Maine Forest Service
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In this issue...
This six-week course is intended to give participants a better understanding of forest management in Maine. The course will provide basic instruction for landowners or people who want to read the forested landscape better and learn more about forestland stewardship. Classes will be hosted by Maine Forest Service District Forester Mike Richard, and will include guest speakers. The course will run on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm from March 4 to April 8, 2025 in Bethel, Maine.
For course questions or information on registering, please contact Mike Richard at:
Sponsored/hosted by: Maine Forest Service & Knox-Lincold SWCD
Location: Rockland Bog Preserve, Rte 90 Access (11 Farwell Drive, Rockland, ME 04841)
Join Knox-Lincoln SWCD and Maine Forest Service District Forester Allyssa Gregory for an exploration of the trees of Rockland Bog Preserve, at Georges River Land Trust Preserve. Maine’s forests are home to a diverse mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. Learning to identify trees is an essential step toward sustainable woodland stewardship! Participants will learn to identify tree species by looking at form, branching arrangement, buds, bark, and present foliage. Woodland appreciators should leave with a knowledge of Maine’s native trees, practical tree identification skills, and insights into forest stewardship. Join us for a woodland walk and strengthen your connection to Maine’s woodlands!
Sponsored/hosted by: MOFGA
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Location: 294 Crosby Brook Road, Unity, ME 04988
Join us for a fun, educational afternoon celebrating the sweet Maine tradition of maple syrup production! Whether you’re an experienced sugarer or a maple novice, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore MOFGA’s beautiful sugarbush, watch the sugaring process, and learn winter tree identification, all while enjoying hot drinks and the warmth of a crackling outdoor fire. Pre-registration is required for all visitors, but free. In registration, please select all the tours you will be attending, reflecting the number of friends and family joining in!
Sponsored/hosted by: Maine TREE Foundation (with support from Maine Forest Service)
One of the Maine TREE’s most popular programs, Forests of Maine Teachers’ Tours, is over twenty-five years old. Each year, the four-day tours focus on the growth, harvest, and processing of wood products in Maine.
Educators can earn up to 30 contact hours toward their continuing education requirement for their teacher certification. Classroom teachers, Girl and Boy Scout leaders, conservation organization staff, and other educators are among those who join the tour to learn about Maine’s forest resources from professionals working in the woods. For more information, visit Maine TREE Foundation's website.
AUGUSTA – Governor Janet Mills has officially proclaimed February 24 to March 2, 2025, as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Maine. This proclamation coincides with National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), an annual event dedicated to raising public awareness about the environmental and economic threats posed by invasive species. The week serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to help prevent and manage invasive species across the state.
“Invasive species threaten Maine’s natural landscapes, forests, and waters,” said Governor Mills. “By taking proactive steps to prevent their spread, we can help protect our environment, economy, and way of life for generations to come.”
NISAW is an annual event recognized across the United States to promote knowledge and action in the fight against invasive species. Invasive species threaten ecosystems, agriculture, and economies, making prevention and management crucial to preserving natural habitats and local industries.
“Maine's forests and agricultural resources are vital to our economy, environment, and way of life,” said Amanda Beal, Commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “The Maine Forest Service’s Forest Health & Monitoring team and the Maine Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources’ Plant Health Program play an essential role in protecting these assets from invasive pests. Their efforts help safeguard our natural resources today and ensure that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and tools to continue this critical work.”
Here are some ways individuals can contribute to slowing or preventing the spread of invasive species in Maine:
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Identify Emerald Ash Borer Signs: Learn to recognize emerald ash borer infestation signs, particularly during winter when "blonding" on ash trees is noticeable. Report findings using the EAB Report Form.
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Prevent the Spread of Invasive Earthworms: Take measures to prevent the spread of invasive earthworms, which disrupt forest soils, by avoiding the movement of plants, soil, mulch, or leaves.
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Use Local Firewood: When camping, avoid transporting firewood to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Purchase firewood locally. Check Firewoodscout.org for local options.
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Practice Play Clean Go: Clean hiking gear, ATVs, and other equipment to prevent invasive species from spreading to new locations.
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Follow Clean, Drain, Dry: Protect waterways by cleaning, draining, and drying boats and equipment after use. Consider joining organizations like Lake Stewards of Maine for additional involvement.
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Contribute to citizen science efforts to document invasive species by setting up a free account with iMap Invasives.
“Through monitoring, management, and education, DACF experts are on the front lines of preserving Maine’s forests, farms, and ecosystems for the long term,” continued Commissioner Beal.
About Invasive Species Awareness Week in Maine The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry invites everyone to join in Invasive Species Awareness Week in Maine by using this opportunity to learn more about invasive species impacting our ecosystems, agriculture, and natural resources. Invasive pests and diseases threaten not only forest health—such as the hemlock woolly adelgid and beech leaf disease—but also freshwater systems, farmland, and native wildlife habitats. These disruptions weaken biodiversity, reduce resilience to climate change, and create economic challenges for communities that rely on Maine’s natural resources. By taking collective action and raising awareness, Mainers can help protect the state’s environment and economy from invasive species threats. To learn more about Maine’s invasive species prevention efforts, visit http://www.maine.gov/invasives.
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