Educational Programs - Maine Tree Club

 

Announcements

Trees attract tourists by the thousands, provide the foundation for the state’s economy and stir poets to eloquence. Trees are at the root of Maine’s identity. Now, Maine citizens and visitors have a chance to learn more about the habits and special needs of trees by joining the Maine Tree Club, an educational project of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Maine Forest Service and the Pine Tree Arboretum.

Purpose: The Maine Tree Club is a statewide effort organized by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for the purpose of educating individuals (youth and adults) to appreciate the value of trees in Maine.

The Maine Tree Club will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify trees of Maine.  Create opportunities for people to learn more about trees in Maine through hands-on-experiences (outings in the woods).  Teach participants how to best care for trees on their property and in their community.  Help people to better understand the importance of trees to Maine, their ecosystems and economy.

 

 

Brochure: For an informational brochure call the University of Maine Cooperative Extension office at 1-800-287-1471 (in Maine only) or 207-781-6099 or e-mail lisa.waters@maine.edu or click on brochure.

Registration Fee: Participants will pay a registration fee each year of $20/individual, $30/couple, $35/family, or $65 for groups. The group rate is designed for school groups of up to 15. Garden clubs and some classroom educators are among those, who subscribe using the group subscription option. These funds will help pay for supplies, guest guides, teaching aides and other needs associated with the club. A scholarship fund is available if the registration fee is a hardship to any interested individual, couple or family.  For scholarships contact Amy Witt at amy.witt@maine.edu or call 1-800-287-1471 or 781-6099.

Registration Form [Word]

Benefits: Each participant will be equipped with resources to make the learning experience practical, enjoyable, and interesting.

Outings: Three or more outings will be planned in different seasons and in different parts of the state for participants to get hands-on-experience in tree identification and gain knowledge and skills related to Maine tree species. Topics such as insects, pruning, tree growth and the ecosystem will be included.

Even Year and Odd Year Tree Fact Sheets: Each participant will have the opportunity to learn about fifty tree species over a two year period (2 per month plus 2 bonus tree species).

Maine Trees: White Pine,  Honeylocust, Red Pine,  Black Locust, Pitch Pine, Boxelder, Black Spruce,  American Basswood, Red Spruce,  Black Cherry, White Spruce, Pin Cherry, Hemlock, Black Tupelo, Balsam Fir,  Hawthorn, Red Maple, Slippery Elm, Sugar Maple,  American Elm, White Birch, Horsechestnut, Gray Birch,  American Chestnut, Silver Maple, Tulip Tree, Yellow Birch, Specked Alder, Tamarack, Black Willow, Red Oak, Butternut, White Oak, Green Ash, Striped Maple, Balsam Poplar, Mountain Maple, Bigtooth Aspen, White Ash, Quaking Aspen, Hophornbeam, Jack Pine, Shagbark Hickory, Scotch Pine, American Beech, Eastern Cottonwood,White Cedar, American Sycamore, Red Cedar, and Sassafras.

Notebook with fact sheets: An attractive 3 ring binder designed to hold monthly tree species fact sheets will help keep all Maine Tree Club materials organized. This notebook will make a handy reference for the home library.

Hand lens: Participants will receive a 10X hand lens and carrying case (1 per individual, 2 per couple, 3 per family) to assist in seeing the “little things” about trees.

Other aids: Numerous other tree-related fact sheets and brochures will be distributed to Maine Tree Club participants.

Method of Teaching: Participants will learn about 24 Maine trees each year plus 2 bonus trees (total of 50 trees over two years).  They will receive two tree fact sheets each month (in December they will get three) through the year (25 fact sheets per year). Participants will be encouraged to read and learn more about the trees of the month.  Participants in the Maine Tree Club will receive a 10X-hand lens, a pocket guide to tree identification (MFS), and other useful helps to encourage learning.

This website complements other parts of the educational program, encouraging individuals to learn more about trees and the sponsors.

Maine Tree Club Sponsors:

• University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation
• Viles Arboretum
• Maine Forest Service

Send your Questions and Comments to the treeclub@umext.maine.edu