Extension Perspectives Newsletter – November 2025

November 6, 2025 News, Waldo County 4-H Newsletter

Mark your calendar! 

Click here for a list of all events, workshops and classes throughout Extension. 

In Person and On Demand Events here.

Happening in Waldo County

  • Nov 6 – 4-H Community Science Explorers
  • Nov 7 – Midcoast Sustainable Ag Drop-In Conversation
  • Nov 10 – Waldo County Executive Committee Meeting
  • Nov 12 and 13 – Waldo County Office will be Closed for the Organizational Meeting in Orono

In this issue…

Waldo County Extension Association

Maine Families

Home Horticulture

4-H Happenings

Commercial Agriculture

Waldo County Extension Association (WCEA)

Waldo County Residents, Consider Joining Us!

The WCEA provides guidance to the Extension for developing and implementing educational programs that will benefit our county’s residents, such as Rural Living Day and Farmers’ Potluck Dinners.  We also officially direct the Cooperative Extension’s work in Waldo County and give a yearly post-secondary scholarship to an area student pursuing a career in a field that supports the Extension’s mission. 

Please consider joining us!  We meet monthly from September-May at the Extension office in Waldo and by Zoom. Members serve three year terms.  Contact the Extension office at extension.waldo@maine.edu or by phone at 207.342.5971 for more information.  You may also fill out the Volunteer Nomination Form at https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/wcea/volunteer-nomination/.

UMaine Extension Publications & Resources for Individuals and Organizations Impacted by the Government Shutdown/Lack of SNAP Benefits Publications: 

Extension Websites

Maine Families                                                                                                 

Emotional Development in Young Children

Fall can bring a mix of excitement and overstimulation for young children, especially with holiday buzz, weather changes, and new routines. This month, we’re focusing on helping children recognize and regulate their emotions. Your home visitor can help you explore age-appropriate strategies to support emotional wellness at every stage.

Tips for Supporting Emotional Growth:

  • Name feelings out loud: “You’re feeling frustrated because the toy won’t work.”
  • Stay calm when your child isn’t—it teaches regulation through co-regulation.
  • Create safe spaces for big emotions. Sometimes a quiet corner or snuggle spot can make all the difference.
  • Validate rather than dismiss feelings: “It’s okay to feel sad that playtime is over.”

Fall Into Reading

Cooler days are perfect for cozying up with a good book! Reading together every day—whether it’s for 2 minutes or 25—helps strengthen your child’s brain and your bond. Need book ideas? Talk to your visitor about choices for your child’s age. We can also help you access free books through programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (where available).

Family Well-Being: Check-In Time
This season of transition is a great time to check in with yourself: Are you feeling supported? Are you getting moments to rest or recharge? Is there something that feels especially hard right now?

Your well-being matters. Whether it’s finding local resources, having a space to vent, or learning new strategies—your home visitor is here for you, too.

We’re Here for You

From newborn care to toddler transitions, parenting comes with its highs and lows. Wherever you are this season—whether you’re juggling routines, preparing for a new baby, or celebrating milestones—we’re just a visit, call, or message away. 

If you have questions about Maine Families Home Visiting in Waldo County or want to learn more about our upcoming Group Connections, please call us at 207.322.2879 or email melanie.l.bryan@maine.edu.

Home Horticulture

Ornamental Horticulture

University of Maine Cooperative Extension provides practical, how-to solutions based on university research. Whether you attend our workshops, use our publications, read something in the newspaper, or hear it on the radio, UMaine Extension information is where you are.

Our gardening and horticulture experts conduct field research and provide information and consultation for people involved in:

  • commercial horticulture (nurseries, landscape companies, greenhouses, florists, and garden centers)
  • public horticulture (botanic gardens, arboreta, public parks, and community horticulture projects)
  • home gardening

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.

Related Programs and Resources

UMaine Extension Garden and Yard 

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Garden and Yard publications are available to download. 

You can find these publications at www.extension.umaine.edu/programs/. 

4-H Happenings

NEW Cloverbud Club in Monroe

Waldo County Explorers, one of the newest Cloverbud clubs in Waldo County, met for the first time in Monroe in October. Club members took roll call, recited the 4-H pledge, and brainstormed sparks and interests they’d like to explore through the year. They completed a short lesson on tree classification, then used leaves and boughs from deciduous and coniferous trees to create an “artist’s palate”. The club meeting culminated with members making their own mini pizzas for supper, and learning how to feed the co-leader’s 5 week old puppies. There is still room for two more members (between the ages of 5 and 8) – the club meets monthly on the third Tuesday from 5-6:30 pm in Monroe. Contact 207-592-0336 for more information.

Waldo County Explorers Club

using leaves and boughs from deciduous
and coniferous trees to create an “artist’s palate”

  4-H Leader

Waldo County Explorers club

 Waldo County Explorers Club

using leaves and boughs from deciduous
and coniferous trees to create an “artist’s palate”.

Youth Community Science Explorers Group       

Do you have a budding entrepreneur or scientist? 4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. We offer opportunities and experiences that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future.

This year we will dig into Maine agricultural businesses, working waterfronts and Agri-tourism and see how they face challenges brought on by the changing world around us. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, create connections with peers and meet scientists and staff from the University of Maine and other organizations that support Maine business growth.

Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join this partnership between the University of Maine’s 4-H program in Waldo County and the Belfast Free Library. 3:30pm – 5:00pm monthly on the first Thursday of each month. Location is at the Belfast Free Library, 106 High St, Belfast, Abbott Room on the ground floor. Registration is required for each session.  The link is below.

  • November 6 – Food mapping and Hydroponics
  •  December 4 – Maine Wild Blueberry Industry and tasting
  • February 5 – Maine Potato Industry and Variety tasting
  •  March 5 – Maine Maple Sugaring
  •  April 2 – TBD
  •  May 7 – The Magic of Wool 

For more information or to register, please visit the program’s website https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/community-science-explorers/ or contact the Belfast Free Library at www.belfastlibrary.org. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Karen Giles, karen.giles@maine.edu 207.342.5971.

October’s Youth Community Science Session with the Shaw Institute: Microplastics Create Macroproblems

Our first session of the season at the Belfast Free Library was a rousing success. On October 2nd, Waldo County 4-H hosted the Shaw Institute’s Daniella Rodriguez and Dr. Charlie Rolsky. They illustrated how microplastics and PFAS enter the environment, and the disruption they can cause within the food web. They introduced youth to a hands-on “plastics or food” activity, a food-chain exercise, and a plushy seal simulation “necropsy” that helped them explore how scientists investigate microplastics and PFAS harm to sea creatures.

The November session will explore local food mapping and as well as alternative methods of growing food, such as hydroponics systems.

Bird watching
Bird Watching

 

Phytoplankton
Making Phytoplankton models with Shaw Institute

 

Successful Season of Youth Community Science Explorers Exploration at the Belfast Free Library

STEAM Team Youth Community Science Explorers wrapped up a successful series of monthly programs that ran from January to May this year. Youth ages 8-12 joined this partnership between the University of Maine’s 4-H program in Waldo County and the Belfast Free Library. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, met scientists from other Maine organizations, learned from professionals from the University of Maine and created connections with their peers. Special thanks go to Stephanie Holman, our librarian extraordinaire at the Belfast Free Library, who ensured we had a terrific meeting space, access to further reading materials- and snacks! 

To encourage the practice of scientific methods of observation and hypotheses, and fostering lively discussion, Waldo County 4-H Professional Karen Giles organized a series of special guest presenters and topics each month. Included were: Reed Bridge-Koenigsberg, Director of Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp and Learning Centers, who introduced Point Source Pollution concepts; Daniella Rodriguez from the Shaw Institute, who facilitated activities around testing water and crafting “phytoplankton”; Tess Hureau,  UMaine Cooperative Extension, Hancock County, who led youth in activities to understand ocean acidification and a surprising connection to kelp farming; Gabrielle Brodek, UMaine Cooperative Extension, Washington County, who introduced vernal pools and “Maine Big Night;” and Melissa Gallagher, Educator from Maine Audubon, who led youth through fun activities identifying birds and feathers, and a bird watch around town.

Next season’s events will start on the first Thursday of October and run through May of 2026. This is a free event for ages 7-12. Space is limited to 30 children. 106 High St., Belfast, ME 0491 in the Abbott Room on the Ground Floor. Pre-registration is required and will open in September. Stay tuned for more details!

For more information or to register, please visit the program’s website (soon to be updated) https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/community-science-explorers/ or contact the Belfast Free Library at www.belfastlibrary.org. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Karen Giles, karen.giles@maine.edu 207.342.5971

Pictures:  Creating “phytoplankton” models with the Shaw Institute; A bird walk in Belfast with Maine Audubon

Are you interested in joining 4-H or learning more about it?

We are going to be holding meetings at the Extension office to discuss the benefits and exciting opportunities that 4-H offers, for youth and adult volunteers. If you are interested, want to learn how to sign up, or don’t have a club to join yet, the “Waldo County New Members Club” may be a place to start! Join us Mondays, August 11th, 18th, and 26th at 9:30 am at the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office to learn more. It is free to participate.

Please register for the session you can attend by emailing 4-H Professional Karen Giles karen.giles@maine.edu, call the office at 207.342.5791, or register through the extension website. If you cannot attend at that time, please reach out to schedule another time.  

4-H is a positive youth development program that focuses on the development of life skills through project-based, hands-on learning experiences. 4-H now offers over 120 different program areas. You do not have to own an animal or raise livestock to be a member of 4-H. Youth ages 5-18 can join.

Maker Mondays

Come join Karen Giles, Waldo Counties 4-H professional for Maker Mondays. We will do a craft and talk about 4-H. Join us every Monday from 11am- 12pm. at the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office, 992 Waterville Rd. in Waldo. Ages 5–12-year-olds are welcome and the cost is FREE. Maximum of 15 youth. Pre-Registration is required. 

For questions, contact Karen Giles by email karen.giles@maine.edu or call 207.342.5971. 

Camp Tanglewood News

The NorthStar 4-H Youth Mentoring Program at Troy Howard Middle School is launching its second cohort! This fall, the program will convene about 30 6th graders and offer them the opportunity to join the 6-year program that’ll follow them through graduation from high school. We hope to recruit 12-15 members to join Cohort 2. The 2025/2026 7th-grade class has 17 members in Cohort 1. That group will have expanded opportunities for trips and expeditions around Maine. We are actively recruiting 4-H Adult volunteers to serve as mentors with the NorthStar program in Belfast. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Karen Giles or Mel Torres (at Tanglewood). The Tanglewood team will also offer after-school programs for 6th graders; more information to come. 

Tanglewood
At the Downeast Farm Exploration camp in Stuben run in conjunction with the Painted Pepper Farm
Tanglewood
Leadership 1 Campers at the end of their 2-week session where they also adventured to Donnell Pond for a 3-day/2-night backpacking and canoeing adventure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tanglewood
Summer campers are all smiles at the end of camp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to the Maine Equine Team!

September 18th-21st, 2025, Maine sent eight 4-H youth delegates to the Big E on the equestrian team.  Each member had a chance to compete in riding classes like equitation, pleasure, discipline rail, and in-hand fitting and showmanship (and more!).  A favorite each year has been the costume class, as well as gaming classes, such as arena racing and barrel racing. Participants also compete in a general knowledge and horse judging contest. We are so proud of each rider and teen leader who represented Maine, and very competitively placed against the other New England State teams.  Congratulations to Anna P (Knox/Lincoln), Madison E (Penobscot), Molly L (And/Sag), Ruby D (And/Sag), Liz B (And/Sag), Lola V (And/Sag), Dorothy J (And/Sag), Lucy B (Franklin). If you are interested in learning more about the Maine 4-H Equine Team, please reach out to Tara Marble- tara.marble@maine.edu for more information!

Apply Now: Ignite by 4-H 2026

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and eager to learn alongside 4-H youth from across the country? Ignite by 4-H 2026 is your chance to grow as a leader, deepen your knowledge in an area that excites you, and make your mark on the future of 4-H in Maine.

We’re seeking motivated Maine 4-H youth (ages 14–18) to represent our state at the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. Delegates will work in a focus area group, participate in planning meetings, attend the national summit and collaborate to create a resource for younger Maine 4-Hers.

Track Options & Positions Available (apply for one track; rank your top two choices)

  • Agriscience 
  • Animal Science 
  • Community Activators
  • Healthy Living 
  • STEM
  • Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Applications are due by November 15, 2025. Apply Online applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and between 14–18 at the time of the trip.

4-H National Trip Applications are Open

Exciting news! Applications are now open for the 2026 4-H National Trips, featuring 4-H Conference and 4-H Congress. These events offer incredible opportunities for leadership development and national networking. Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18 is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members at the time of application and the time of the actual trip.

  • 4-H Conference: April 10 – 15, 2026 in Washington DC
  • 4-H Congress: November 27 – December 1, 2026 in Georgia 

Find out more and apply online by November 15, 2025.

Market Beef at Fryeburg Fair

The 2026 Maine 4-H Intent to Sell a Market Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair is now available for eligible youth.  The animal must be owned and in the youth’s possession, and the youth must be enrolled in their county by December 31, 2025.  More information and the form are available on the Maine 4-H Beef page.  Online forms must be submitted, and paper copies must be postmarked by January 6, 2026.

Are you interested in Archery,  Community Service, Animal Science Projects,or a Horse Club?

We are looking into starting new clubs in some of these subjects, starting this winter. If you are interested in any of these subjects, or others not listed, please reach out to Karen Giles karen.giles@maine.edu to discuss how to become involved! Youth and Volunteers are needed!

4-H Fall Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge

The 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge invites youth to explore how artificial intelligence can solve real-world agricultural problems. Participants will identify a challenge within the agriculture industry and design an innovative AI-based solution. Students will showcase how technology can enhance the future of farming. This challenge empowers youth to think critically, apply STEM concepts, and imagine a better agricultural future powered by AI. The challenge is currently open through November 15, 2025. Find out more and get started at https://events.projectboard.world/4HAIinAg.

Project Area or Exhibit? 

Project Area vs exhibit
Project Area vs exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 Volunteer Connections

It’s time to get fired up for our 4-H Volunteer Connections Series hosted by the Northeast Region Volunteerism Team – this year, we are adding a November session, and YUP- it’s RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! 

Wednesday, November 19th from 6:30pm-8:00pm.Registration link. 

Volunteer Connections November 2025
Volunteer Connections November 2025

4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips and tricks

Spotting Sparks in Action: Does a young person light up when talking about animals, robotics, or art? Watch where they go “above and beyond.” Sparks often emerge where curiosity and excitement intersect.

Here are FIVE TIPS to help you spot a youth spark:

  • Notice when a young person lights up/shows joy and positive energy towards something. 
  • Talk to a young person about what excites them (What do they love to do in their spare time? Why? How does doing what you love make you feel?) 
  • Listen carefully for ways to support a young person.
  • Help youth find ways to practice their spark.
  • Attend games, performances, public demonstrations, and animal show

4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar

We have SO many great 4-H volunteer opportunities available this year! You can find our calendar of events here – scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!

4-H Volunteer Huddle:

Come to the sideline for a quick “gather-learn-discuss” and then get back into the game of 4-H. A variety of topics will help you improve your strategy- you pick which ones interest you! We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required!

  • Nov. 7 – Getting Started with 4-H Market Animals
  • Dec. 5 – Delegating/Asking parents and other adults to help

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
maine.zoom.us/j/82015703524?pwd=QkT05bDbaaDIeYAQ8aGUd4eco5c6Rd.1 Password: volunteer

Resource Spotlight

  • Podcast lover? Check out 4-H Volunteer Ventures! These 30-minute episodes examine the fun, but sometimes confusing role of the 4-H volunteer. To gain some tips and tricks to help you balance the many responsibilities in volunteer, personal, and work life, listen to this episode Balancing the Volunteer Life Special thanks to our 4-H friends at Rutgers University for sharing these episodes!
  • Working with 4-H youth and livestock? Check out our new Animal Health Hub! Brought to you by our UMaine Extension Livestock Team, it is a space to find livestock health bulletins, news/disease updates, and opportunities, such as special events that qualify participants for FREE disease testing at our Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Go here https://extension.umaine.edu/livestock/animal-health-hub/ for more information.

Waldo County 4-H Calendar extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/4-h-calendar/

State 4-H Calendar extension.umaine.edu/4h/events/category/calendar/month/

For more information on how to get involved in Waldo County  4-H, please contact your local UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H professional, Karen Giles at karen.giles@maine.edu or call 207.342.5971.

Commercial Agriculture

Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series

Join the University of Maine Cooperative Extension on the first Monday of each month for our Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series, designed to support Maine’s green industry, including nursery and cut flower production, landscape design, installation, maintenance, and more. Each 75-minute session will feature a presentation followed by Q&A and discussion.

Upcoming Webinars:

Registration is required, with a sliding scale fee ($0-$15) per session. Zoom access details will be provided upon registration.Recordings will be available and sent to participants approximately one week after each event. Can’t attend live? Register anyway to receive access to the recording and a list of related resources.

Right-Sizing Your Flower Farm: What I Learned from Three Different Setups

UMaine Extension

Monday, December 1 @ 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Julia Baecher started East of Eden as a backyard passion project in 2012 and has since farmed at three different scales; from a home plot to a six-acre leased (and later owned) property, and back again. Each move brought new lessons in efficiency, investment, and profitability. In this session, she’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and offer a practical framework to help new flower farmers make smart infrastructure decisions from the start. Photo by Edwin Remsberg

Register Online:  Right-Sizing Your Flower Farm: What I Learned from Three Different Setups

 

 

Financial Management for Your Commercial Horticulture Business 

Chris-Laughton

Monday, January 5 @ 6 p.m. –  7:15 p.m.

Join Chris Laughton, from Farm Credit East, for a discussion of financial management basics you should know to manage your horticultural business. Topics covered will include: Understanding financial statements (balance sheets and income statements), cash flow budgeting, and financing and credit. Time will be provided for questions and discussion. 

Photo Credit: Farm Credit East

Register Online: Financial Management for Your Commercial Horticulture Business

 

 

 

 

Integrated Weed Management for Ornamental Greenhouse Crops

UMaine Extension

Monday, February 2 @ 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Learn practical strategies for managing weeds in greenhouse ornamental production. Weeds compete with crops for space, light, and nutrients, reducing quality and productivity. In this session, we’ll cover common greenhouse weeds, their biology, and a range of control methods. Topics will include cultural and mechanical approaches, along with key considerations for effective chemical control. Photo by Edwin Remsberg

Register Online: Integrated Weed Management for Ornamental Greenhouse Crops

 

 

Managing Pests in Cut Flowers

Tidewater Gardens
UMaine Extension
Tidewater Gardens

Monday, March 2 @ 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Join us for a webinar on managing pests in cut flower production. Cut flowers are a high-value ornamental crop, but even minor pest damage can significantly reduce their marketability. Having an integrated pest management plan in    place before the season begins is essential to minimizing that damage. In this session, we’ll cover the biology of key insect pests affecting cut flowers and focus on a range of management strategies. Topics will include cultural prevention methods, along with the basic requirements and key considerations for effective pesticide applications. Photo by Edwin Remsberg

Register Online: Managing Pests in Cut Flowers

QuickBooks for Farms Course

SCORE Maine and University of Maine Cooperative Extension are pleased to offer this QuickBooks workshop series tailored to small farms and agriculture businesses. This important software can help with your invoicing, tracking sales and expenses, and handling your bookkeeping requirements for tax preparation. QuickBooks will let you sync your data across your computer, tablet and smart phone mobile devices when you need it.

This free hands-on workshop so you need an internet enabled device to follow along.  You will need to use both Zoom and your web browser to access the QB test drive at the same time, so using a smart phone will be more challenging to toggle between the two because of the small screen.

Introductory QuickBooks for Farms
November 3, 5, 10 and 12, 2025 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
This free, four-part introductory workshop will cover the basics of QuickBooks Online and how farms and agriculture businesses utilize the software. The sessions include an overview of the sales process, using a Point of Sale app with QuickBooks, expense recording and payment, and generating reports to help you manage your business. Register for Introductory QuickBooks for Farms

QuickBooks Intermediate for Farms
January 26, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (registration link coming soon)
This free, single-session intermediate workshop will cover recording fixed assets & depreciation, recording new loans & payments, reconciling year-end loan balances with lenders and using journal entries in QuickBooks Online. Sponsored by SCORE Maine & University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Where: Virtual on-line event via Zoom, Please download the “test drive” software before the workshop begins (FMI see the registration page).

Lungworm and Meningeal Worm in Small Ruminants

This workshop series focuses on two significant parasites impacting sheep, goats, and other small ruminants—meningeal worm (brain worm) and lungworm. Participants will learn about the risks, prevention, and management of meningeal worm, a mysterious and often deadly parasite. The session also includes hands-on activities, including setting up a Baermann apparatus—the diagnostic tool used to detect lungworms—and practicing microscope techniques for parasite identification.

Who Should Attend: This workshop is designed for sheep and goat farmers, beginning livestock producers, and anyone interested in improving herd health management and parasite control practices.

Upcoming 2025-26 Workshops:

Workshop: Lungworm and Meningeal Worm in Small Ruminants

November 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Workshop: Lungworm and Meningeal Worm in Small Ruminants

December 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Learning Outcomes: Participants will understand the life cycles, symptoms, and impacts of lungworm and meningeal worm, learn strategies to reduce parasite exposure and improve animal resilience, gain practical experience using diagnostic tools such as the Baermann apparatus and microscope and leave with actionable steps to implement on-farm parasite management plans.

For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Sue Baez, UMaine Extension Administrative Support Supervisor, Hancock County, at 207.667.8212 or sue.baez@maine.edu.

Set Your Farm’s Future on the Right Path

It’s never too early to plan for your farm’s future. Every farm has a different path to succession. Sometimes developing that path can be challenging if you feel like you don’t have the time or the necessary information to plan. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with succession planning, join our goal-oriented group, where you’ll work alongside fellow farmers to understand the process and focus on the pieces most relevant to your farm. Who: Farmers interested in Succession What: Six-succession goal-oriented work group

In-person: Second Monday of each month, Dec 8, Jan 5, Feb 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Kennebec County Cooperative Extension, 125 State Street, Fl #3, Augusta, Maine 04333

Online: Second Monday of each month, Dec 8, Jan 5, Feb 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom

For more information about this program, go to: www.umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy0000044N6z

To Sign up for the Extension Perspectives Newsletter, click here, call 207342.5971 or email billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu.

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