|
The Maine
Tree Club
They
attract tourists by the thousands, provide the foundation for the states economy
and stir poets to eloquence. Trees are at the root of Maine's identity. Now,
Maine citizens and visitors have a chance to learn more about the habits and
special needs of trees by joining the Maine
Tree Club, an educational project of the University of
Maine Cooperative Extension, the Maine Forest Service and the Pine Tree
Arboretum.
Purpose
The Maine Tree Club is a statewide effort
organized by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for the purpose of
educating individuals (youth and adults) to appreciate the value of trees in
Maine.
The Maine Tree Club will:
-
Equip participants with the
knowledge and skills to identify trees of Maine.
-
Create opportunities for
people to learn more about trees in Maine through hands-on-experiences
(outings in the woods).
-
Teach participants how to
best care for trees on their property and in their community.
Help people to better
understand the importance of trees to Maine, their ecosystems and economy.
 Maine Trees
Each participant will have the opportunity to
learn about fifty tree species over a two year period (2 per month plus 2 bonus
tree species).
Benefits
Each participant will be equipped with resources
to make the learning experience practical, enjoyable, and interesting.
-
Notebook with
fact sheets - An attractive 3 ring binder designed to hold monthly tree species fact
sheets will help keep all Maine Tree Club materials organized. This
notebook will make a handy reference for the home library.
-
Winter
Tree Finder - A winter tree identification pocket
guide.
Hand
lens - Participants will receive a 10X hand lens
and carrying case (1 per individual, 2 per couple, 3 per family) to assist
in seeing the "little things" about trees.
Other
aids - Numerous other tree-related fact sheets
and brochures will be distributed to Maine Tree Club participants.
Opportunities for
hands-on-learning - Participants will be invited
to attend at least 4 outings designed to increase and apply their
knowledge of Maine trees. These outings will take place in different
locations across the state and in different seasons.
Tree
Seedling with Planting Directions - Participants
will also receive a tree seedling to plant in time for Arbor Week.
Registration Fee
Participants will pay a registration fee each year
of $20/individual, $30/couple, $35/family, and $65 for groups. The
group rate is designed for school groups of up to 15. Garden clubs and some
classroom educators are among those who subscribe using the group subscription
option. These funds will help pay for supplies, guest
guides, teaching aides and other needs associated with the club. A scholarship
fund is available if the registration fee is a hardship to any interested
individual, couple or family.
For a free
informational brochure, please call the Cooperative Extension office at
1-800-287-1471 (in Maine only) or 207-780-4207 or email
treeclub@umext.maine.edu.
Method of Teaching
-
Participants will learn about
24
Maine trees each year plus 2 bonus trees (total of 50 trees over two years).
-
They will receive two tree fact sheets
each month (in December they will get three) through the year (25 fact
sheets per year). Participants will be encouraged to read and learn more
about the trees of the month.
Three or more outings will be
planned in different seasons and in different parts of the state for
participants to get hands-on-experience in tree identification and gain
knowledge and skills related to Maine tree species. Topics such as
insects, pruning, tree growth and the ecosystem will be included. -
Participants in the
Maine
Tree Club will receive a 10X-hand lens; a pocket guide to tree
identification (MFS); and other useful helps to encourage learning.
A web site will complement
the other parts of the educational program encouraging individuals to learn
more about trees and the sponsors.
Maine Tree Club Sponsors
University
of Maine Cooperative Extension
Pine Tree State 4-H
Foundation
Pine
Tree State Arboretum
Maine
Forest Service
|
