What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Home
United States
Orono, ME
University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Directions Website Contact the organization

Information you can use,
research you can trust. UMaine Extension touches every aspect of Maine Life Follow us on Twitter .

For more than 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine’s land-grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. Non-Discrimination Statement: http://extension.umaine.edu/about/policies/non-discrimination/

UMaine Extension strives to create an online environment that is welcoming, mutually respectful and inclusive, and consistent with our organizational philosophy. We encourage the public to share their thoughts and opinions on our social media channels. Our policy is to accept the majority of comments made to our channels; however, administrators of official UMaine Extension pages do reserve the right to delete posts or to block users who do not follow our Social Media Commenting Policy at https://extension.umaine.edu/resources/social-network-directory/commenting-policy/.

10/31/2026

Are bats really blind? 🦇

Just in time for Halloween, we're busting some common myths about Maine's bats!

In this episode of Maine Farmcast, UMaine Extension's C**t Knight talks with bat researcher Mark King about common misconceptions, the important role bats play in our ecosystems, and how we can better coexist with them.

🎃 Get the facts about these fascinating creatures in the comments below!

10/30/2026

Food insecurity is spooky, and it's a reality for many Maine families. 🎃

In Maine, 1 in 5 children live in households experiencing food insecurity, meaning they don't always have reliable access to enough food.

This Halloween, UMaine Cooperative Extension is encouraging people to consider a small way to support their communities: offering shelf-stable food options alongside traditional Halloween candy.

Some ideas include:

- Applesauce or fruit pouches
- Granola bars or mini cereal boxes
- Pretzels or crackers
- Oatmeal packets

These simple additions can provide another option for trick-or-treaters while helping bring attention to a challenge that affects families across Maine.

Learn more about food insecurity in Maine and ways to support your community in the comments below.

10/29/2026

What does it take to turn a whole carcass into individual cuts of meat? 🥩

In the latest episode of Maine Farmcast, UMaine Cooperative Extension's Glenda Pereira talks with C**t Knight about Carcass to Cut, a new virtual learning resource from the Maine Meat Cutting School.

The free, 27-video series features meat scientist Dr. Gregg Rentfrow demonstrating techniques for breaking down beef, pork, and lamb.

Their conversation explores how the series came together, lesser-known cuts of meat, and how understanding meat cutting techniques can help producers, homesteaders, and consumers make better use of each carcass.

Listen to Episode 129 of Maine Farmcast and learn more about the project through the link in the comments.

10/28/2026

Carving pumpkins this week? Save the seeds! 🎃

If you're getting ready to carve a jack-o'-lantern, don't toss those pumpkin seeds just yet. With a little preparation, they can become a crunchy homemade snack.

UMaine Cooperative Extension's Mainely Dish roasted pumpkin seed recipe uses just three ingredients: pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and salt.

To get started:
- Separate the seeds from the pumpkin pulp.
- Rinse them under cold water and pat dry.
- Toss with olive oil and salt before spreading them on a baking sheet.

You can also experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or parmesan cheese.

Pumpkin seeds provide fiber and protein and can be enjoyed on their own or added to salads for a little crunch.

Find the full recipe and instructions in the comments below!

10/27/2026

How can trees, pastures, and livestock work together? 🌾

Silvopasture, pasture w**d management, and practical experiences from Maine farmers are among the topics at the 2026 Maine Forage Conference on November 18.

Hosted by University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the conference brings together livestock producers, agricultural service providers, and related businesses for a day of learning and networking at the Augusta Civic Center.

This year's program includes:

- Silvopasture and pasture management discussions
- A farmer panel sharing practical experiences
- Pasture w**d management strategies
- Maine Hay Contest awards and a trade show

📅 Wednesday, November 18 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine

Registration closes November 11 at 5 p.m.

Find the full conference details and registration information in the comments below.

10/26/2026

Pea gravel or traditional mulch? What's better for raised garden beds? 🌱

UMaine Cooperative Extension's Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator, recently shared his expertise with Martha Stewart in an article comparing pea gravel and organic mulch in raised beds.

Singh explains that organic mulch generally does a better job of moderating soil temperatures, particularly during hot summer weather.

It's an important consideration for gardeners choosing materials for their raised beds.

Read more about Singh's contribution to the article in the comments below.

10/23/2026

Looking for a little weekend baking inspiration? 🍎

If you've got a few apples from your latest orchard visit or farm stand trip, here's a delicious way to put them to use!

UMaine Extension's Baked Apple Crisp recipe combines fresh apples, cinnamon and a sweet oat topping for a warm, comforting fall treat.

The recipe makes 12 servings, uses apples with their skins on and can be served with a spoonful of vanilla yogurt.

Whether you're baking for family, sharing with friends or just enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this one's worth saving!

🍂 Find the full recipe in the comments below.

10/22/2026

How much fall yard cleanup is really necessary? 🍂

Fallen leaves play an important role in Maine's landscapes. They provide overwintering habitat for insects, help protect soil, and return nutrients to the ground as they decompose.

But leaving the leaves doesn't necessarily mean leaving them everywhere.

Leaves can remain in garden beds and beneath trees and shrubs, while clearing them from walkways and areas of the lawn where thick layers could damage the grass.

Finding a balance between maintaining your yard and supporting the wildlife that depends on it can be as simple as being a little more selective about fall cleanup.

Learn more about fall yard care in the comments. 🍂

10/21/2026

Curious about what Maine 4-H has to offer? Come explore with us! 🍀

From creative projects to hands-on science activities, there's plenty to discover at the 4-H Science Center Fall Open House!

Join UMaine Extension on Saturday, November 14, for a free, drop-in event where visitors of all ages can explore the center, meet 4-H staff and discover opportunities to learn, create and explore.

Activities include:

- 2D felting and seed mosaics
- Maine animal identification
- A hands-on touch tank
- Opportunities to explore 4-H programs and STEM toolkits

📅 Saturday, November 14 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

📍 Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center, 491 College Avenue, Orono

Whether you're new to 4-H or have visited before, we'd love to see you!

Free and open to all ages. No registration required.

Find more details in the comments below.

10/21/2026

From orchard to table, there's a lot to love about Maine apples! 🍎

October 21 is Apple Day, and we're celebrating one of Maine's favorite fall harvests.

Whether you enjoy them fresh from the orchard, baked into a pie or simmered into applesauce, apples are a delicious part of the season. But there's also a lot of work and knowledge that goes into growing a successful crop!

At UMaine Extension's Highmoor Farm, research and educational resources help support Maine apple growers through apple variety testing, pest management and guidance on growing, harvesting and storing apples.

So while you're enjoying your favorite fall apple, we're celebrating the growers, researchers and educators who help make Maine's apple harvest possible. 🍏

What's your favorite way to enjoy Maine apples?

Address

Estabrooke Hall, University Of
Orono, ME
04469

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Website

https://linktr.ee/umaineextension

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when University of Maine Cooperative Extension posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.