Somerset County SWCD

06/23/2026

Make campfire memories. Bring marshmallows, not firewood. To find local firewood sources, use https://firewoodscout.org/resources/ME

06/19/2026

Have fun outside without spreading invasive plants and pests. Check your clothes, outdoor gear, and pets for seeds, plants, eggs, and insects before and after each adventure to help prevent the spread.

06/10/2026

The can spread very easily. They lay their eggs on any type of surface, so they can be transported on cars and trucks.

States that are infested with Spotted Lanternfly use drones, trained dogs, and human inspectors to try and keep Spotted Lanternfly from leaving their region.

06/04/2026

A woodland owner's work is never done, and this Saturday you have a chance to see the results firsthand.

Join Maine Forest Service District Forester Jason Hilton for a free Assisted Migration Workshop at Denis Culley's Bronx Woods.

Over the years, Denis and Betty have put tremendous effort into creating a unique woodland learning experience. Throughout the property, visitors will find species identification signs featuring both common and scientific names, making the woods an outdoor classroom for anyone interested in forestry, conservation, and the future of Maine's forests.

During this walking tour, Jason Hilton will discuss assisted migration, the practice of introducing tree species better suited to future climate conditions, and what woodland owners can do today to help their forests remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.

This is a rare opportunity to tour a thoughtfully managed private woodlot, learn from experienced forestry professionals, and see firsthand how one landowner is preparing for the future.

Saturday, June 13
Free and open to the public

Questions or want to reserve your spot? Contact Jason Hilton at (207) 446-2197 or [email protected].

We hope you'll join us in the woods.

06/02/2026

One Week Away!

Join us on Tuesday, June 9, for our annual Invasive Plant Educational Workshop, hosted in partnership with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Natural Areas Program, and Maine Forest Service.

This workshop is designed for home gardeners, landowners, foresters, conservation professionals, and anyone interested in learning how to identify and manage invasive plants in Maine's forests, farms, and gardens.

Participants will receive a copy of the Maine Invasive Plant Field Guide, take part in classroom instruction, and join us for hands-on field identification activities at the Yankee Woodlot.

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: UMaine Extension Somerset County Office, Skowhegan
Cost: Sliding scale fee of $0–20

Space is limited, and registration is required.

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

We hope you'll join us for a day of learning, networking, and practical skills to help protect Maine's landscapes.

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.