University of Maine Cooperative Extension is hosting an Eastern Maine Regional Opportunities for Ocean, Timber and Soil (ROOTS) event on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the University of Maine at Machias. This is in collaboration with the Washington County Food Council, the Downeast Institute, UMaine School of Forest Resources and staff members at Healthy Acadia and Full Plates Full Potential.
The Eastern Maine ROOTS Gathering is a regional, discussion-focused event designed to bring together farmers, forest landowners, industry workers, ecosystem stewards, service providers, researchers and community organizations to explore shared challenges and emerging opportunities across natural resource and agricultural economies. Participants will engage in freeform and facilitated conversations to identify priority issues and spark collaboration across the ocean, timber and soil sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, farming and related industries.
Unlike a traditional conference, this year’s ROOTS Gathering will emphasize interactive dialogue, listening sessions and cross-sector discussion. The goal is to surface real-world needs and ideas from those living and working in the region, while strengthening connections among individuals and organizations that support Eastern Maine’s working lands and waters. Topics may range from workforce development to improving efficiencies across sectors and building resilient systems.
Insights gathered during the event will directly inform planning for the 2027 Eastern Maine ROOTS Conference, which is held on odd years. Organizers will use feedback and themes from the 2026 gathering to shape future conference topics, speakers and collaborative initiatives.
The event will also include dedicated time for networking and relationship-building, providing space for participants to meet potential partners, share resources and explore shared goals. All are welcome. Lunch is provided and will be catered by Angie’s Comfort Kitchen.
There is no cost to attend this event. Registration is required by March 15. For more information and to register, visit the event webpage. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207-255-3345 or tara.a.wood@maine.edu.