• Non-timber forest products have been used historically for hundreds of years in Maine and have potential for supplementing the incomes of farmers and other rural landowners when sustainably harvested. Over 150 citizens have participated in our workshops on non-timber forest products.
  • An applied research plot has been established to determine sustainable harvest levels of fiddleheads. This is a 4-year project that will yield valuable data for a resource that is becoming increasingly important.
     
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension is providing leadership and educational resources for tourism economic development initiatives in the Maine Highlands and Western Maine Lakes and Mountains regions. We are providing tools and educational programs for businesses and communities seeking to expand their base of tourism opportunities. A survey of business and marketing needs of tourism business owners is planned in 2008.
   
• 4-H is the youth development program of University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
  • Over 150 youth participated in numerous county events, Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, D.C., the New England 4-H Teen Conference, the National 4-H Technology Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the planning team for the National 4-H Congress.
     
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program is a volunteer program for older Americans who are interested in helping homebound elders or isolated adults maximize, maintain or regain their independence.
   
• Extension Homemakers in Franklin County have accomplished a great deal in recent months. Over 100 members in 12 community groups participate in local group projects such as Hurricane Katrina relief, collecting financial donations for local scholarships and Habitat for Humanity.
   
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension Eat Well program staff members provide nutrition education to limited-income citizens, including food stamp recipients, throughout the state. Participants learn strategies for expanding their food dollar and eating well on low budgets.
  • During the year the staff worked with 750 youth in schools, Head Start or summer programs. Through home visits, group education or the Eat Well By Mail program, over 200 individuals benefited from this educational outreach.

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