University of Maine Cooperative Extension Somerset County

06/19/2026

Congratulations to Hannah Carter! 🎉

University of Maine Cooperative Extension Dean Hannah Carter has been selected for a prestigious national higher education leadership program, recognizing her commitment to leadership, collaboration, and service in higher education.

Hannah's dedication to Extension's mission and her work supporting communities across Maine continue to make a lasting impact. We are proud to see her receive this well-deserved recognition and represent UMaine on the national stage.

For the full article: https://umaine.edu/news/2026/06/guidoboni-carter-selected-for-prestigious-national-higher-education-leadership-program/

👏 Join us in congratulating Hannah on this exciting achievement!

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Browntail Moth Update 🐛

The latest browntail moth monitoring update from the Maine Forest Service and Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shows that caterpillars are now large enough to leave their webs and begin wandering in search of food or to escape predators and disease.

Researchers are also observing signs of naturally occurring viral and fungal pathogens affecting browntail populations at several monitoring sites, a hopeful sign as the season progresses.

If you find browntail caterpillars on your home, vehicle, or outdoor structures:

✔️ Use a strong stream of water to knock them off
✔️ Use a wet/dry vacuum with soapy water and a HEPA filter
✔️ Keep windows closed to prevent caterpillars and hairs from entering your home

📸 Image credit: Maine Forest Service

Please help us thank and tag the Maine Forest Service and Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for their continued monitoring and public updates.

06/12/2026

Adulting 101 is back with the Summer Learning Series!

Ready Player One? Hit start and power up your Adulting skills as we venture through the realms of the adult world: careers, cash, cars, and connecting! Each week, participants will unlock new skills and build confidence as they prepare for the world ahead of them.

Sessions will be 3:30-5:00 PM on Wednesdays, July 8 – July 29 over Zoom. For ages 12+ and up.

Register through the Summer Learning Series: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/summer-learning/

06/12/2026

Join NOVA producer Caitlin Saks live on Alaska's Taku Glacier, a un...

06/12/2026

Browntail Moth Update: Caterpillars Are Beginning to Pupate

According to the latest update from the Maine Forest Service and Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, many browntail moth caterpillars have reached full size and are beginning to create "pupal packets"—silken shelters where they will transform into adult moths.

These pupal packets may be found not only on trees and shrubs, but also on buildings, decks, vehicles, and outdoor equipment. They contain toxic hairs and should be handled with caution.

If removing caterpillars or pupal packets:
✔️ Wear protective clothing to avoid contact with hairs
✔️ Place them in a sealed container or plastic bag
✔️ Freeze or soak them in soapy water before disposal
✔️ Avoid handling them directly

📸 Image credit: Maine Forest Service

Thank you to the Maine Forest Service and Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for their continued monitoring and public updates.

06/12/2026

Media Monday: Growing Better Peppers Starts with Placement 📰🌶️

Our very own Ankit Singh was recently featured by Martha Stewart sharing tips on where gardeners should avoid planting peppers for healthier plants and better harvests.

“Crowding also reduces airflow, keeping leaves wetter for longer and increasing the risk of disease,” said Singh. “The result is often smaller plants, fewer peppers, and more pest or disease issues.”

We're always proud to see the expertise of our Extension educators reaching audiences far beyond Maine and helping gardeners grow with confidence. 🌶

For the whole article: https://umaine.edu/news/2026/06/martha-stewart-features-umaine-extension-expert-on-planting-peppers/

06/12/2026

The Good, the Bad, and the Weedy: Making Every Acre Count 🐄

Join us for an educational pasture walk and learn practical strategies for improving pasture health and livestock production.

📅 June 23, 2026
🕕 6 p.m.
📍 Knight Family Farm, Garland
💲 Free

Designed for farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats, or pasture-raised pigs, this hands-on event will cover grazing management, forage production, pasture evaluation, and tools for measuring forage in the field. Participants will learn from Extension specialists and agricultural experts while exploring real-world pasture management techniques.

As an added bonus, attendees will enjoy a southern-style pit barbecue meal following the program.

👉 Registration is required. https://extension.umaine.edu/livestock/event/the-good-the-bad-and-the-weedy-making-every-acre-count/

06/06/2026

The Invasive Plants workshop was cancelled due to lack of enrollment. We apologize for any inconvenience, and will be issuing refunds. We look to offer another one later in the year!