Field School: Pest & Disease Pressure

Led by UMD Extension Agent Emily Zobel, this hands-on workshop will help farmers identify common pests and understand crop damage in the field.

We will explore Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and sustainable control methods to support healthier, more productive crops. Participants will build practical skills to recognize pests early and respond effectively.

PLEASE NOTE: This class will be held on MONDAY, July 6

About the Field School

The Farm Alliance of Baltimore (FAB) is proud to launch Black Butterfly Urban Farmer Academy (BBUFA) Field School. Running from March to December, this series of hands-on workshops is intended to serve as an accessible point of entry for anyone interested in learning the seasonal fundamentals of urban agriculture. No previous farming experience is required to participate!

The BBUFA Field School's schedule is split up into three sessions: spring, summer, and fall. The majority of instruction will take place on site at FAB's teaching farm in South Baltimore, with occasional classroom sessions depending on content.

Learn more about the history of the Black Butterfly Urban Farmer Academy program on our website.

About the Facilitator

Emily Zobel is the Senior Agent Associate for Ag and Food Systems for the University of Maryland Extension in Dorchester County. Her focus areas are in sustainable vegetable production, pesticide safety, and integrated pest management. She is the current Editor of the UME Vegetable and Fruit Newsletter and UMD SARE State Coordinator.

About the Farm

FAB's Black Butterfly Teaching Farm is our hub for food production, farmer training, and community connection in South Baltimore. With support from the City of Baltimore, we signed a 15-year lease in 2021 and planted our first crops in Curtis Bay that fall. In 2025, a generous grant allowed us to continue construction and expansion of the farm site, which now includes a greenhouse, a high tunnel, and an apiary, with more to come, including more space for workshops and community gatherings, new facilities to train the next generation of urban growers, and more growing areas to support a wider variety of crops year-round.

We envision the Black Butterfly Teaching Farm as a place where we can grow food for Baltimore and cultivate a space where neighbors, FAB members, and aspiring growers can come together to exchange knowledge, build skills, and strengthen community.

Additional Information

This workshop will be held outdoors. Please wear close-toed shoes, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Be sure to bring a water bottle! Extra water, masks, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and bug spray will be provided.

• Parking: Please park along W Bay Ave in consideration of our neighbors.
• Restrooms: There is a port-a-potty on site.
• Accessibility: Paths at the farm are grass and woodchips. There is limited shade and seating on site, please bring a chair if you need one!
• Illness: Please do not attend this event if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of illness including but not limited to fever, coughing, and/or vomiting.
• Cancellation Policy: In the event that we need to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, attendees will receive an email notification.

Questions? Please contact programs@farmalliancebaltimore.org