March 4-H Newsletter 2026
Upcoming Dates:
March 6th: Speak Up Registration Deadline
March 11th – April 15th: Maine 4-H Ag Ambassador Spring Cohort
March 14th: County Speak Up 4-H Showcase
March 14th: 4-H Page Day Registration Deadline
March 25th: Youth Ag Policy Day
March 25th: 4-H Page Day in Augusta
March 25th – 29th: Maine Science Festival
April 1st: New 4-H Member Enrollment Deadline
April 11th: Speak Up, Maine 4-H! State Public Speaking Tournament in Orono
April 17th: Sheep ESE Intent Forms deadline
April 25th: Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling (Registration coming soon.)
May 1st: Wilma Winslow Scholarship application due
May 1st: Wild Mustangs Scholarship application due
May 1st: Equine ESE Intent Forms
May 2nd: Youth Livestock Judging Event (more information coming soon)
May 2nd – 3rd: Small Ruminant Starter Weekend
June 30th: Animal Approval Form Deadline
August 5th – 9th: Northern Maine Fair
County News
Speak Up Aroostook 4-H 2026: Join Us at UMPI
The Maine 4-H Speak Up Program is back! More than just public speaking, this program helps 4-H’ers find their voice, build real-world confidence, and share their passions with a supportive community. Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, Speak Up is where youth turn to sharing their interests in valuable communication skills.
📅 County Showcase
- When: Saturday, March 14 @ 12:00 PM
- Where: UMPI, Folsom Hall, Rm 203
- Register: Email megan.cook@maine.edu and include…
- Member Name, 4-H age, topic, and type of presentation (Illustrated Talk, Demonstration, or Performing Arts)
Important: Registration is required and must be submitted by Friday March, 6th.
Ready to prep? You can find the updated 2026 guidelines and evaluation sheets at the Maine 4-H Public Speaking website, or reach out to Ms. Megan for more information.
- Reviewing this information is KEY to an effective presentation, especially since the evaluation sheet has been updated significantly.
🌟 New for 2026
- New Performing Arts Category: For the first time, you can express yourself through music or drama! This category combines your talent with a formal spoken introduction and conclusion.
- Enhanced Feedback: We’ve overhauled our evaluation sheets to provide clearer scoring and more space for supportive, constructive comments from our judges.
🏆 States and Beyond
The County Showcase isn’t just a chance to practice—it’s your ticket to statewide and even regional recognition!
- Qualify for State: All Juniors (ages 9–13) and Seniors (ages 14–18) who earn a qualifying score at our County Showcase will be invited to the State 4-H Speak Up event on April 11, 2026, at the University of Maine at Orono.
- The Maine 4-H Communication Science Team: Senior members who earn a blue ribbon at the State event will be invited to join the team.
- Travel Opportunities: Members of the Communication Science Team have the opportunity to represent Maine 4-H at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in West Springfield, MA, and participate in the Northeast Regional Speak Up Event!
Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling is Back: April 25th
Watch your email for registration details!
Mark your calendars! We are beyond thrilled to announce the return of the Aroostook 4-H Spring Fling. This isn’t just another meeting; it’s a fun-filled day designed to help you dive into new hobbies, sharpen your skills, and reconnect with friends from across the county.
Whether you’re a 4-H veteran or brand new to 4-H, this event is for you.
This year, we’ve gathered a fantastic lineup of local experts and volunteers to lead hands-on workshops that pack a punch. Whether you stay for the whole day or just pop in for a session or two, you’re guaranteed to leave inspired.
Check out this sneak peek of what’s in store:
- Supper from the Soil 🧀 Ever wondered how soil leads to a delicious dinner? Join Quimby Acre Farms to learn the art of making farmer’s cheese! It’s a perfect skill for the “Supper From The Soil” contest at the Northern Maine Fair—or just for your next snack.
- Excellent Eggs 🥚 Think you know your way around a carton? Lisa McKenna will teach you how to evaluate and produce market-ready eggs. It’s a must for poultry projects, but essential for any savvy consumer!
- Floriculture & Horticulture 🌻 Get your hands dirty and your heart happy. Create a beautiful floral arrangement to take home while learning the science behind what makes plants thrive.
- Quizbowl Challenge 🏆 Think you’re a 4-H expert? Put your knowledge to the test! The Aroostook 4-H Youth Council is hosting a high-energy quizbowl with awesome prizes up for grabs.
Bring a Buddy
4-H is even better with friends! Do you have a neighbor, classmate, or cousin who wants to see what we’re all about? Bring them along! This is the perfect “all-access pass” for newcomers to jump into the fun.
We are providing all workshop materials and a full lunch at no cost for both members and guests. Our staff and volunteers will be on-site all day to answer questions about projects, earning achievements, and how your friends can officially join the 4-H family.
Grab Your Spot (and One for a Friend!)
Because we’re providing lunch and supplies for everyone, registration is required. > Keep an eye on your inbox! The full workshop schedule and registration link will be emailed out next week. We can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll create, learn, and discover at this year’s Spring Fling. See you there!
Level Up Your Livestock Skills: Small Ruminant Starter Weekend! 🐑🐐
Are you ready to take your sheep or goat project to the next level? Whether you’re just starting your flock or you’re a seasoned shepherd, this hands-on weekend is designed to help 4-H members and adults master the art of small ruminant care.
Join us May 2–3, 2026, at the Aroostook County Extension Office in Presque Isle for two days of mud-on-your-boots learning!
What To Expect…
We’ve packed the weekend with skills to help learners of all ages and experience level up.
Saturday: The Parasite Intensive
- Get technical! Learn how to perform fecal egg counts, get your official FAMACHA certification, and learn the best ways to keep your animals healthy and parasite-free.
Sunday Morning: Husbandry 101
- Master the essentials of nutrition, shelter, and handling. We’ll even have a hands-on session on hoof trimming—an essential skill for every shepherd.
Sunday Afternoon: The 4-H Show Clinic 🏆
- This session is just for the youth! We’ll dive deep into:
- Selecting the perfect market lamb.
- Daily care and nutrition for peak performance.
- Showmanship & Fitting: Learn the tricks to making your animal stand out in the ring.
Here is the best part: 4-H Youth attend for FREE! We want to make sure our members have the best resources possible, so we are even providing lunch both days. If your parents or other adult farmers want to join, they can register on a sliding scale ($50–$120).
Reserve Your Spot
Ready to lead the flock? Registration is required by April 24th.
Southern Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation District
Winter Ag School 2026
March 10 – Composting for the Home Gardener and Small Farm
March 17 – Horses: Mud, Manure and Pasture Management
March 21 – Orchard Pruning
Join Our Summer Staff! Interested in Maine Agriculture?
UMaine Cooperative Extension, Aroostook County, has summer employment opportunities for students interested in biology, entomology, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Applicants must be current college students or graduating high school students planning to enroll in college to be eligible.
For more information contact Abbie Yarema, 764-3361, abigail.yarema@maine.edu or Sean McAuley 581-3855 sean.mcauley@maine.edu
Deadline for Applications: April 24, 2026
Club and Member News
Council Corner
February was more of a planning month for the Youth Council. We discussed fundraising opportunities, such as the Paper Clover Campaign. We also talked about the upcoming Spring Fling and opportunities with the Ag Ambassadors. President Austin Quimby represented us at the February Aroostook Leaders’ Meeting, and several members are planning to attend Ag Policy Day in Augusta later this month.
Submitted by Ainsley Putnam
Easton 4-H Afterschool
The Easton 4 H Afterschool program continued their exploration of plants with Ms. Carrie, and traveled to Brazil for Global Games with Ms. Megan.
Homestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S 4-H Club
The Homestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S of Aroostook recently met to learn about the uses and benefits of elderberry syrup. During our meeting we were able to make our own homemade syrup using berries from one of our members’ gardens.
We also discussed and scheduled a date for our Robotics spin off meeting, which will be March 12th at 11:30. We will be meeting at The Village Center, 15 Maher Ave Houlton. Any 4-H member is welcome to attend. Feel free to contact Bernadette or Carrie to sign up.
Bridgewater 4-H Club
Bridgewater 4-H club learned about healthy winter habits and outdoor activities at our February meeting! We enjoyed a healthy snack of fruits, veggies and crackers. We learned about ways to get better sleep like cutting out screen time before bed and having a routine. We brainstormed healthy outdoor activities to do in the winter. We also talked about how to keep our germs to ourselves and stay healthy! We created a poster for each topic by writing or drawing our ideas. We finished the day by playing outside, sliding and trying out snowshoes.
State 4-H News
March, 2026
Maine Science Festival
The Maine Science Festival will be held March 25-29 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. This FREE event includes a Field Trip Day for 7th- 8th graders, a Teen Tech Night, and Exploration Stations that include demonstrations and hands-on activities involving the sciences. Be sure to put it on your calendar because it really is a fun event! For more information on the Maine Science Festival please go to the website: https://www.mainesciencefestival.org/2026program
It’s Time to Think About Summer Camp!
Looking to take your Maine 4-H Experience to a new level? Check out the summer programs at your UMaine 4-H Camps! Opportunities for living in community, making new friends, building a sense of belonging, and honing your skills in a whole variety of program options such as, outdoor skills, shooting sports, STEM, creative arts, ecology, gardening, team work, and teen leadership. Each camp has scholarship opportunities to off-set tuition costs AND your County 4-H Programs have scholarships to attend camp too. One to three-week sessions available in both day and overnight settings. We hope to see you there!
Blueberry Cove, Tenants Harbor in Knox County. Dates: June 21-August 14, 2026.
Bryant Pond, Bryant Pond in Oxford County. Dates: June 21-August 14, 2026.
Greenland Point, Princeton in Washington County. Dates: June 28-July 31, 2026.
Tanglewood, Lincolnville in Waldo County. Dates: June 21-August 21, 2026.
Bryant Pond and Greenland Point contact, Bethany: 207.665.2068
Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove contact, Emma: 207.789.5868
Equine ESE Intent Forms Due May 1, 2026
The 2026 Eastern States (ESE) Horse Intent Form is now live and online. The form is to indicate your interest in participating in the Eastern States Team Tryout event this summer, which will be on July 31- Aug 1st, 2026, at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds. The event this year will offer an overnight opportunity for youth to qualify and to learn and grow while getting to know other youth who are also interested in trying out. Youth can participate in one of the tracks below:
Teen Leader (4-H age 12 and up)
Rider or Driver (4-H age 13 and up)
Groom track (which is a learning track only)
If youth would like to come and learn about the team, help, and observe (especially if they aren’t old enough to qualify for the team yet), they can also come to tryouts as a “Groom” and will need to fill out the intent form.
Youth interested in any of the track options need to fill out the intent form. We use this info to contact and update interested families and youth.
Here is the ESE intent form to be filled out by May 1st. Approval forms must also be filled out and sent to your county office by May 1st as well.
More details will be included in the tryout application packet on the UMaine 4-H Horse Website. The intent form does not bind you to the tryout event. Applications will be used to determine the event roster and final schedule. If you have any questions, please reach out to: Tara Marble, tara.marble@maine.edu, or 207.778.4650.
4-H Page Day in Augusta – Sign up Now!
Date: March 25, 2026
Where: Augusta, Maine – State Legislature
Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Registration Deadline: March 14, 2026 – First come, first serve
Registered 4-Hers age 13 or older are encouraged to serve as Honorary Pages in the Maine House or the Senate on Youth Agriculture Policy Day, March 25th, 2026. The Maine 4-H program has up to 20 slots for Honorary Pages and registration is first come, first serve with a registration deadline of Saturday, March 14.
For more information and details about what a page does, please visit the event page. If you’re interested in participating, register now! Reach out to Karen Giles with any questions.
Early College Outdoor Intensives
The UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Greenland Point are each offering Early College programs in conjunction with the University of Maine Division of Lifelong Learning. KPE 265 is a 3-credit course focused on skills in outdoor recreation. This is an introductory course in outdoor and adventure activities, forming the foundation of an outdoor leadership education. The course focuses primarily on participation in four different activity categories: canoeing; bouldering and climbing; hiking and orienteering; and challenge course. KPE 207 is a 1-credit course where participants become certified in wilderness first aid (WFA) and CPR.
Registration: Participants must complete enrollment with the University of Maine Early College Program. Once that is completed we will send you an invitation to enroll for the Tanglewood portion of the program. UMaine tuition for this course is free for Maine high school students (public school & homeschoolers). Tuition for out-of-state students and Maine private school students is $149 for 2026 per credit for a total fee of $596 for 2026. (Please note there is an overnight fee for this course for all participants). Overnight fees: $900, including all housing, meals, and certification fees, scholarships available.
Tanglewood:
Dates: July 19 – 31, 2026
Ages: 15 – 18
Visit the website for more information and registration links. Email Tanglewood directly with any questions.
Greenland Point:
Dates: August 2 – 12, 2026
Ages: 16 – 18
Visit the website for more information and registration links. Email Greenland Point directly with any questions.
4-H Public Speaking Update
You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of Speak Up, Maine 4-H the statewide Public Speaking Program. From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.
Performing Arts demonstrations include:
– a spoken introduction
– your performance
– and a spoken conclusion
Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges’ support for all categories, are now available on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff.
Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors – Spring 2026
Maine 4-H is now accepting registrations for the spring 2026 Agriculture Ambassadors cohort! The program is designed for youth ages 13-18 who are interested in any aspect of agriculture. Youth spend time getting to know each other and learn both online and in-person in sessions facilitated by UMaine 4-H Staff and community partners. Sessions will focus on career exploration, exploring the Maine Food System with farm and production visits around the state, and building relationships with industry professionals.
This season we will visit local Maine Ag businesses like Libby Maple, Yeti Ridge Farm and more. Transportation assistance for these events may be available upon request. In addition to the multi-week session, youth will serve in their ambassador role with Maine 4-H for at least 1 year. Youth will pick an agricultural area to focus on (ex. livestock, ag literacy/food systems, environmental stewardship, ag and health) during their term and explore leadership opportunities locally, statewide, and even nationally. Register today!
Spring 2026 Dates:
Online: March 11, March 18, April 1, April 8, and April 15
In-Person: March 21
Ag Policy Day at the State House: March 25 (optional)
Maine Agriculture Symposium at the University of Maine: April 19-21 (two nights), we try to offer transportation as best we can.
To register visit extension.umaine.edu/4h/youth/ag-leadership. For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Alisha Targonski at alisha.targonski@maine.edu or 207.622.7546.
Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form is now available online and must be submitted by April 17th, 2026. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Sheep Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September (including teen leads). The Eastern States Exhibition (Big E) 4-H Sheep Program brings together 4-H members from six states in Springfield, MA for three days of events that showcase their animals, knowledge and skills. Members must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2025 and have completed at least one year in a sheep project.
Please contact Megan Cook with any questions or for more information at megan.cook@maine.edu or 207-532-6548.
March 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!
As a 4-H volunteer, you can incorporate simple actions to build belonging. Try out some of these ideas the next time you are working with club members or a group of youth:
- Know each young person’s name and call them by it.
“Hi, Maria! Glad you’re here today!” - Use icebreakers and team-building activities.
These short activities spark fun, help youth learn about each other, and build early connections. - Create safe spaces, including a shared set of ground rules.
At the beginning of the year, ask the group: “What do we need to agree on so everyone feels respected and comfortable here?” Write down their ideas (like listening when others speak, no put-downs, etc.) and post the “Club Agreements” on the wall each meeting. - Encourage engagement.
Rotate leadership roles each meeting—timekeeper, snack helper, or discussion leader—so every youth has a chance to contribute and feel ownership. - Utilize discussions to help youth learn from one another.
After a project activity, ask open-ended questions like, “What worked well in your group? What was challenging? What would you try differently next time?” Then have youth share with a partner or small group before bringing answers back to the whole club. - Cultivate shared experiences.
Plan a simple community service project, like making thank-you cards for local first responders, where all members contribute to a common goal. Celebrate afterward with group photos and a reflection about what they accomplished together.
4-H Volunteer Huddle:
Join us for a short “gather and learn session” to help you up your game. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required!
March 6, 2026- Prepare for the Fair
This 4-H volunteer information session will highlight how mentors can guide youth in preparing their animals and themselves for a successful fair experience. Volunteers will learn ways to support members with showmanship skills, animal care, and confidence in the show ring.
April 3, 2026- Doing to Understanding: Applying Experiential Learning in 4-H
Clubs Learn how to guide youth through hands-on experiences followed by purposeful reflection, helping them build confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Please note: The Zoom link and password will be emailed to all enrolled 4-H volunteers, or you can email Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu to request it.
4-H Volunteer Connections- Moving into a New Era of Leadership with Teens
March 18, 2026 6:30 – 8:00p.m.
In this session, you will learn how to partner with teen leaders to support the 4-H agenda. We’ll explore strategies for collaboration and share real-world examples from Maryland and D.C. 4-H programs. Register here!
Mark your calendars and save the date! Saturday, November 7th!
The Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit- More details to come in the upcoming months, but we promise food, fun, connection, and learning! You won’t want to miss it!
Dive Into the UMaine Touch Tank (Virtually!)
Join our touch tank staff for a virtual journey through Maine’s sea creatures. From the infamous lobster to the invasive green crab, youth will have the opportunity to learn about common species that grace our shores from the comfort of home!
Cost: Free
Ages: 8-13
Dates/Time: This workshop will meet Monday April 13th, Wednesday April 15th, and Friday April 17th from 4:00-5:00 pm
Registration Deadline: March 30, 2026
Capacity: Limited to 8 youth
You can register here or contact leah.mccluskey@maine.edu for more information.
Central Maine School Garden Educators Symposium
Saturday, March 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Theme: Birds, Bugs and Blooms collage: monarch caterpillar on green plant, youth working on nature journals, overview of a bee on pink flowers
Join fellow educators for a hands-on, idea-filled day focused on connecting students to birds, beneficial insects, and flowering plants through school gardens. The symposium features rotating bird-focused learning stations, practical seed-saving activities with students, and a lively lightning round of mini-sessions on cooking, bog gardens, garden clubs, and collaborative art. Afternoon sessions highlight pollinator protection, embracing insects in the garden, and a facilitated discussion on fundraising and volunteer engagement, followed by a creative flower dissection activity. The day wraps up with door prizes and a seed giveaway.
When: March 28, 2026 (snow date March 29, 2026, same time)
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Location: Penobscot County Extension Office, 307 Maine Avenue, Bangor, Maine 04401
Cost:$0, $25, $50 Select a payment option that best works for you.
Total amount of attendees: 45
Registration is required to attend. Please contact Kate Garland (katherine.garland@maine.edu) to be added to a waitlist if registration is full. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and rejuvenate your passion for garden education! Bring a bagged lunch; snacks and coffee provided.