Announcing Our Summer Series: Love Our Lakes

If you own a shoreline property or are interested in water quality and healthy lakes, join Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for a series on caring for our local lakes. Lakes and large ponds in Waldo County support shoreline camps and residences, recreational boating and fishing and other activities. These activities also have the potential to create challenges in maintaining water quality. Sediment and nutrient increases can create potential for algal blooms and other problems which can impact fish and wildlife, water clarity, recreation, lake aesthetics, property values and human health. The free series will be on Friday evenings in June and July in the Swan Lake watershed and held at the Kermit S Nickerson School in Swanville and North Searsport United Methodist Church, Searsport from 3:30pm to 5pm. Save the dates!

Session 1:    June 14th     Lakes 101:  (Optional in-depth session extends to 6:30)  Kermit S Nickerson School, Swanville

Session 2:     June 28th    Septic System Care and Maintenance, and a Bit About Soils   Kermit S Nickerson School

Session 3:     July 12th     Keeping Up Those Camp Roads    North Searsport United Methodist Church, Searsport

Session 4:     July 26th     Best Homeowner Practices to be LakeSmart, and Intro to LoonSmart : Learn how to keep your lake healthy and clear, and get 5 simple steps to promote loon health, habitat and chick survival.   North Searsport United Methodist Church and at Swan Lake: Registration encouraged but not required, please register at info@mainelakessociety.org

Join us for a workshop on Forestry for Maine Birds May 23rd!

Wild bird species of Maine are currently facing many stresses that are causing their populations to decline. Many migratory birds are facing habitat loss in winter habitats and along their migratory routes. One thing we can do for birds is assure that they can find suitable places in our Maine woodlands to nest and raise young. What are the things we can do to make our woodlands suitable for a wide variety of birds to thrive? Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District, Maine Audubon and the Maine Forest Service are offering a free outdoor workshop on Forestry for Maine Birds, on Thursday, May 23 from 12pm to 3pm, at the Head of Tide Preserve in Belfast. This fun, hands on session pairs  teaches participants  to assess forest habitat and consider management options that benefit forest songbirds in a variety of forest types. This workshop is for foresters, woodland owners, and members of the public who are interested in forest stewardship or are bird enthusiasts.

You will learn how to:

• Improve habitat for priority forest birds and a variety of other wildlife species

• Take care of your woodland

• Work with other forest management goals

• Enhance the value and enjoyment of Maine woodlands for many generations to come

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Please register by using the Maine Audubon portal at https://maineaudubon.coursestorm.com/course/forestry-for-maine-birds6?sort=date. For more information on this event, contact Aleta McKeage, Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District, at aleta.waldosoilandwater@gmail.com. Directions to Head of Tide Preserve: Take Route 137 (Waterville Road) to Head of Tide Road, then take Head of Tide Road to Doak Road, turn right and go 1/4 to the Head of Tide Nature Preserve on your left.

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Plant Sale Catalog Now Available!

You can view our catalog and make your spring yard and garden plans here. The catalog is available by mail (contact us for a copy), or you can pick one up at our office. Previous plant sale customers will receive a mailed copy soon.

Online ordering now available here! (Or click on the Order tab at the top of the page.) A printable order form is also available at the end of the catalog.

PLEASE NOTE: The correct address  for Farm in the Woods is farminthemainewoods@gmail.com, not as listed on the cover of the catalog.

shrub sale catalog 2019 final.1

 

 

Update on the Browntail Moth, a Toxic Insect Pest

This cute little guy is BAD NEWS.

Browntail moth is an invasive forest pest that continues to expand its range in Maine bringing with it human health impacts. Browntail moth is now present in Waldo County and other areas of the Midcoast. The larval stage (caterpillar) of this insect feeds on the foliage of hardwood trees and shrubs including:  oak, shadbush, apple, cherry, beach plum, and rugosa rose.  Larval feeding causes reduction of growth and occasional kills valued trees and shrubs.  While feeding damage may cause some concern,  the primary concern is the impact on humans from the  browntail moth is the result of contact with poisonous hairs found on the caterpillars.  Contact of these hairs with human skin causes a rash similar to poison ivy that can be severe on some individuals, and the hairs can cause breathing problems.  Late winter is an ideal time to control it by clipping and destroying its winter webs.

Skin rash from browntail moth

See the Maine Forest Service website for an overview of its biology, history in Maine and updates on current browntail range/ areas at risk. MFS also has information about management options and ways to mitigate human health impacts. If you think you have browntail moth infestation on your property in Waldo County, please inform the District or the Maine Forest Service.