(a) (1) The University of Maryland Extension shall hire an extension agent to serve as a Native Plant Specialist.

(2) The individual hired to serve as the Native Plant Specialist must have expertise in native plants.

(b) The Native Plant Specialist shall:

(1) Assist the University of Maryland Extension in fulfilling educational and professional training responsibilities related to the Program;

(2) Coordinate with the Department to deliver educational components of the Program;

(3) Provide input and expertise to the Department in the development of the Commercial Maryland Native Plant List developed under § 10-404 of this subtitle;

(4) Provide input and expertise to the Department on the development of a list of certified Maryland native plant growers and retailers developed under § 10-405 of this subtitle;

(5) Teach growers and other stakeholders about techniques for growing native plants; and

(6) Coordinate education, applied research, and outreach to teach the public, landscapers, and other plant users about the importance, benefit, and availability of native plants.