News

4-H News in Washington County – December 2020

Dates to Remember Tuesdays in December: 4-H Tuesday Trivia  Thursdays– Virtual Teen Science Cafes Dec. 5: Kick-Off Meeting for 4-H Aquarium Club Dec. 11: Application Deadline for Virtual National Youth Agri-Science and Healthy Living Summits Dec. 25: Office Closed- Christmas Dec. 31: Final Deadline for Reenrollment Paperwork Dec. 31: Deadline for Volunteers to Complete Background Check […]

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UMaine Extension offers wreath-making resources available

Wreath-making is a traditional skill in Maine, one that can help generate income during what can be a time of slower cash flow for farmers. University of Maine Cooperative Extension has a variety of publications developed for wreath, garland and centerpiece makers.  The bulletins include: “Balsam Fir Tip Harvesting,” which provides information on identification, harvesting […]

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chickadee

UMaine Extension 4-H offers new birding club for Maine youth

University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is offering a new statewide birding club for youth ages 9–18, with online monthly meetings to be scheduled December through April.  The “4-H Bird Chats” club is for youth interested in citizen science, learning more about birds and sharing observations with others. Participants will learn how to contribute data […]

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UMaine Extension offers tips for preparing edible gifts Dec. 8 

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar about preparing edible holiday gifts from 2–3 p.m. Dec. 8.  Topics include cost-effective ways to make edible holiday gifts, food safety tips to consider, and Maine foods to use in soup and baking mixes and preserved products. UMaine Extension staff will demonstrate recipes in an interactive […]

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UMaine Extension offers forage, crop insurance webinar for livestock owners Dec. 9

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer two opportunities for livestock owners to get updates on forage resources and crop insurance starting at 10 a.m and again at 6 p.m. Dec. 9.   “Got Livestock, Need Hay?” features UMaine Extension professor Rick Kersbergen sharing information for livestock owners on assessing how much feed is needed […]

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UMaine Extension, MOFGA host webinar about selecting seeds for vegetable gardens Dec. 16

University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association will offer a webinar about selecting suitable seeds for Maine vegetable gardens from noon–1 p.m. Dec. 16. “Planning Your Vegetable Garden: Selecting the Right Seeds” includes variety selection, disease resistance, quantities to order and more. MOFGA crop and conservation specialist Caleb Goossen […]

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UMaine Extension offers resources to producers during hay shortage

Many livestock and equine owners in Maine purchase all of their hay and forage needs for winter. While this year’s growing season started out well, forage growth was reduced due to low rainfall in most of the state, especially for second and third hay cuttings.  According to University of Maine Cooperative Extension professor Rick Kersbergen, […]

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UMaine Extension offers recipes and food safety tips for Thanksgiving

University of Maine Cooperative Extension has several resources to help prepare a safe and healthy Thanksgiving meal. Before buying that turkey, UMaine Extension associate professor and registered dietitian Kate Yerxa suggests “planning for one to 1 ½ pounds of turkey per person. This will provide enough for the meal and leftovers for turkey sandwiches or a […]

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UMaine Extension, MOFGA host fruit tree experts panel discussion Dec. 2

University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association will offer a webinar for aspiring or current hobby orchardists and commercial growers about growing fruit trees in Maine from noon–1 p.m. Dec. 2. “Reflections on the Season: Growing Fruit Trees in Maine” will feature UMaine Extension tree fruit specialist Renae Moran, […]

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