Agroforestry, an age-old concept, could provide a path to Maine’s future. Part of the regenerative agriculture movement, it involves an integrated approach to cultivating trees with crops and – sometimes – livestock. These diversified farm systems nourish soil health and wildlife while offering more resilience in a warming world locking up atmospheric carbon, absorbing floodwaters, and sheltering crops and animals from high winds and extreme heat.
“Diversity is really key to sustainability for small farms and the ecology of farms,” said vegetable farmer Max Boudreau of Winslow Farm in Falmouth. He sees many landowners and homesteaders “putting these principles into practice,” but said agroforestry is still “a foreign concept” in farm service agencies.
Scholarship applications open to Waldo County residents
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Waldo County residents entering their first or second year of post-secondary education are eligible to apply for one $1,500 scholarship made available by the Waldo County Extension Association and the Maine 4-H Foundation, according to a news release from UMaine News.
Scholarship for a Sustainable Future applicants must be pursuing a career in a field that supports the mission of University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Eligible fields of study include agriculture, horticulture, animal sciences, natural resources and environmental sciences, food and health sciences, education and youth development.
Completed applications must be received by the UMaine Extension Waldo County office by April 1.
The Portland Press Herald cited a University of Maine Cooperative Extension study in a story about a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report describing how the prevalence of Lyme disease is likely 10 times higher than reported. Centralmaine.com shared the Press Herald story.
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REGION University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a free, online nutrition series for families in Washington, Hancock, Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties from 3:30–4:30 p.m. starting Feb. 11 and continuing each Thursday through April 1.
“Create Family Meals” will include healthy recipes and tips for making healthy meal choices. Participants who join four or more classes will receive a gift bag with cooking supplies and a cookbook.
The classes are free; registration is required to receive the link. Register on the program webpage, https://extension.umaine.edu/washington/create-family-meals/. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.255.3345 or [email protected]