Cooperative Extension

Boosting plum production in Maine

University of Maine researchers are working to bring locally grown plums to farm stands around the state. The two-year project — funded by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry — is identifying suitable plum varieties for Maine’s climate that would help diversify the state’s apple farms. The project is a joint collaboration between […]

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Press Herald reports on pollinator gardens planted by UMaine researchers

The Portland Press Herald reported on pollinator gardens planted in May by University of Maine researchers at the former Pine Tree Landfill in Hampden. The gardens — one mostly flowers on the capped landfill itself, and the other shrubs at its edge — are intended to attract threatened native bees and nourish them with pollen […]

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Hopkins speaks about root cellar workshop on WABI

Kathy Hopkins, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator and professor, was a recent guest on WABI (Channel 5). Hopkins spoke about a free UMaine Extension introductory workshop on designing, constructing and maintaining root cellars for winter food storage. The workshop will be held from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the UMaine Extension Somerset […]

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Kersbergen answers fall harvest questions for BDN

Richard Kersbergen, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator on sustainable dairy and forage systems, spoke with the Bangor Daily News about fall gardening. Kersbergen said he wanted to let readers know it’s not too late to do another round of planting for fall harvest. He spoke about ideal crops for late-season planting, such as […]

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Workshops offered on preserving garden fruits, vegetables

Want to preserve garden vegetables and fruits to be able to enjoy them throughout the year? University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff and volunteers are offering hands-on Preserving the Harvest workshops that incorporate USDA-recommended food preservation methods, including hot water bath canning, pressure canning and fermenting. Participants will make samples to take home. Fresh produce, […]

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STEM project to benefit Down East youth

A new program based in Machias aims to immerse at least 600 10- to 18-year-olds in innovative, out-of-school science and math opportunities. The three-year STEM Guides Downeast project is a collaborative effort among the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA), Axiom Education and Training Center and University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H, according to an […]

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Redmond talks to Press Herald about Seaweed Festival

Sarah Redmond, a marine extension associate with the Maine Sea Grant College Program at the University of Maine, spoke with the Portland Press Herald about the Maine Seaweed Festival to be held Aug. 29 in South Portland. Event organizers, including Redmond, held the first festival last year and hoped for a decent turnout, according to […]

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Food safety training to focus on cooking for crowds

University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County announces the fall schedule for “Cooking for Crowds: Food Safety Training for Volunteer Cooks.” The first session will be held 9 a.m.–noon Tuesday, Sept. 29 at University of Maine Regional Learning Center, 75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104, Falmouth. Additional classes also are scheduled for Oct. 14 and […]

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Lichtenwalner quoted in AP, Sun Journal articles on Turner Egg Farm

Anne Lichtenwalner, a University of Maine professor, veterinarian and director of UMaine’s Animal Health Laboratory, was quoted in articles by the Sun Journal and Associated Press about a Turner egg farm. Four years ago, Jack DeCoster’s corporate entities leased his Maine farms to Moark LLC, which last month quietly leased them to Hillandale Farms Conn […]

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Jemison, community garden focus of BDN column

John Jemison, a soil and water quality specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with the Bangor Daily News about the Orono Community Garden for the latest “Conversations with Maine” column. Jemison launched the garden in 2004 while teaching a class in sustainability at UMaine, according to the article. As part of their […]

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