Somerset County SWCD

06/01/2026

**Yankee Woodlot Trail Notice**

Please be advised that the bridge crossing on the Blue Inner Loop Trail, located below the pond area, is currently down and temporarily impassable.

Visitors are encouraged to avoid that section of trail until repairs can be assessed and completed. The remainder of the Woodlot remains open for hiking and recreation.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to address the issue safely.

05/30/2026

Keep an eye out for signs of Beech Leaf Disease! This invasive disease is in Maine and is a serious threat to all beech trees in the state. We have spotted it here onthe yankee woodlot.

Signs of Beech Leaf Disease include dark bands around leaf veins, curled leaves, and a thinning canopy.

If you see signs of disease, report it to [email protected]
https://youtu.be/07db6Y0wJ6

Beech Leaf Disease was found in Maine in 2021. We are still learnin...

05/27/2026

Emerald Ash Borer has been found in both southern and northern Maine.

Reminder that our first Yankee Woodlot Walk & Learn event is happening this Thursday at 5:00 PM.

Join Jason Hilton, District Forester with the Maine Forest Service, for a demonstration and discussion on the use of ash trap trees for Emerald Ash Borer monitoring and management.

We will meet at the UMaine Extension Office, 7 County Drive in Skowhegan, before carpooling to the Yankee Woodlot.

This event is free and open to the public. Dress for light walking and outdoor conditions.

Questions can be directed to Heather at [email protected] or 207-858-7937.

05/25/2026

Just two weeks left until our Invasive Plant Educational Workshop.

If you’ve been wanting to strengthen your invasive plant ID skills or learn more about management strategies in forests, gardens, and farm systems, this is a great opportunity to learn directly from regional experts and partners.

June 9, 2026
UMaine Extension Somerset County Office + Yankee Woodlot field session
Includes a Maine Invasive Plant Field Guide
Space is limited and registration is filling quickly

We’re especially looking forward to getting people out into the Yankee Woodlot for the hands-on portion of the workshop, with more field-based learning opportunities planned throughout the summer.

Register here: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy00000649vh

05/21/2026

Yankee Woodlot Walk & Learn Series

Join us for our first casual Walk & Learn event at the Yankee Woodlot.

Jason Hilton, District Forester with the Maine Forest Service, has identified ash trees on the property that will be girdled and used as trap trees for monitoring Emerald Ash Borer. Come learn how and why conservationists use this practice and see the process firsthand.

May 28, 2026
5:00 PM

Meet at the UMaine Extension Office
7 County Drive, Skowhegan, ME 04976

We will carpool to the site on the Yankee Woodlot from there.

This event is free and open to all. Dress for the weather and light walking in the woods.

05/18/2026

It’s Maine Arbor Week!

$8.2 billion is generated annually by the Maine forest industry. But once they arrive in the state, the cost to manage invasive forest pests puts our forest industry at risk.

05/16/2026

Asian Longhorned Beetle is attracted to trees like maples, birches, elms, willows, and horsechestnuts.

These trees are common in Maine and make up over half of Maine’s annual harvest. Keep your eyes open for signs of Asian Longhorned Beetle:

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/ALB/ALBdamag
epics.shtml

05/14/2026

Keep an eye out for the Emerald Ash Borer. Adults will begin to emerge from trees this time of year.

05/12/2026

🌲 Assisted Migration Workshop – June 13 🌲

Join Maine Forest Service District Forester Jason Hilton for a hands-on workshop exploring assisted migration and forest resilience in the face of climate change.

Hosted at the woodlot of Denis Culley, past Somerset SWCD Woodlot Owner of the Year and Maine Tree Farm participant, this event will cover:
• Assisted migration of tree species
• Site preparation and planting considerations
• Long-term woodland management strategies

June 13 (note this is rescheduled from May 16)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
1667 Beech Hill Road, Mercer

This is a rain or shine outdoor event, so dress for the weather.

For more information or to RSVP:
[email protected]
(207) 446-2197