Page 4 - MNLGA Free State Spring 2025_WEB

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

The MNLGA is As the times seem to present a period of economic
mission-driven! I’d uncertainty, we ask for your help as members by
like to share some completing the MNLGA’s Economic and Statistical Survey
of the ways we are conducted by the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at
carrying out our The University of Baltimore. Licensed nurseries and plant
mission this year. dealers received the survey over the winter, however
participation has been limited. Your response helps us
Many MNLGA Board
members, members, to document the current growth, scope, and impact of
and representatives Maryland’s Ornamental Horticulture Industry. It’s not too
to the board have late - please fill out the survey at your earliest opportunity!
participated in Sometimes it can take a little while before we cross paths
LESLIE HUNTER CARIO industry meetings. with those in new positions at some of our industry partner
Chesapeake Horticultural Services These include entities. To this end, we have planned some virtual meet-
meetings to discuss and-greet events for this year, starting with Lisa Kuder,
aspects of the recent Native Plants & Landscapes Specialist at the University
invasive plant regulations, to listen to presentations by of Maryland Extension and Ana Cristina Fulladolsa,
candidates being interviewed for University of Maryland PhD, Director of the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory at
and UM Extension faculty roles to fill the positions of those the University of Maryland. We’ll continue to look for
who have been most involved with our membership opportunities to connect with others at these entities at
over the years, and to help provide feedback for MDA the Maryland Department of Agriculture, among others,
Secretary of Agriculture, Kevin Atticks,’ program to and we welcome your participation!
promote and incentivize Leaders in Environmentally
Looking ahead to in-person events for this year, UM
Engaged Farming (LEEF).
Extension and MNLGA are planning an educational event
The MNLGA’s volunteer service project took place over the at Central Maryland Research and Education Center
course of several Saturdays from mid-January through (CMREC) on Tuesday, June 24 in honor of the late Stanton
th
the end of February at the MacBride and Gill Falcon Ridge Gill, including a formal dedication of the lab named in
Farm in Westminster, MD. Organized by board member Stanton’s memory.
Heather Zindash, this was an opportunity to honor the
We are also looking forward to two Field Days, the first
memory of Stanton Gill by joining his family members
at North Creek Nurseries on July 24th and the second at
in winter fruit tree pruning. Chelsey MacBride-Gill, one of
Raemelton Farm on September 11th. The highly regarded
Stanton’s two daughters, noted that the pruning sessions
North Creek is a wholesale propagation nursery, in
went well and that things are looking good. Participants
Landenberg, PA, and is known for its specialization in
from the board, membership, and a team from Fine Earth
perennials, ornamental grasses, ferns and vines, with
Landscape enjoyed their time working with the MacBride-
particular focus on Eastern U.S. native plants.
Gill family.
If you aren’t yet familiar with Raemelton Farm, it is a
The Chesapeake Green Symposium held in February at wholesale b&b tree nursery in Frederick County, that
the Maritime Institute ran smoothly. Fortunately, the snow also has the distinction of being the first to supply
earlier that week did not greatly influence attendance, USDA certified ORGANIC nursery stock. With a tour of
which was strong, and participants found this to be an their operation where over 300 varieties of trees are
excellent opportunity to learn and connect with others. grown, along with a day full of impactful educational
Planning for next winter’s event will start in June and your
presentations, the Field Day at Raemelton Farm will be
suggestions are always appreciated.
well worth the trip! A

Leslie Hunter Cario, MNLGA Board President

4 SPRING 2025 • Free State News