{"id":9478,"date":"2023-09-27T14:04:02","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T18:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/waldo\/?page_id=9478"},"modified":"2026-04-23T11:36:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T15:36:19","slug":"community-science-explorers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/waldo\/4h\/community-science-explorers\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Science Explorers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MaineSTEAM Team Youth Community Science Explorers is a monthly program focused on the exploration of environmental and climate issues. Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join this partnership between the University of Maine\u2019s 4-H program in Waldo County and the Belfast Free Library. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, meet scientists from other Maine organizations, learn from professionals from the University of Maine, and create connections with peers.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Upcoming Sessions<\/h3>\n

Session 1: October 2, 2025<\/del>
\n<\/sup>Microplastics create Macro problems in Food Webs<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Join us as we host a session with the Shaw Institute, which has been conducting coastal monitoring for over 15 years on the Blue Hill Peninsula. Through hands-on activities and discussion, youth will learn how pollutants like plastics and PFAS enter the food chain, and their effects on food webs and ecosystems.<\/p>\n

\n

Session 2: November 6, 2025<\/strong><\/del>
\nUrban Farming with Hydroponics<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Let\u2019s talk about where our food comes from and how it is produced! Join Tess Hureau from the Cooperative Extension Office in Hancock County as she introduces urban farming with hydroponics: help reduce climate change by significantly cutting down on food transport emissions, conserving water, and reducing land use. Through hands-on experiences, youth will explore alternative food growing systems.<\/p>\n

\n

Session 3: February 5, 2026<\/del>
\n<\/strong>Dig Into the Maine Potato Industry and Variety Tasting!\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Sustainable Agriculture Educator Brett Johnson will present an exploration of potato production in Maine followed by a tasting workshop describing the science behind what makes the perfect potato for each style of preparation. Participants will have the opportunity to taste new potato varieties.<\/p>\n

\"Potatoes
Potatoes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

Session 4: March 5, 2026<\/del>
\n<\/strong>Maine Maple Sugaring: A Sweet Season<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Join us as we welcome Jason Lilley, Assistant Extension Professor and Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator for Maine Cooperative Extension. We will examine what makes the Maine Maple Sugaring industry one of the best in the world, challenges producers face and experience the sweetness for ourselves with taste testing.<\/p>\n

\"Maple
Maple syrup<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Session 5: April 2, 2026
\n<\/strong><\/del>It\u2019s Wild! Explore the Maine Blueberry Industry\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\"Blueberry
Blueberries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With special guest Paul Sweetland of Union, a life-long producer of Maine wild blueberries, we will look into the history, changing industry and plants, and new ways of thinking about land use challenges of Maine Wild Blueberry production. We will also taste and compare wild and highbush blueberries and the different uses for each.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"wooly
wooly sheep<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Session 6: May 7, 2026
\n<\/strong>The Magic of Wool: What can you do with it?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Join us as we investigate the many uses of wool with Ted Bridge-Koenigsberg from Sebago Elementary School, teacher of Ag in the Classroom, and 4-H leader of the Cumberland County Sheep Club. We will explore the many ways of processing the fiber and it\u2019s uses with hands on activities integrating art, science, and social studies!<\/p>\n

Register here for The Magic of Wool<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\n

Register Online<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n

For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Waldo County UMaine Extension office at 207.342.5971.<\/p>\n

\n

This program is brought to you by Waldo County 4-H<\/a> working in collaboration with the Belfast Free Library<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t