COVID-19 PISCATAQUIS COUNTY RESOURCE REPORT

 

UMaine Extension

Connecting with Maine Communities During COVID-19

For over 100 years, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension has been providing research-based knowledge to the people of Maine. During the COVID-19 crisis, we have become a state-wide leader in providing practical, useful and trusted resources and information for families, industries, and communities coping with the effects and impacts of COVID-19. Without the support of our local counties, our efforts would not be possible. Thank you for the difference you make in your communities, counties and across this great state.

— Hannah Carter, Dean
University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Statewide Resources:

UMaine Extension: Connecting with Maine Communities During COVID-19

 

Piscataquis Resources:

Seeds, dirt in a cup and directionsChanging live in-person programs into virtual programs /meetings and surface mailed information

  • “Garden in a Box” series with Piscataquis Regional Food Center with online lessons, supplemented with printed garden information & seeds. Here are the first packets prepared for participants.
  • Fourth Friday Plant Clinics were moved to Zoom format where gardeners can ask questions about gardening and how to take care of their plants.
  • 200 Mini Microgreens Kits (pre-moistened soil, ‘Confetti’ radish seeds, and instructions) were Manila Envelopes and paperscreated for Sedomocha Elementary students. David Murray, second grade teacher at Sedomocha, supplied the cups and distributed the kits to the students’ at-home study packets.
  • The Sedomocha school garden will continue to be maintained. the garlic is coming up, and peas, carrots, radishes, kale, spinach, arugula, and chard have been planted.
  • Growing and Utilizing Hemp in the Home Garden moved to Zoom format and was recorded over 80 folks participated
  • Garden Chats: Growing Resilience from the Ground Up. These 1-hour sessions are held every Monday at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., and Thursday at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom
  • Victory Gardens for ME, an 8-part YouTube Video Series has been launched, especially for the Beginning Gardener to be able to grow your own produce.
  • Farm Zoom weekly sessions Friday at 10 am – over 180 farmers and ag service providers have participated to share what is going on with their farm or agency. They can also air questions and concerns.
  • Discussion on CARES Act and PPP for farmers and update on fourth economic stimulus package impact on Maine farms had over 55 people participate.
  • 4-H Virtual Arts and Crafts Showcase: Youth can submit artwork created between March 1st and May 31st and will be displayed on the Extension website.
  • Super Science 4-H Club is meeting virtually and accepting new members.
  • 4-H “Intro to Zoom and Other Techy Tips” Info Session on May 12 at 5:30 for 4-H members, volunteers, leaders, and parents/guardians. If interested, register here.

 

Developing and revising farm-oriented websites

 

Coming Soon:

      • The One Tomato project will again be distributing cherry tomato seedlings to folks in Piscataquis County. Staff will be traveling to towns during the end of May to mid-June to give all who want a cherry tomato seedling and growing instructions. Stay tuned for details by subscribing to our Central Maine Garden Newsletter or following us on Facebook.

 

 

University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County
165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME  04426
207.564.3301 or 1.800.287.1491 (Maine)

Please reach out to the following staff if you have ideas on how the University of Maine Cooperative Extension can provide assistance to the residents of Piscataquis County during the COVID-19 crisis.

                                  Reach us by email, website, Facebook and phone

Email: extension.piscataquis@maine.edu

https://extension.umaine.edu/piscataquis/

https://www.facebook.com/umaineextpsq/

Staff Contact Information: