An online blueberry bush sale being offered by University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener volunteers was noted in a Village Soup article. Proceeds from the sale will go towards the Master Gardener program, which is celebrating its 30th year in Maine. To place an order or for additional information, go to umaine.edu/gardening/go-
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
The Lewiston Sun Journal has a story about Trevor Doiron, a 13-year-old from Jay, who is starting a community garden and will eventually report the produce to Maine Harvest for Hunger, a program run by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The story noted that Doiron has met with Lauren St. Germain from UMaine Extension in Farmington, and St. Germain gave him tips on how where to solicit discounted materials and ideas about funding sources.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
University of Maine Cooperative Extension water quality and soil specialist John Jemison was interviewed for a Wednesday evening Channel 7 (WVII) news report on a recent study on how farmers view the future of farming in Maine. The report says farmers are optimistic about small and mid-sized farms in spite of challenges. The interview begins 8 minutes, 38 seconds into the broadcast.
Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756
A Bangor Daily News website posting on the GrowME project to garden and farm with children in kindergarten through grade three noted that UMaine Piscataquis County Extension will also take part in the effort. Local volunteers will work with teachers to schedule an agricultural activity in their classrooms during Maine Agricultural Week, March 12-16.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
University of Maine Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of economics Jim McConnon was interviewed for a Lewiston Sun Journal column by a staff writer on her family’s decision to put away credit cards and shop only with cash. McConnon observed that studies show more Americans are using credit cards wisely and cautiously, holding less debt and using cash more often than in the past.
Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756
Lois Stack, an ornamental horticulture specialist for UMaine’s Cooperative Extension and a professor of sustainable agriculture, was interviewed for a Kennebec Journal story about the USDA’s new plant hardiness zone map, which was released last week and shows how growing zones have changed since the last growing guide was published 22 years ago. Stack said a gardener can use the map to decide what plants would do best in a garden.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
An economic impact survey of elder Maine residents receiving regular visits by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Senior Companion Program has concluded that the program saved at least $4.6 million in 2011 by supporting elders choosing to remain in their own homes. A news release has details.
Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756
An economic impact survey of elder Maine residents receiving regular visits by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Senior Companion Program has concluded that the program saved at least $4.6 million in 2011 by supporting elders choosing to remain in their own homes. (more…)
The Knox County edition of Village Soup newspapers carried an article based on a UMaine news release about a recent survey of Maine farmers’ outlook for the future by the university’s Cooperative Extension. Extension water quality and soil specialist John Jemison and Stephanie Welcomer of the Maine Business School reported that farmers are generally optimistic about their futures, in spite of challenges, and said they would be better off if more consumers buy local produce.
Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756
Signs of the Seasons, a UMaine program coordinated by University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant climate change educator Esperanza Stancioff, was profiled in the Lewiston Sun Journal. Signs of the Season utilizes citizen volunteers to diligently watch selected species on predesignated sites and record their observations about the life cycles of the species. Information about the life cycles of these species helps scientists track larger biological and ecological trends and make predictions about how a changing climate will affect ecosystems in Maine, according to the story.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
