{"id":10511,"date":"2026-09-29T15:58:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/?page_id=10511"},"modified":"2026-10-14T13:47:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T13:47:00","slug":"annual-report","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 25%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-10511 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-225x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"exterior of Extension&#039;s Piscataquis County Office\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"a group of 4-H members who have won blue ribbons\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-846x635.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-2.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-3-225x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"4-H members playing outside the office with a parachute\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-3-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-3-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-3-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-3.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Trisha Smith working with a group of local 4-H members; food and nutrition activity\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#letter-from-dean\">Letter from the Dean<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4-h-youth-development\">Piscatquis County 4-H<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#horticulture\">Horticulture in Piscataquis County<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#food-systems\">Food Systems in Piscataquis County<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#statewide-impact\">2025 Annual Report: Statewide Impact<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#funding\">2025 Annual Report: Funding<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#county-extension-act\">County Extension Act<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#helping-people-thrive\">Helping People Thrive in Washington County<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"letter-from-dean\"><\/a>Letter from the Dean<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217;s future.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">\u2013 Hannah Carter, Dean of University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"4-h-youth-development\"><\/a>Piscataquis County 4-H<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 33%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-10511 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-4h-barn-225x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"barn with 4-H display set inside and signs on the outside\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-4h-barn-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-4h-barn-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-4h-barn-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-4h-barn-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-4h-barn.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2-225x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"4-H youth taking aim, doing archery outside\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2-634x845.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2-846x1128.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-4-H-2.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-4H-Smith-225x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"a 4-H member dressed in a carrot costume\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-4H-Smith-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-4H-Smith-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-4H-Smith-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-4H-Smith-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-4H-Smith.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><em>Photos by Trisha Smith<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>4-H Youth Development<\/h4>\n<p>In October 2024, we started the 4-H year with an Archery club, a Public Speaking\u00a0SpIn Club, and an Independent 4-Her. By the end of September 2025, between the\u00a0Archery club and Public Speaking SpIn Club, a community club at Central Hall\u00a0Commons, and the Joy Truck 4-H Collaboration, we had 37 youth and 9 volunteers\u00a0enrolled. Six youth earned blue ribbons at the Maine 4-H Speak Up Showcase; a\u00a0Piscataquis youth attended Sports Afield 4-H camp at Bryant Pond; 6 youth\u00a0participated in the online Maine 4-H Summer Learning Series; and 12 youth\u00a0exhibited in the 2025 Piscataquis Valley Fair.<\/p>\n<h4>Empowering Youth to Be Beyond Ready: Piscataquis County 4-H<\/h4>\n<p>4-H prepares young people with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to\u00a0grow as capable learners, leaders, and community members. Through hands-on\u00a0projects, youth leadership opportunities, mentorship, and community-based\u00a0learning, 4-H helps youth develop real-world skills such as communication,\u00a0teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility, and decision-making.<\/p>\n<p>This local work is part of the National 4-H Beyond Ready initiative, which prepares\u00a0young people for more than their first job; it prepares them for life. Beyond Ready\u00a0connects youth to career pathways, community partnerships, and meaningful\u00a0experiences that help them thrive in a rapidly changing world.\u00a0Through Piscataquis County 4-H, youth are not only ready for today\u2019s opportunities\u00a0but also for what comes next. When youth participate in 4-H, they emerge Ready for\u00a0Anything.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"horticulture\"><\/a>Horticulture in Piscataquis County<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 33%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-10511 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-225x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"gloved hands digging through soil\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-634x845.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-846x1128.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-hort-3-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/display-stand-for-One-Tomato-piscataquis-hort-225x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"display table outside of Piscataquis County office for the One Tomato project - horticulture efforts\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/display-stand-for-One-Tomato-piscataquis-hort-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/display-stand-for-One-Tomato-piscataquis-hort-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/display-stand-for-One-Tomato-piscataquis-hort-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/display-stand-for-One-Tomato-piscataquis-hort-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/display-stand-for-One-Tomato-piscataquis-hort.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Hort-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-225x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"produce on a stand outside of the Piscataquis County Extension Office\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Hort-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Hort-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Hort-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Hort-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Hort-Christina-Lannan-and-Piscataquis-County-Staff.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,225px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><em>Photos by Christina Lannan and Piscataquis County Staff<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Horticulture programming in Piscataquis County<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Horticulture programming in Piscataquis County<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Educational resources extended beyond in-person programming through the statewide Maine Home Garden News newsletter and University of Maine Cooperative Extension&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h4>The One Tomato\u2122 Project<\/h4>\n<p><strong>The One Tomato\u2122 Project<\/strong> 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\u2019s food system.<\/p>\n<h4>The Piscataquis Share Shed<\/h4>\n<p><strong>The Piscataquis Share Shed<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"food-systems\"><\/a>Food Systems in Piscataquis County<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-10511 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Laurie Bowen at Extension&#039;s information table, at an outdoor function, to discuss Maine Food Systems\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-846x635.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-951x713.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Two presenters at a Kiwanis International meeting discussing gleaning\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-846x635.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-951x713.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-Food-Systems-1-Laurie-Bowen-Kate-Fergola.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><em>Photos by Laurie Bowen and Kate Fergola<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"statewide-impact\"><\/a>2025 Annual Report: Statewide Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<figure id=\"10531\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10531\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-829x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Maine showing University of Maine Cooperative Extension locations across the state, accompanied by statistics highlighting Extension's statewide reach and engagement.\" width=\"400\" height=\"494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-829x1024.jpg 829w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-243x300.jpg 243w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-768x948.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-105x130.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-317x391.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-423x522.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-634x783.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-846x1045.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-951x1174.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension&#8217;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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>16<\/strong> county offices<\/li>\n<li><strong>4<\/strong> 4-H Camp and Learning Centers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>94,691<\/strong> individuals reached through online and in-person programs, presentations, training, and consultations in FedFY2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>2.4 M<\/strong> pageviews in CY2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>4.3 M<\/strong> people reached through social media in CY2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>24,551<\/strong> youth participated in 4-H camps, clubs, and learning programs in FedFY2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>767<\/strong> educational videos on YouTube received <strong>709,000<\/strong> views in CY2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"funding\"><\/a>2025 Annual Report: Funding<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"10532\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10532\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-fy25-statewide-funding-sources-donut-chart-558x1024.jpg\" alt=\"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%.\" width=\"300\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-fy25-statewide-funding-sources-donut-chart-558x1024.jpg 558w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-fy25-statewide-funding-sources-donut-chart-164x300.jpg 164w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-fy25-statewide-funding-sources-donut-chart-76x140.jpg 76w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-fy25-statewide-funding-sources-donut-chart-317x581.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-fy25-statewide-funding-sources-donut-chart-423x776.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-fy25-statewide-funding-sources-donut-chart-634x1163.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-fy25-statewide-funding-sources-donut-chart.jpg 746w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">FY25 statewide funding sources: Grants, 36%; UMaine, 29%; programming revenue, 13%; federal, 11%; philanthropy, 6%; counties, 3%; and state, 2%.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div style=\"width: 100%\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse;border-spacing: 0\" aria-labelledby=\"financial-support-title\">\n<caption id=\"financial-support-title\" style=\"caption-side: top;text-align: center;padding: 0 0 8px 0\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0;text-align: center;font-weight: bold\">Financial Support from UMaine<\/h3>\n<\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: center;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: bold\" scope=\"col\">Piscataquis County 2025<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: center;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: bold\" scope=\"col\">Statewide Support<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: center;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: bold\" scope=\"col\">County Support<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Local Salaries and Benefits<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$12,591<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$29,623.29<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Prorated support from UMaine*<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$591,048<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Computer Equipment &amp; Networking<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$3,581<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$167.86<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Statewide Animal Diagnostic Lab<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$12,153<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Marketing, Publications, Video<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$1,390<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Local Programming Supplies &amp; Expenses<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$327<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$1,055.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Postage<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$1,264<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Telephone<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$1,124<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$540<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: 400\" scope=\"row\">Travel<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$0<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle\">$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: left;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: bold\" scope=\"row\">TOTAL<\/th>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: bold\">$625,908.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;padding: 8px;text-align: right;vertical-align: middle;font-weight: bold\">$31,386.65<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<tfoot>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px 0 0 0;text-align: left;font-size: 0.9em;line-height: 1.35\" colspan=\"3\">*Prorated Support from UMaine reflects travel, postage, telephone, computer equipment and networking, salaries and benefits for administrative and statewide staff.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 0 0 0;text-align: left\" colspan=\"3\"><em>Federal fiscal year: October 1, 2024 &#8211; September 30, 2025<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tfoot>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 100%\"><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"county-extension-act\"><\/a>County Extension Act<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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 \u201ccounty extension association,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">\u2013 Excerpted from Title 7, Chapter 7 of the Maine Revised Statutes, \u00a7191\u2013\u00a7195.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"helping-people-thrive\"><\/a>Helping People Thrive in Piscataquis County<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10521\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-1024x638.jpg\" alt=\"Fall scene near a pond in Piscataquis County\" width=\"1024\" height=\"638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-1024x638.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-768x479.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-105x65.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-317x198.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-423x264.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-634x395.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-846x527.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene-951x593.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/Piscataquis-fall-scene.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Piscataquis County staff and executive committee<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Piscataquis County Extension Staff<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Trisha Smith, 4-H Professional<\/li>\n<li>Anette Moulton, Administrative Specialist<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Piscataquis County Extension Executive Committee<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Kim Merritt, President<\/li>\n<li>Jackie DiPalma, Vice President<\/li>\n<li>Rick Cabot, M.D., Treasurer<\/li>\n<li>Caitlin Walsh, Secretary<\/li>\n<li>Dwain Allen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Fostering sustainable agriculture<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>112<\/strong> soil tests in CY2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>26<\/strong> plant and insect combined submissions in FFY2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>FFY2025: Federal Fiscal Year<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>October 1, 2024 &#8211; September 30, 2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>CY2025: Calendar Year<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>January 1, 2025 &#8211; December 31, 2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Building healthy communities<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>65<\/strong> youth participated in 4-H clubs, projects, 4-H camps, and fairs in FFY2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>54<\/strong> ticks submitted for identification and testing in CY2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>310<\/strong> tomato seedlings distributed through the One Tomato Program in CY2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>University of Maine Cooperative Extension- Piscataquis County <\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>extension.piscataquis@maine.edu<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.edu\/title-ix\">www.maine.edu\/title-ix<\/a>. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/oascr\/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint\">www.usda.gov\/oascr\/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint<\/a> 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: <a href=\"mailto:program.intake@usda.gov\">program.intake@usda.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Letter from the Dean Piscatquis County 4-H Horticulture in Piscataquis County Food Systems in Piscataquis County 2025 Annual Report: Statewide Impact 2025 Annual Report: Funding County Extension Act Helping People Thrive in Washington County Letter from the Dean Every day, University of Maine Cooperative Extension helps Mainers learn, grow, and connect. Through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/page-withsidebar.php","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10511","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect - Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect - Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Table of Contents Letter from the Dean Piscatquis County 4-H Horticulture in Piscataquis County Food Systems in Piscataquis County 2025 Annual Report: Statewide Impact 2025 Annual Report: Funding County Extension Act Helping People Thrive in Washington County Letter from the Dean Every day, University of Maine Cooperative Extension helps Mainers learn, grow, and connect. Through [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-14T13:47:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-225x300.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/annual-report\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/annual-report\\\/\",\"name\":\"2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect - Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/annual-report\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/annual-report\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/24\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/statewide-map-with-legend-829x1024.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-29T15:58:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-14T13:47:00+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/annual-report\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/annual-report\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/annual-report\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/24\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/statewide-map-with-legend.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/24\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/statewide-map-with-legend.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":1482,\"caption\":\"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.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/annual-report\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/\",\"name\":\"Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County\",\"description\":\"Information you can use, research you can trust.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.umaine.edu\\\/piscataquis\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect - Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect - Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","og_description":"Table of Contents Letter from the Dean Piscatquis County 4-H Horticulture in Piscataquis County Food Systems in Piscataquis County 2025 Annual Report: Statewide Impact 2025 Annual Report: Funding County Extension Act Helping People Thrive in Washington County Letter from the Dean Every day, University of Maine Cooperative Extension helps Mainers learn, grow, and connect. Through [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/","og_site_name":"Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County","article_modified_time":"2026-10-14T13:47:00+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/piscataquis-1-225x300.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/","name":"2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect - Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend-829x1024.jpg","datePublished":"2026-09-29T15:58:09+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-14T13:47:00+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/09\/statewide-map-with-legend.jpg","width":1200,"height":1482,"caption":"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."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/annual-report\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"2025 Piscataquis County Annual Report: Helping Mainers Learn, Grow and Connect"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/#website","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/","name":"Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County","description":"Information you can use, research you can trust.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"msnowden","author_link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/author\/msnowden\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10511","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10511"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10511\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10541,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10511\/revisions\/10541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/piscataquis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10511"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}