packets are in limited supply!   \n\nVisit our official landing page for updates regarding the 2026 Seedling Giveaway! URL:https://www.pgscd.org/event/pgscds-2026-spring-seedling-giveaway-and-seed-swap/ LOCATION:Prince George’s Soil Conservation District\, 5301 Marlboro Race Track Road\, Upper Marlboro\, MD\, 20772\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Prince George's Soil Conservation District":MAILTO:pgscd@co.pg.md.us END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T160000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T173000 DTSTAMP:20260530T140722 CREATED:20240430T181820Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T132443Z UID:2192-1780416000-1780421400@www.pgscd.org SUMMARY:Board of Supervisors Meeting DESCRIPTION:NOTICE: This Board of Supervisors meeting will be a hybrid event. For more information on how to join our meeting in-person\, or receive a link to the online Zoom meeting\, please call our office at 301-574-5162 x 3. \n\n\n\n\nBoard Meeting Agenda (May 2026) \n \n \n \n Powered By EmbedPress \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMonthly meetings are held at the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District headquarters. Our Board of Supervisors meets to discuss ongoing business related to Prince George’s County and our organization. URL:https://www.pgscd.org/event/board-of-supervisors-meeting-2024/ LOCATION:Prince George’s Soil Conservation District\, 5301 Marlboro Race Track Road\, Upper Marlboro\, MD\, 20772\, United States CATEGORIES:Board of Supervisors Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260616T163000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260616T183000 DTSTAMP:20260530T140722 CREATED:20260512T185333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T153835Z UID:3716-1781627400-1781634600@www.pgscd.org SUMMARY:Open Mic Night (June) DESCRIPTION:  \n\nThis month’s topic is: Implementing Conservation Practices + Improving Soil Health with Tasha Dickerson + Dr. Michaele Samuel (two Urban Farm Tours)! \nRegister Here: Implementing Conservation Practices + Improving Soil Health on Urban Farms Tickets\, Tuesday\, June 16  •  4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Eventbrite \n\nThe Prince George’s Soil Conservation District and Bloomin’ PGC Partners invite you to participate in our upcoming Urban Farmers & Growers Open Mic Night! This event is a platform for the urban farm community to collaborate and share useful information. While the focus is on urban ag conservation\, any topic is open for discussion. All farmers (not just PGC urban farms) and growers are welcome to join us! \nLearn how two urban farmers use conservation Best Management Practices to improve soil health\, biodiversity\, and water quality! Join us (in-person only) for TWO tours and a discussion focusing on conservation Best Management Practices that improve soil health\, biodiversity\, and water quality on two urban farms. \n\n🗣️Networking and refreshments begin at 4:30pm \n🚗Program to start promptly at 5pm \nMeet at Tranquil Islands Urban Farm at 8200 Student Drive\, Clinton\, MD. Free street parking is available. Be sure to bring a sun hat\, water bottle\, and bug spray\, and wear comfortable shoes. You may want to bring a camp chair for the networking and discussion portions of the tour. If the event is sold out\, please email us at karlynch@pgcmd.gov or 301.574.5162 x3 so that we may add your name to the waiting list. \n\nFirst Stop + Networking (4:30 – 5:40 pm): \nDr. Samuel will share how Tranquil Islands Urban Farm integrates conservation practices into its organic operations to nurture both the land and personal well-being. A key part of her production system is crop layering\, which maximizes space\, enhances soil health\, and supports natural pest balance. She will also discuss no-till soil management\, pollinator habitats through the Tranquil Islands Apiary\, and the cultivation of heritage crops\, medicinal and culinary herbs\, and edible flowers. Her presentation will highlight how these practices foster biodiversity\, mindfulness\, and a deeper connection between ecological health and human wellness. \nAbout Tasha Dickerson and Dickerson Family Farm \nDickerson Family Farm is a family-centered urban farm dedicated to growing fresh\, high-quality vegetables and herbs using conservation-based and sustainable growing practices. The farm supports a lifestyle rooted in sharing homegrown food through meals enjoyed with family and friends\, with fresh dishes prepared from the harvest and preserved to extend seasonal abundance throughout the year. The farm is a true family effort\, with family members actively supporting daily operations and seasonal work. Recently\, the farm expanded into small-scale beekeeping\, enhancing pollination across the farm while producing honey and strengthening the farm’s commitment to soil health\, biodiversity\, and environmental stewardship. \n\nSecond Stop + Discussion (5:45 – 6:25 pm): \nDuring the Open Mic Night\, Dickerson Family Farm will share how conservation-based practices guide daily operations on a working urban farm. Attendees will learn how the farm supports soil health\, pollinators\, and sustainable food production while growing vegetables\, herbs\, and honey. Guests will also be invited to attend a farm tour to see these practices in action and learn how they can be applied in home gardens and community spaces. \nAbout Dr. Michaele Samuel and Tranquil Islands Farm \nDr. Michaele C. Samuel is the founder of Tranquil Islands Urban Farm\, an organic farm in Prince George’s County\, Maryland. The farm cultivates heritage crops\, medicinal and culinary herbs\, edible and cut flowers\, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Rooted in conservation\, Tranquil Islands features thriving pollinator habitats\, the Tranquil Islands Apiary\, and designated no-till raised beds that support soil conservation and regeneration. Dr. Samuel layers her crops to maximize space and support natural pest balance and biodiversity\, reflecting her belief that mindful farming nurtures both the land and overall wellness. Growing up in Grenada\, she has been cultivating crops for as long as she can remember\, inspired by her mother\, who was also a farmer. \n\nFor more information on the Bloomin’ PGC Urban Farm Initiative: https://www.pgscd.org/urban-agricultural-conservation/urban-farms/bloomin-pgc/ \nBloomin’ PGC is an initiative launched by the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council in partnership with the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District\, the University of Maryland Extension in Prince George’s County\, ECO City Farms\, Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission\, the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment\, the Office of Food Security\, and The Capital Market to support the growing urban agriculture movement in Prince George’s County. URL:https://www.pgscd.org/event/open-mic-night-june/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR