Cooperative Extension in Penobscot County

March 29, 2025 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (snow date March 30)
307 Maine Avenue, Bangor, Maine 04401 (Google Maps)
Cost: Free

Register Online
Pre-registration is required.

Join us for a day of collaborative learning and inspiration at the Central Maine School Garden Educators Symposium! Our goal is to create a conversational and comfortable environment where staff and volunteers from various schools can come together to share experiences, ideas, and resources related to garden education. Whether you’re a seasoned garden educator or just starting out, this symposium is designed to foster connections and provide meaningful learning experiences.

Agenda

9:00- 9:30 a.m.: Welcome and Introductions

9:30-10:30 a.m.: Wabanaki Studies Resources for the School Garden and Beyond
Presenter: Brianne Lolar, Panawahpskek Citizen, Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Maine Department of Education
Brianne Lolar will share resources such as the website, 7 Wabanaki Studies modules, curriculum, a Wabanaki Knowledge Sharers Directory, interdisciplinary kits, and more. These resources were created through a collaborative effort between Wabanaki advisors and educators across the state.

10:30-10:45 a.m.: Break

10:45-11:30 a.m.: The Power of Words: Language Accessibility and Community Engagement
Presenter: Gabe Paul, Panawahpskewi, Tribal Language Coordinator, Penobscot Nation
Additional Presenters: Brianne Lolar and Christina Lannan, UMaine Rogers Farm Enrichment Coordinator
Gabe Paul will discuss his work on Indigenous language revitalization with the Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historic Preservation Department. The session will also introduce a multilingual signage project designed to enhance school gardens and other public spaces through collaboration with DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist Brianne Lolar, Penobscot Nation members, Spanish language speakers, and University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The project will feature signs in Penobscot, Spanish, English, and Latin, highlighting key plants and garden features. Digital versions will be available for download to track usage and gather feedback for future expansion. This initiative aims to promote cultural inclusion and community engagement in school and public garden spaces.

11:30-11:45 a.m.: Dry Beans and Recipe Resources
Presenters: Christina Lannan and Kate Garland, UMaine Cooperative Extension Horticulture Professional
Lannan and Garland will discuss why dry beans are one of their favorite school garden crops and share some cost-conscious recipe resources to help extend the growing experience into culinary adventures. A bean dish will be available for tasting.

11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch
Please bring your own bagged lunch. We have a full kitchen where you can refrigerate and reheat your food.

12:30-1:15 p.m.: Early-Season Gardening Activities
Presenters: Molly Crouse, owner of Nettie Fox Farm, an organic mixed vegetable farm in Newburgh and Fedco Seeds employee; Christina Lannan
Soil blocking, classroom-based seed activities, and crop planning will be featured in this session. Special guest Molly Crouse will discuss Fedco’s seed fundraiser options, assist with soil blocking, and share vegetable recommendations that align well with the school calendar.

1:15-2:00 p.m.: Top 10 Native Plants for the School Landscape
Presenter: Kate Garland
Native plants have tremendous ecological and educational value in the school landscape. Kate Garland will share some of her favorites and suggest ways to engage students with these botanical teaching tools. We encourage you to share your favorites as well!

2:00-2:15 p.m.: Snack/Coffee Break

2:15-2:45 p.m.: Pruning Basics Demonstration and Propagating Elderberry from Cuttings
Presenters: Kate Garland and Christina Lannan
Creating new plants from cuttings is an engaging and cost-effective way to spark students’ interest in horticulture while saving money on future planting projects or plant sales. In this hands-on session, Kate and Christina will walk you through the basics of propagating plants from stem cuttings and give you the opportunity to propagate elderberry plants to take home.

2:45-3:15 p.m.: I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of – Cultivating Curiosity and Creativity in the Garden through Nature Journaling
Presenter: Christina Lannan
“Learning how to observe, ask questions, and make connections in nature is learning how to learn. This powerful routine can be the foundation of exploration, discovery, and wonder in students’ nature study and in any other academic discipline.” Source: Wild Wonder

3:15 p.m.: Closing and Door Prizes, Seed Giveaway
Reflect on the day and help us evaluate the program by completing a brief survey. Door Prizes will be awarded, and Kate and Christina will be available until 4:00 PM for additional questions and networking opportunities.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and rejuvenate your passion for garden education!

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Katherine Garland at katherine.garland@mane.edu or call 207.972.7396. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 7 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request.