Cooperative Extension in Oxford County

Survey of Educational Needs of Equine Enthusiasts

lquick — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:00:12 +0000

ORONO, ME - The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the University of Maine Department of Animal and Veterinary Science are looking for ways to improve educational programming in Maine that will support the equine industry. An EQUINE SURVEY has been developed to identify the health concerns of horse, pony and other equine owners as well as the extent of the equine industry and where educational information is needed for those involved in the equine industry.

Survey participants include breeding stock owners, trainers, farmers, riding instructors, feed store owners, veterinarians, 4-H Horse Leaders, backyard horse owners and others. Questions have also been included on preferred methods of getting information either through face to face meetings, virtual meeting, newsletters, etc. The results of the survey will be used by UMaine Extension and the Department of Animal and Veterinary Science to develop educational programs that will help equine owners meet their goals.

Those interested in completing the survey can go to http://conta.cc/xg6fAX, or contact Donna Coffin at 165 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, phone 207-564-3301 or email donna.coffin@maine.edu and ask for a survey to be mailed to them.

Hands-On Gardening!

lquick — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:36:45 +0000

Vegetable gardening is a skill best learned in the company of other gardeners. Having others around to identify pests or explain a technique is oftentimes all it takes to have a successful first garden. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering this type of opportunity in its Hands-On Gardening program. Participants will meet for three indoor gardening sessions at the Extension office on Wednesdays, May 9th, 16th and 23rd from 6:00-7:30 and then we will move to the Alan Day Community Garden in Norway and grow a vegetable garden together for the entire season. It will be an enjoyable way to grow fresh vegetables for you and your family. Cost for the entire season is $10 and pre-registration is required by calling the office at 743-6329.

Harvest for Hunger Collects 140 Tons of Produce, Surpassing 2011 Goal

extension — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:20:38 +0000

After receiving and updating final totals for this year’s Harvest for Hunger campaign, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension gardening program coordinator says volunteer gardeners around the state donated more than 140 tons of garden produce to charity.

“Thanks to everyone’s effort, we have exceeded our goal of 250,000 pounds,” says Extension educator Barbara Murphy in the South Paris Oxford County office. “I am speechless. My heartfelt thanks for all of the terrific work.”

Murphy, who coordinates the program, had announced her gratitude several weeks ago that preliminary results indicated 90 tons — 180,000 pounds — of fresh fruits and vegetables were donated this year. The final figure is now 140 tons, or 280,076 pounds.

Nearly 500 volunteer gardeners in about a dozen counties this year donated produce to 114 food pantries, shelters or charitable organizations around the state. Murphy also revised upwards the value of the produce to $473,328, from $303,713 earlier.

The number of participants more than doubled from 200 in 2010 and the number of organizations benefiting from the gardeners’ generosity more than tripled, from 45 last year.

Contact: Barbara Murphy, 743-6329, 1-800-287-1482 (toll-free in Maine)