Click here<\/span><\/a> for a list of all events, workshops and classes throughout Extension. <\/span>In Person and On Demand Events <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Happening in Waldo County<\/b><\/p>\n WCEA<\/b><\/p>\n Maine Families<\/b><\/p>\n Home Horticulture<\/b><\/p>\n 4-H Happenings<\/b><\/p>\n Commercial Agriculture<\/b><\/p>\n <\/a>The Waldo County Executive Committee (WCEA) – Rural Living Day 2027 in the Works<\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Home Visiting and Support<\/b> Over the next few months our newsletters will highlight Maine Families Home Visiting and supporting families. <\/span>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\u2019s role in their child\u2019s life and knowing basic information about their child\u2019s health, safety, social and emotional well-being and overall development. Parents who feel confident in this role are better prepared to meet their child\u2019s needs because they have parenting strategies to help them respond to stressors and their child\u2019s behaviors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A core belief of Maine Families is that parents are the expert of their children. It\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n What now: Don\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>melanie.l.bryan@maine.edu<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Planning for Success for Your Small Farm or Garden<\/b> Take some time this winter to plan ways to improve your success with your small farm or garden.\u00a0 Let\u2019s talk about improving soil quality, managing water, avoiding drought stress, planning for pests, how a small greenhouse can help you.\u00a0 Once you <\/span>register<\/span><\/a>, you can send us questions in advance!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Getting Gardens Off to a Great Start: Spring Tasks for Maine Gardeners<\/b> When:<\/b> Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (snow date March 11, same time)<\/span> Pre-registration<\/span><\/a> is preferred. Registered participants will receive a follow-up email with relevant resources.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact Kathi Ward at Volunteer@stetson.lib.me.us or call 207.296.2020.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Plant Disease Diagnostics<\/b><\/p>\n Gaining expertise in plant health just got easier\u2014and more rewarding for your professional credentials.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span> 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:<\/span><\/p>\n Earn Credits and Credentials<\/b><\/p>\n This is more than just a learning opportunity\u2014it is a significant boost to your professional profile:<\/span><\/p>\n Enroll here:\u00a0 <\/span>discover.maine.edu\/product?catalog=Plant_Disease_Diagnostics<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>Related Programs and Resources<\/b><\/p>\n <\/a>UMaine Extension Garden and Yard<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Garden and Yard publications are available to download.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can find these publications at <\/span>extension.umaine.edu\/programs\/<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\nIn this issue\u2026<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\nWaldo County Extension Association (WCEA)<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nMaine Families <\/b>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n
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\nHome Horticulture<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/b>When: <\/b>Tuesday, February 24, 2026 9:00 AM<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n<\/span>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\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Time:<\/b> 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Location<\/b>: 70 Village Road, Stetson, Maine 04488<\/span>
\n<\/span>Cost:<\/b> Free, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Stetson Library<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n4-H Happenings<\/b><\/h3>\n