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

The Lewiston Sun Journal included comments from Jim Dill, a UMaine Cooperative Extension educator and pest management specialist, in an article on an Asian fruit fly that threatens Maine’s berry crops. Dill said the potential damage to Maine’s low bush blueberry crop is the biggest concern.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777

UMaine Cooperative Extension Specialist David Handley and Educator Tori Jackson were interviewed for a Lewiston Sun Journal report on the struggles of Maine’s small farmers to gain disaster relief funds. Handley and Jackson are co-administrators of Crop Insurance Risk Management Education for Maine, an Extension program in its 13th year. Jackson said Maine was seen as an underserved state by the crop insurance program.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777

University of Maine Cooperative Extension pest management specialist Jim Dill was a guest for a live telephone interview Jan. 16 on the WZON radio morning show, The Pulse. He discussed a newly discovered fruit fly that has been located in Maine recently, which threatens the state’s soft-skinned fruit, including blueberries, raspberries and strawberries prior to and during ripening. The interview starts about 35 minutes into the show.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

University of Maine Cooperative Extension blueberry specialist David Yarborough and pest management specialist Frank Drummond were interviewed for a Channel 2 (WLBZ) news report about a new Asian fruit fly – the Spotted Wing Drosophila – discovered in Maine that may threaten the state’s soft-skinned berry crops, including blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756