2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect

Table of Contents

Letter from the Dean

Every day, University of Maine Cooperative Extension helps Mainers learn, grow, and connect. Through research-based education, trusted partnerships, and a presence in all sixteen counties, we work alongside Maine people and communities to address the opportunities and challenges shaping our state’s future.

This year, more than 575 farmers benefited from Extension soil health research and education, encouraging adoption of practices that improve long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through 4-H programs, thousands of youth explored science, leadership, and civic engagement, building confidence and strengthening their connections to their communities. More than 3,000 participants engaged with Maine’s marine environment through our Traveling Touch Tank program, bringing hands-on science learning to communities across the state. Through these and many other efforts, Extension continues to provide practical solutions grounded in research and responsive to local needs.

Our work succeeds because of the dedication of Extension faculty and staff, the commitment of volunteers and partners, and the trust placed in us by the people of Maine. Together, we are creating opportunities for lifelong learning, supporting resilient communities, and helping ensure a vibrant future for our state. To learn more, visit a county office, contact any member of our knowledgeable and friendly workforce, or explore our website at extension.umaine.edu.

– Hannah Carter, Dean of University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Piscataquis County 4-H

Photos by Trisha Smith

4-H Youth Development

In October 2024, we started the 4-H year with an Archery club, a Public Speaking SpIn Club, and an Independent 4-Her. By the end of September 2025, between the Archery club and Public Speaking SpIn Club, a community club at Central Hall Commons, and the Joy Truck 4-H Collaboration, we had 37 youth and 9 volunteers enrolled. Six youth earned blue ribbons at the Maine 4-H Speak Up Showcase; a Piscataquis youth attended Sports Afield 4-H camp at Bryant Pond; 6 youth participated in the online Maine 4-H Summer Learning Series; and 12 youth exhibited in the 2025 Piscataquis Valley Fair.

Empowering Youth to Be Beyond Ready: Piscataquis County 4-H

4-H prepares young people with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to grow as capable learners, leaders, and community members. Through hands-on projects, youth leadership opportunities, mentorship, and community-based learning, 4-H helps youth develop real-world skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility, and decision-making.

This local work is part of the National 4-H Beyond Ready initiative, which prepares young people for more than their first job; it prepares them for life. Beyond Ready connects youth to career pathways, community partnerships, and meaningful experiences that help them thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through Piscataquis County 4-H, youth are not only ready for today’s opportunities but also for what comes next. When youth participate in 4-H, they emerge Ready for Anything.

Horticulture in Piscataquis County

Photos by Christina Lannan and Piscataquis County Staff

Horticulture programming in Piscataquis County

Horticulture programming in Piscataquis County connected residents, educators, and community organizations with research-based resources to support gardening, youth education, and environmental stewardship. In-person workshops included a container gardening program for a low-vision support group and a native plants presentation at the Dover-Foxcroft library. Educators from Piscataquis County participated in a professional development tour at Rogers Farm, exploring nature-based learning strategies and school garden activities. Additional outreach included virtual training for childcare providers on engaging young learners in educational gardens and responses to 32 individual client inquiries, primarily through email.

Regional professional development opportunities further expanded educational access. Piscataquis County educators participated in the Central Maine School Garden Symposium, where they explored topics including Wabanaki Studies resources, multilingual garden interpretation, native plants, food literacy, plant propagation, and nature journaling to strengthen garden-based learning.

Educational resources extended beyond in-person programming through the statewide Maine Home Garden News newsletter and University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s online gardening publications and videos. At least 53 newsletter subscribers identified Piscataquis County as their home, though actual readership is likely higher because county information is optional. These trusted, research-based resources provide year-round guidance on gardening practices, pest management, soil health, food production, and environmental stewardship, helping gardeners make informed decisions while supporting healthy, resilient landscapes.

The One Tomato™ Project

The One Tomato™ Project encourages individuals and families to grow at least one tomato plant or another vegetable each year, fostering greater awareness of local food production and healthy eating. For 12 years, UMaine Cooperative Extension and the Extension Association in Piscataquis County have partnered to provide free cherry tomato seedlings and gardening education to residents. Through this initiative, community members gain hands-on experience growing fresh food at home while strengthening local food security, supporting healthy lifestyles, and building connections to Maine’s food system.

The Piscataquis Share Shed

The Piscataquis Share Shed was established in 2019 as a community resource where individuals and families can donate and access fresh produce. Since its inception, participation has grown steadily each year as awareness of the Share Shed has spread throughout the community.

Conveniently located beside our front steps, the Share Shed has become a welcoming and visible community asset. In addition to providing access to fresh food, it has helped connect community members with our organization. Many visitors who come to donate or receive produce stop by our office to learn more about the programs and services we offer, creating new opportunities for engagement and support.

Food Systems in Piscataquis County

Photos by Laurie Bowen and Kate Fergola

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers ServSafe professional food safety training for potential food managers, Cooking for Crowds, volunteer food safety training for soup kitchens, volunteer-based organizations, food distribution centers and its volunteers, as well as formal training and public education for home food preservationists, and additionally provides opportunities for Master Food Preserver volunteers to support their communities with tested, research-based safe food practices.

Unique to Piscataquis County, in collaboration with Northern Light Mayo and Healthy Eating Active Living, a Pop Up Market distributing fresh produce and education on food safety, food sanitation, and food preservation is provided monthly during the growing season. The market travels to Dover-Foxcroft, Milo, Sangerville, and Greenville in order to serve audiences where transportation is a barrier in Piscataquis County, particularly.

Produce such as potatoes, rutabaga, apples, onions, radish, lettuce, plums, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables are distributed during the average lunchtime in order to make it more accessible to residents who are working and might not otherwise have access. Techniques on safe storage, sanitation, preparation, and methods for extending the life of the produce are provided at each market.

In May, June, July, August, and September of 2025, 5,500 pounds of produce were distributed, and 558 residents were provided with food safety information, recipes, and preservation information. Additionally, 65 pounds of spinach was gleaned from Marr Pond in Sangerville. The previous year, 7,400 pounds of produce were distributed, and approximately 700 residents received education and produce.

2025 Annual Report: Statewide Impact

  • Map of Maine showing University of Maine Cooperative Extension locations across the state, accompanied by statistics highlighting Extension's statewide reach and engagement.
    University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s statewide presence and impact. In FedFY2025, Extension reached 94,691 individuals through online and in-person programs, presentations, training, and consultations, and 24,551 youth participated in 4-H camps, clubs, and learning programs. In CY2025, Extension recorded 2.4 million webpage views, reached 4.3 million people through social media, and received 709,000 views of 767 educational videos on YouTube.

    16 county offices

  • 4 4-H Camp and Learning Centers

 

  • 94,691 individuals reached through online and in-person programs, presentations, training, and consultations in FedFY2025
  • 2.4 M pageviews in CY2025
  • 4.3 M people reached through social media in CY2025
  • 24,551 youth participated in 4-H camps, clubs, and learning programs in FedFY2025
  • 767 educational videos on YouTube received 709,000 views in CY2025

2025 Annual Report: Funding

Donut chart showing FY25 statewide funding sources. Grants account for 36% of funding, UMaine 29%, programming revenue 13%, federal 11%, philanthropy 6%, counties 3%, and state 2%.
FY25 statewide funding sources: Grants, 36%; UMaine, 29%; programming revenue, 13%; federal, 11%; philanthropy, 6%; counties, 3%; and state, 2%.

Financial Support from UMaine
Piscataquis County 2025 Statewide Support County Support
Local Salaries and Benefits $12,591 $29,623.29
Prorated support from UMaine* $591,048 $0
Computer Equipment & Networking $3,581 $167.86
Statewide Animal Diagnostic Lab $12,153 $0
Marketing, Publications, Video $1,390 $0
Local Programming Supplies & Expenses $327 $1,055.50
Postage $1,264 $0
Telephone $1,124 $540
Travel $0 $0
TOTAL $625,908.00 $31,386.65
*Prorated Support from UMaine reflects travel, postage, telephone, computer equipment and networking, salaries and benefits for administrative and statewide staff.
Federal fiscal year: October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025

County Extension Act

Cooperative Extension work shall consist of the giving of practical demonstrations in agriculture and natural resources, youth development, and home economics and community life and imparting information on those subjects through field demonstrations, publications, and otherwise. For the purpose of carrying out this chapter, there may be created in each county or combination of two counties within the State an organization known as a “county extension association,” and its services available to all residents of a county. The county extension is viewed as a unique and important educational program of county government. The executive committee of each county extension association shall prepare an annual budget as requested, showing in detail its estimate of the amount of money to be expended under this chapter within the county of counties for the fiscal year. The executive committee shall submit to the board of county commissioners on a date requested by the county commissioners, and the county commissioners may, if they deem it justifiable, adopt an appropriate budget for the county extension program and levy a tax therefor. The amount thus raised by direct taxation within any county or combination of counties for the purposes of this chapter shall be used for the salaries of clerks, provision of office space, supplies, equipment, postage, telephone, a contribution toward the salaries of county educators and such other expenses as necessary to maintain an effective county extension program.

– Excerpted from Title 7, Chapter 7 of the Maine Revised Statutes, §191–§195.

Helping People Thrive in Piscataquis County

Fall scene near a pond in Piscataquis County

Piscataquis County staff and executive committee

  • Piscataquis County Extension Staff
    • Trisha Smith, 4-H Professional
    • Anette Moulton, Administrative Specialist
  • Piscataquis County Extension Executive Committee
    • Kim Merritt, President
    • Jackie DiPalma, Vice President
    • Rick Cabot, M.D., Treasurer
    • Caitlin Walsh, Secretary
    • Dwain Allen

Fostering sustainable agriculture

  • 112 soil tests in CY2025
  • 26 plant and insect combined submissions in FFY2025
  • FFY2025: Federal Fiscal Year
    • October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025
  • CY2025: Calendar Year
    • January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Building healthy communities

  • 65 youth participated in 4-H clubs, projects, 4-H camps, and fairs in FFY2025
  • 54 ticks submitted for identification and testing in CY2025
  • 310 tomato seedlings distributed through the One Tomato Program in CY2025

extension.umaine.edu/piscataquis
University of Maine Cooperative Extension- Piscataquis County
165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
extension.piscataquis@maine.edu

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, UMaine Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, veterans or military status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.

The University of Maine System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the UMaine ADA Coordinator or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.