UMaine Extension to hold informational webinar on two of Maine’s troublesome pests

Orono, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Bangor Public Library are hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, April 30 from 6 – 7 p.m. featuring two pressing ecological concerns impacting local landscapes: jumping worms and browntail moths.

State Horticulturist Gary Fish will outline how jumping worms have been confirmed in 13 of 16 Maine counties, how they potentially impact our ecosystem, and provide guidance on how to slow their spread. Brittany Schappach, Maine State Forest Service Entomologist, will discuss the infamous browntail moth and its disruptive presence, from irritating caterpillars to defoliation of trees. Her presentation will cover the moth’s life cycle, ecological significance, and how communities can address their presence.

Pre-registration is required on the Extension website. A recording and relevant resources will be shared with all registrants. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Candis Joyce at candis.joyce@bangorpubliclibrary.org or 207.922.6054. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 7 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however, all requests will be considered.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.