Aroostook County Extension Open House
Saturday, August 26, 2023
UMaine Cooperative Extension
57 Houlton Road, Presque Isle
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Meet New Staff
We are excited to have three new staff members join our Aroostook Cooperative Extension Team in the past year. Kutay Ozturk , Ph.D., Assistant Extension Professor of Potato Pathology and David Lowe, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional. Megan Cook is fairly new also, she joined us back in September, as our 4-H Youth Development Professional. Stop by and say hi and see what UMaine Cooperative Extension can do for you. - Hear from our Homemakers
Extension Homemakers is a volunteer group that develops leadership skills, supports community causes, and promotes UMaine Extension’s educational programs in nine Maine counties. These organized programs are part of the statewide network of Extension Homemakers.Local group members meet throughout the year to participate in educational programs and identify community projects, such as providing assistance to local food pantries or nursing homes or veterans groups, funding educational scholarships or youth camp programs. - Information on Food Preservation
Rising food costs have persuaded more than the usual number of Mainers to plant gardens. You may be thinking about preserving your harvest for the first time—or dusting off old canning equipment. If you plan to can garden surplus this year, be sure to get up-to-date information. Contact Lisa Fishman with any questions on food preservation at lisa.fishman@maine.edu or call 207-834-3905 or 1-800-287-1421.
- Get Help with Your Garden
University of Maine Cooperative Extension can provide you with practical, how-to solutions based on university research. - Ask a gardening question.
- Diagnose a problem.
- See our calendar of upcoming classes and events.
- Register for classes and events.
- Learn more about becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer or the Maine Harvest for Hunger program.
- If you need a plant identified, bring a sample to your local UMaine Extension county office or fill out our online Gardening Questions Submission Form.
- Explore 4-H
University of Maine Cooperative Extension conducts the state’s most successful out-of-school youth educational program through 4-H. 4-H is a positive youth development organization that empowers young people to reach their full potential. Stop by and find out what 4-H is doing in Aroostook County and how you and your child can become involved. For more information contact Megan Cook megan.cook@maine.edu or Emily Dow emily.dow@maine.edu or call 207-532-6548
- Information on Ticks
There are fifteen different tick species that have been found in Maine, though not all are permanent residents. Some may arrive in the state on wildlife hosts and do not establish viable populations. Other species have thrived in Maine and are now widespread throughout much of the state. The biology and ecology of ticks can vary significantly based upon species and can determine the level of threat each species poses.
- Information on Soil Testing
A living healthy soil, properly fed, can supply the proper balance of nutrients to growing plants. There is a standard soil test and a comprehensive soil test are options to monitor the levels of all essential nutrients and recommend the proper amendments to adjust pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels to the OPTIMUM range.
- Nutrition Education
University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) delivers interactive food and nutrition education to income-eligible parents, caregivers, young adults, teens, and children. EFNEP is a free program .
Are you or someone you know interested in improving you and your family’s health, saving money at the store, and learning basic nutrition tips? Contact Community Education Assistants for more information Chris Finemore chris.finemore@maine.edu or Laurie Colton laurie.colton@maine.edu
- Free Herb Seedlings for first 20 Attendees
We would like to welcome you to stop by and see us, find what Cooperative Extension can do for you.