Extension Perspectives Newsletter - February 2026 - Cooperative Extension in Waldo County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension

We know how much we all look forward to Rural Living Day and we do, too, especially after the success of the 30th anniversary event last year. However we are taking a pause this year to engage more volunteers in the planning and implementation of the event for April 2027 and beyond. Anyone interested in serving on the program committee should contact Pat Blakeslee at pat.blakeslee@gmail.com. The sooner we get started, the better.

Maine Families

Home Visiting and Support

Over the next few months our newsletters will highlight Maine Families Home Visiting and supporting families. This month we will focus on building strong and secure attachments through knowledge of parenting and child development. Knowledge, in this case, is an understanding of a parent’s role in their child’s life and knowing basic information about their child’s health, safety, social and emotional well-being and overall development. Parents who feel confident in this role are better prepared to meet their child’s needs because they have parenting strategies to help them respond to stressors and their child’s behaviors.

A core belief of Maine Families is that parents are the expert of their children. It’s important to remember that no two parents are the same and that families are different. What may seem unusual for one family may be normal for another. There is no one right way to parent a child and having knowledge can help prepare parents for success.

What now: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take a parenting class or do some research on your own, but be aware of information overload by looking for evidence-based information. Reach out for support. Remember that you are eligible for a parent educator/family visitor through Maine Families if you are pregnant or have an infant under the age of 3 months.

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

Planning for Success for Your Small Farm or Garden
When: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 9:00 AM

Take some time this winter to plan ways to improve your success with your small farm or garden. Let’s talk about improving soil quality, managing water, avoiding drought stress, planning for pests, how a small greenhouse can help you. Once you register, you can send us questions in advance!

Getting Gardens Off to a Great Start: Spring Tasks for Maine Gardeners
Spring in Maine brings longer days, warming soils, and a long to-do list for gardeners. This workshop offers a fast-paced, lightning-round introduction to essential spring gardening tasks, with practical tips to help you prioritize what to do and when. Plenty of time will be built in for questions and discussion, making it ideal for gardeners looking for clear guidance at the start of the season.

When: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (snow date March 11, same time)
Time: 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: 70 Village Road, Stetson, Maine 04488
Cost: Free, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Stetson Library

Pre-registration is preferred. Registered participants will receive a follow-up email with relevant resources.

For more information or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact Kathi Ward at Volunteer@stetson.lib.me.us or call 207.296.2020.

Plant Disease Diagnostics

Gaining expertise in plant health just got easier—and more rewarding for your professional credentials.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is proud to launch our latest online resource: Plant Disease Diagnostics. This self-paced course is designed to move you beyond guesswork, providing a scientific, 5-step workflow to identify and manage plant pathogens in the Northeast.

Whether you are managing a commercial greenhouse, a professional landscape, or a productive home garden, this learning experience offers high-level training and tangible professional benefits. Developed by UMaine Extension specialist Dr. Alicyn Smart, the learning experience focuses on practical, evidence-based skills. In approximately 6 hours of interactive learning, you will learn:

The 5-Step diagnostic process: From host identification to action planning.
Biotic vs. Abiotic Stress: Distinguish between living pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses) and environmental factors (nutrient deficiencies, frost, or herbicide drift).
Symptom Recognition: Learn to accurately name and analyze signs like chlorosis, cankers, and wilting.
Sample Submission: Best practices for packaging and sending samples to our nationally accredited lab.

Earn Credits and Credentials

This is more than just a learning opportunity—it is a significant boost to your professional profile:

6 Pesticide Recertification Credits: Successful completion is approved for six (6) credits from the Maine Board of Pesticide Control, making this an efficient way for Maine private pesticide applicators to fulfill the 6 recertification credits required every three years to renew their license.
UMaine Digital Badge: Participants will earn the Plant Disease Diagnostics micro-badge. This verifiable digital credential can be showcased on LinkedIn, resumes, and business websites to demonstrate your specialized expertise to clients and employers.

Enroll here: https://discover.maine.edu/product?catalog=Plant_Disease_Diagnostics

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

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 monthly on the first Thursday of each month from 3:30pm – 5:00pm.

March 5 – Maine Maple Sugaring: A Sweet Season
April 2 – It’s Wild! Explore the Maine Blueberry Industry and taste testing
May 7 – The Magic of Wool: What can you do with it?

Location: Belfast Free Library, 106 High St, Belfast, Abbott Room on the ground floor. Registration is required for each session. For more information or to register, please visit the program’s website https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/community-science-explorers/ or reach out to Karen Giles karen.giles@maine.edu or the Belfast Free Library at www.belfastlibrary.org.

Maker Mondays
Every Monday from 11am- 12 pm at the Waldo County UMaine Cooperative Extension office, 4-H professional Karen Giles will host a 4-H STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) project exploration activity for children ages 5-12 years old. Upcoming sessions: Marble runs, Rube Goldberg machines, talk/build with an architect. If you have questions, please contact Karen Giles by email karen.giles@maine.edu.

The cost is free but we do require pre-registration https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/maker-mondays/

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

We are holding meetings at the Waldo County Extension office to discuss the benefits and explore 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 at 9:30 am at the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office to learn more. It is free to participate.

Please register 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.

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!

2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales

Maple Sugaring 101 is a virtual program open to Maine youth ages 10+ who are interested in learning about the entire maple sugaring process and how to create a commercial grade syrup. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and operating a maple sugaring business. The program will be three one-hour sessions on Zoom:

Virtual Session – Unit 1: Woods Work, Monday, February 23, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Virtual Session – Unit 2: Sugarhouse, Monday, March 2, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Virtual Session – Unit 3: Kitchen and Business, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!

If you are interested in this program, please complete the interest form at this link so we can follow up with you about registration: https://forms.gle/JwNiYnPtU1ihXN2G9

Club leaders who would like to have their club participate in this program, please contact your 4-H County Professional or Andrew Hudacs by Friday, February 13, 2026: andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, (207) 581-8204. For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/annual-events/maple-sugaring-101/

ESE 4-H Dairy Team Intent Forms are Due March 1, 2026

The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available online at https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/. In order to be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States Team next fall, 4-H members must submit their completed intent form online or to the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office before March 1, 2026. Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.

Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl- Save the Date!
The 2026 Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts will be held on March 7th at Maine Farm Bureau building in Augusta, ME. The contest will start at 10:00 AM with the written exam, followed by the individual questions portion and then the buzzer rounds.

This event will serve as the official tryout for the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Team. The top four eligible 4-H members will be selected to represent Maine 4-H at The Big E in the regional dairy quizbowl contest in September.

Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts are open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members ages 9-18. Youth will be divided into two age categories, Jr. ages 9-11 and Sr. ages 12-18. If you plan on attending please notify Sadee Mehuren via email at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event.

More information is available online at extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/dairy-quizbowl/. For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.

Maine 4-H Scholarship Opportunities and Deadlines
Maine 4-H Foundation Post-Secondary Education Scholarships. These scholarships are available to participants in the 4-H Program who are pursuing higher education.

Application Deadlines

Monday, March 2, 2026: Applications due to your local UMaine Extension county office or to one of our 4-H Learning Centers (documents may be submitted by email).
Monday, March 9, 2026: Application materials due by email to the Maine 4-H Foundation.

Important Note: All written components, including the 4-H story and résumé, must be original work created by the applicant. Applications created using AI tools will not be considered.

Application Materials can be found at: https://extension.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/funding/. Questions, please contact Angela Martin at 207.581.3739 or angela.martin@maine.edu.

Youth in Ag Policy Day

When: March 25 (online meetings before and after)
Location: Augusta Maine
Time: 8:30am-3:30pm
Age: 12-18

Ready to make your voice heard? Join Maine DACF, Maine FFA, and 4-H for Ag Policy Day at the State House! Youth ages 12 and older will learn from legislators, share what matters most to them, and connect with agricultural leaders across Maine. Apply now and help shape the future of agriculture! https://forms.office.com/g/iQM4Ecyzg5

Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form is now available online and must be submitted by April 17th, 2026. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Sheep Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September (including teen leads).

The Eastern States Exhibition (Big E) 4-H Sheep Program brings together 4-H members from six states in Springfield, MA for three days of events that showcase their animals, knowledge and skills. Members must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2026 and have completed at least one year in a sheep project.

Please contact Megan Cook with any questions or for more information at megan.cook@maine.edu or 207-532-6548.

Maine 4-H’ers Trip to National 4-H Congress

Each fall, teens from across the country get selected as state delegates to gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for National 4‑H Congress. This year, I had the privilege of chaperoning four Maine delegates, and I’d like to share what the experience was like for myself and our four Maine youth who attended.

What Makes National 4‑H Congress Special

Congress brings together hundreds of motivated teens for 5 days of leadership development, community service, cultural exploration, and connection‑building. It’s fast‑paced, energizing, and full of opportunities for youth to stretch themselves. By the end of day one, two delegates reported: “I loved getting to listen to the teen performances today. They picked great songs and are really talented.” “Even though I am exhausted from traveling, I had an absolute blast!”

What Youth Experience During the Trip

Throughout the week, delegates participate in workshops, service projects, keynote sessions, and cultural events. Some of the highlights for our group included:

Hands‑on workshops, one of which was led by Georgia College and State University, where youth explored activities that depended on communication skills
Inspiring keynote speakers like Dr. Layman Hicks and John Beede
Community service project at Sandy Springs Parks
Cultural events: International Dinner, Atlanta History Center, and Gala
Opportunities to meet teens from across the country
Field trips to Truist Park, Georgia Aquarium, and Zoo Atlanta

One youth shared: “It was so nice to get outside today. Doing clean-up at the park made me feel like I was back home.” Another said: “I got to talk to someone about lamb projects today! She gave me some ideas that I am going to take back to my club.”

What the Experience was Like for Emily

As a chaperone, I had the joy of watching our delegates grow more confident each day. As they all opened up, I got to know them as individuals both within and outside of 4-H. I encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity, and I got to see them as team players and leaders. By the end of the trip, we all gained some new close friends. From my perspective: “There were some really great keynote speakers that I wish I had gotten to hear when I was a teenager. They were inspiring and motivational to all, young and old.”

Who Should Consider Applying

Congress is a great fit for youth who are interested in leadership or service, excited to meet new people, ready for a structured, fast‑paced environment, curious about new ideas and cultures and looking to deepen their 4‑H involvement. One delegate put it simply: “As Dr. Hicks said, ‘Get off you but!’ The one with one t, not two.”

How Families Can Prepare

If your child is considering applying, it can help to connect with 4-H staff and previous attendees, review application materials together, talk about goals and interests and practice interview skills. Even the application process itself helps youth grow.

Final Thoughts

National 4‑H Congress is more than a trip; it’s an experience that stays with youth long after they return home. They come back inspired, connected, and ready to take on new challenges with a newfound “Courage to Grow and Heart to Serve”.

What is Speak up, Maine 4-H!

4-H Public Speaking Update – You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of Speak Up, Maine 4-H the statewide Public Speaking Program. From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.

Performing Arts demonstrations include: a spoken introduction, your performance and a spoken conclusion. Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges’ support for all categories, will be available soon on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff.

4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential

The University of Maine System (UMS) 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential is a FREE learning pathway for teenage youth to learn the essential aspects of the maple industry. Students completing the program demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills to work in a maple forest, sugarhouse, and produce commercial-grade maple syrup and value-added food products. Additionally, participants understand how skills and traits gained during work in the maple industry are transferable to other workplace situations.

Students ages 14+ may enroll in the micro-credential pathway and learn the material through an instructor-led class or by self-study.

Link to 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/micro-credentials/4h-foundations-maple-sugaring-enterprise/

Students progressing along the micro-credential pathway will earn and receive a digital badge at each milestone they achieve. There are three digital badge levels of knowledge and skills on the pathway that must be completed before proceeding to the next level. The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.

To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.

February 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!

Why Belonging Matters – Young people thrive when they feel safe, accepted, and valued. Belonging gives them the confidence to try new things, take healthy risks, and grow. All youth need to feel included in a meaningful way. When youth feel like they belong, it can help reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression by providing supportive relationships and a sense of community.

When youth feel that their ideas matter and they are an important part of a team, it builds their self-confidence and self-worth.
4-H programs emphasize teamwork, cooperation, and communication, which helps members develop strong social skills and build lasting friendships.
Belonging to a supportive group helps youth navigate life’s challenges by encouraging them to persevere through adversity, grow from failure and demonstrate resiliency.
For adolescents, a sense of belonging is essential for healthy development and helps shape their identity and how they connect with others.

4-H Volunteer Huddle: Join us for a short “gather and learn session” to help you up your game. 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!

March 6, 2026- Prepare for the Fair
This 4-H volunteer information session will highlight how mentors can guide youth in preparing their animals and themselves for a successful fair experience. Volunteers will learn ways to support members with showmanship skills, animal care, and confidence in the show ring.

Please note: The Zoom link and password will be emailed to all enrolled 4-H volunteers or you can email Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu to request it.

4-H Volunteer Connections – AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It

February 18, 2026 6:30 – 8 p.m.

The webinar will share an introduction to artificial intelligence, ideas for 4-H volunteers, and pitfalls to avoid. No matter your current level of experience, there will be information for you. You will learn what generative AI is and what it is not through real examples of how it might support your 4-H work. Register here!

Save the Date

Mark your calendars and save the date! We are hosting a conference for Maine 4-H Volunteers on Saturday, November 7th! You are not going to want to miss it! More details to come in the upcoming months!

Resource Spotlight
4-H Club Leader Handbook is a resource designed to help new club leaders get off to a strong start, containing specific information for facilitating the 4-H club model. Check out this amazing resource online https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteers/club-leader-handbook/ or contact your county office for a printed copy.

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

York County Farmers’ Network Series: Protecting What Matters

Thursday, February 19, 2026 6:00 PM

Join local Farm Family agent, Thea Champlin, for a down-to-earth look at farm insurance and risk management. With years of experience working on horse farms, Thea—owner of The Champlin Agency—shares real-life stories and simple, practical strategies to help farmers protect what matters most and keep their operations resilient.

Managing Pests in Cut Flowers
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

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 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 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

2026 Maine Vegetable and Fruit School
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 8:30 AM

This day-long school is sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Association.

When: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: USM Lewiston Campus, Room 170, 51 Westminster Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240
Cost: $50 Credits: Pesticide applicator training credits are pending.

Online registration closes on March 12th. After this date, please call Highmoor Farm at 933.2100. Lunch provided to those who pre-register by March 12th.

Introduction to Apple Tree Pruning and Orchard Management – Apple Pruning Workshop

Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. From 10:00am – 1:00pm the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tree Fruit Specialist, Renae Moran will explain the principles of pruning apple trees at the Waldo County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) , 685 Swan Lake Ave, Swanville, ME 04915.

Renae Moran, Tree Fruit Specialist at Highmoor Farm will demonstrate different techniques that can be employed to shape trees and contain their size. Specific topics will include the difference between heading and thinning cuts, how pruning severity affects the tree, and a general method suited for old apple trees.

In addition to pruning, several other important topics when establishing and managing an apple orchard will be covered including pollination, rootstock selection, disease and insect pests and much more. Participants can expect to learn pruning techniques that can be applied successfully in their own orchards. Cost is $15.

Educator bio:
Renae Moran is a tree-fruit specialist with the University of Maine. In her research, she aims to solve problems such as nutritional deficiencies in Honeycrisp apples and cold hardiness losses in midwinter. She is currently working on apple and peach variety trials and breeding peaches for cold climates. She also works at the Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, a research farm that develops research-based knowledge to Maine’s apple and peach growers.

Virtual Farm Tour

Various Dates and Times

We are excited to introduce an interactive online platform designed to empower farmers with essential knowledge on livestock health. This innovative online experience offers easy-to-understand resources, interactive tools, and expert guidance to help farmers prevent and manage animal health issues effectively. Farmers can enhance their disease preparedness skills and make informed decisions to improve the well-being and productivity of their livestock. https://extension.umaine.edu/livestock/animal-health-hub/?

To Sign up for the Extension Perspectives Newsletter, click here, call 207.342.5971 or email billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu.