TALMAR: Nature-based socializing and learning for people with disabilities

By Sheilah Kast,

Melissa Gerr

Published November 21, 2023 at 10:59 AM EST

Clockwise from left: TALMAR participants Darek Merton, Ryan Surak and Bradley Thomas join program director Jamie Sumague for a snack after completing a bird feeder making activity. TALMAR programs engage people with disabilities in outdoor activities for learning and socialization. Photo: Melissa Gerr — Clockwise from left: TALMAR participants Darek Merton, Ryan Surak and Bradley Thomas join program director Jamie Sumague for a snack after completing a bird feeder making activity. TALMAR programs engage people with all disabilities in activities outdoors for learning and socialization.

Nestled in northeast Baltimore County lies TALMAR: a haven of farmland, woods and soothing sounds. It’s a place people with disabilities can go for socializing, rejuvenating and hands-on horticulture therapy. We meet executive director Kate Joyce, and then stop by for visit with some folks who have been regulars for years!

Links: TALMAR, Sensory-friendly Santa, TALMAR Christmas Tree fundraiser.

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Sheilah Kast

Sheilah Kast is the host of On The Record, Monday-Friday, 9:30-10:00 am.

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Melissa Gerr

Melissa Gerr is a Senior Producer for On the Record. She started in public media at Twin Cities Public Television in St. Paul, Minn., where she is from, and then worked as a field producer for Oregon Public Broadcasting in Portland. She made the jump to audio-lover in Baltimore as a digital media editor at Mid-Atlantic Media and Laureate Education, Inc. and as a field producer for "Out of the Blocks." Her beat is typically the off-beat with an emphasis on science, culture and things that make you say, 'Wait, what?'

See stories by Melissa Gerr