Get in touch with MOFGA at the 2025 Agricultural Trades Show! Join us for the following slate of events: 9-10 a.m. — Coffee Hour Crop Conversation Caleb Goossen, MOFGA Crop Specialist; Jason Lilley, University of Maine Extension; and others Join extension, technical assistance providers, and your peers for a round table discussion on vegetable production. […]
Join us for a discussion with Katrina Amaral of Timberdoodle Farm to learn about logging for long-term sustainable land management while farming, what to consider for stand health and diversity, and Timberdoodle's environmental ethic.REGISTER HERETimberdoodle Farm is a specialty logging & sawmill business based in Strafford, New Hampshire. Owners Miles and Katrina Amaral began custom […]
This event has been rescheduled to January 16. Join University of Maine Extension Maple Industry Educator, Jason Lilley, to learn everything you need to know about making your own maple syrup. We'll discuss identifying and tapping trees, collecting and boiling sap, as well as filtering, grading, and canning syrup. Jason will focus on homestead-scale systems […]
*Please note that in case of severe winter weather, this event will be held on January 26 at 1 pm.Join Nicholas Repenning of go-en fermented foods for a miso-making workshop. This hands-on workshop will include a discussion about miso and its uses, as well as the history and cultural significance of this traditional fermented food […]
*This is a 3 part webinar series with sessions taking place on: January 18, January 19, & January 25 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. All sessions will be recorded & the recordings shared with registrants. We will reserve January 26 as a snow date in case of power or internet outages. About the class: There are […]
*This is a 3 part webinar series with sessions taking place on: January 18, January 19, & January 25 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. All sessions will be recorded & the recordings shared with registrants. We will reserve January 26 as a snow date in case of power or internet outages. About the class:There are so many […]
*This is a 3 part webinar series with sessions taking place on: January 18, January 19, & January 25 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. All sessions will be recorded & the recordings shared with registrants. We will reserve January 26 as a snow date in case of power or internet outages. About the class:There are so many […]
Are you curious about adapting your garden to the changing climate? Learn about how climate change affects how we grow in Maine, and how gardeners can adapt their gardening practices to mitigate the effects of climate change on their harvest while supporting their local ecosystem. In this webinar, Sean Birkel, Maine State Climatologist and Research […]
Did you know that there are over 4,000 different wild bee species in the US? We usually think of wild pollinating bees in our gardens and meadows, but many of our wild bee species also rely on forest habitats for part of their life cycle. For example, some are specialized to only collect pollen and […]
We hope you'll join us for our first Gardening Q&A of 2025! Whether you've been gardening for decades or you're daydreaming about starting your first garden this year (or somewhere in between), these informal Zoom conversations are a chance to discuss whatever gardening topics are on your mind. Bring your questions for a casual conversation and […]
This event is hosted by UMaine Cooperative Extension. Concerned about how a more extreme climate is impacting your farm or landscape? Too much or too little water? Concerned about soil erosion, wind impacts or shifting seasons? Come learn about Climate Adaptation Planning as a tool to assess risks and identify solutions to increase resilience and […]
*In the event of severe weather, the event will take place on Sunday, March 9 at 10 am.Learn to prune fruit trees to encourage vigorous growth, heavy fruit set and quality fruit yield. Fruit tree experts will offer hands-on pruning experience. Collection of scion wood and storage will also be discussed. This workshop is directed […]
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 […]
This event is hosted by UMaine Cooperative Extension. Ecological Design is a helpful tool for implementing a Climate Adaptation Plan. In this workshop Jesse Watson from Maine Ecological Design School will introduce the Ecological Design process and principles that go into this type of planning process. Some considerations include: categories of land use; reading the landscape, […]
Are you curious about adapting your garden to the changing climate? In this webinar, learn some key climate adaptation strategies for gardeners that will help you grow successful veggie and fruit crops while supporting your local ecosystem. Meg Mitchell, MOFGA's Climate Smart and Organic Transition Specialist, and C.J. Walke, MOFGA's Orchard Program Manager, will offer their […]
*In the event of snow or severe rain, the event will take place on Sunday, March 23 at 10 am.Are there old, overgrown fruit trees on or near your property? Don’t give up on them! Join us for this pruning workshop focused on renovating mature or neglected fruit trees.This workshop is appropriate for those who […]
This event is hosted by UMaine Cooperative Extension. Soil fertility is subject to change over the course of the growing season and requires active management. A good fertility management program helps to ensure that commercial crop and forage production is efficient, as well as economically and environmentally sustainable. In recent years, extreme weather events characterized by […]
Do you have farm animals? Do they have hooves? Do they get their hooves trimmed? Why not?Overlooking the hoof health of our farm animals has economic and welfare consequences. While it can be a valid choice to hire someone to maintain the integrity of hooves on our farms and homesteads, as caretakers we are obligated […]
About the class:Grow Your Own Organic Garden covers all the basics of organic gardening — such as supporting soil and plant health, starting seeds indoors and outdoors, interplanting, pest management, watering, and harvesting. Participants will have plenty of time to ask questions and connect with one another about shared experiences in their gardening journeys so […]
Join MOFGA and American Farmland Trust for climate disaster relief focused conversation and listening session for farmers and agricultural service providers. Were you impacted by the December 2024 storm? A flooding event? Concerned about how climate-driven events might impact your farm in the future? We want to hear what you think robust disaster relief programs […]
*This event has been rescheduled from March 29 to April 5 due to inclement weather.Learn to prune berry bushes to encourage plant health, vigorous growth, and high fruit yield. Seth Yentes, co-owner and operator of North Branch Farm, will offer guidance on pruning techniques and safety, as well as hands-on pruning experience via some of […]
*This event has been rescheduled from March 29 to April 5 due to inclement weather.Are there old, overgrown fruit trees on or near your property? Don’t give up on them! Join us for this pruning workshop focused on renovating mature or neglected fruit trees.This workshop is appropriate for those who have not pruned fruit trees […]
*Postponed to April 6 due to inclement weather forecast*Kick off the growing season at this free, annual event!Gardeners and orchardists are invited to bring their seeds, scionwood (fruit tree wood for propagating fruit trees), and plants to share. You don't need to bring anything in order to participate! There is always an abundance of seeds […]
Learn how to support your livestock animals’ health by examining their fecal samples for parasites and general markers of gut health. Fecal monitoring is one important way to measure the well-being of your animals, and some fecal monitoring can be done at home with the right knowledge and equipment. In this class, Jacki Martinez Perkins, […]
*In the event of severe weather, this workshop will be held on April 20 at 10 am.Sold Out - to be added to the waitlist, email [email protected] how to reproduce your favorite apple tree varieties through bench grafting — the practice of grafting fruit tree scionwood onto rootstock — in this beginner-level workshop. Bench grafting is […]
*This event has been cancelled due to low registration. If you would like to take the class at the Augusta location on April 30, click here.About the class:Grow Your Own Organic Garden covers all the basics of organic gardening — such as supporting soil and plant health, starting seeds indoors and outdoors, interplanting, pest management, […]
Are you curious about adapting your garden to the changing climate?In this webinar, learn some key climate adaptation strategies for gardeners to help your native plants and ornamentals thrive; as well as how what you choose to grow can support your local ecosystem and preservation efforts amid climate change. Learn from Emily Baisden, Wild Seed […]
This event is hosted by UMaine Cooperative Extension. Ponds are a key nature-based tool for tackling challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. In this workshop, participants learn how to build and maintain a pond to enhance their landscape, increase biodiversity, maximize wildlife habitat, and help reach water management goals in a […]
About the class:Grow Your Own Organic Garden covers all the basics of organic gardening — such as supporting soil and plant health, starting seeds indoors and outdoors, interplanting, pest management, watering, and harvesting. Participants will have plenty of time to ask questions and connect with one another about shared experiences in their gardening journeys so […]
Say hello to May, and the growing season, during MOFGA's Gardening Q&A. Whether you've been gardening for decades or you're daydreaming about starting your first garden this year (or somewhere in between), these informal Zoom conversations are a chance to discuss whatever gardening topics are on your mind. Bring your questions for a casual conversation and […]
Mushrooms are a delicious addition to almost any garden, homestead, woodlot, or farm. In this introductory workshop, learn how to select mushroom logs and varieties, with a specific focus on shiitakes; design an appropriate site for growing shiitakes outdoors; and practice inoculating logs. Participants will be able to bring home an inoculated shiitake log, which […]
Join us for a deep dive into sugarbush management! This crash course will cover an overview of maple in Maine, habitat assessment (including Bird Friendly Maple! and invasive plants), production, and financial incentives. You'll leave this workshop with resources and knowledge to increase the biodiversity of your sugarbush while accessing financial resources (including NRCS), forestry technical assistance, and a couple different certifications. This […]
Learn safe chainsaw operation in these one-and-a-half-day courses. We’ll cover personal protective equipment (PPE) and chainsaw selection, and practice safe handling and open-face bore cutting techniques with instructor supervision. Designed for beginners.Day 1 of this course will run 10am - 4pm, and Day 2 will run 8am - 4pm.REGISTER HERELearn more about MOFGA's chainsaw courses […]
How does climate change affect pests and diseases that gardeners may contend with? And what are some best practices for organic, sustainable, and ethical management of said pests and diseases? Bring your questions, and hear from two experts -- Mariam Taleb and Caleb Goossen -- in this Q&A. This webinar will be recorded, and the recording will be […]
Nestled on the serene grounds of MOFGA’s campus in Unity, Maine, the Maine Heritage Orchard has blossomed over the past decade, into a monument of environmental stewardship and agricultural heritage. As it marks its 10th anniversary, the orchard is a testament to community collaboration and educational innovation, showcasing nearly 400 varieties of historic apples and […]
Learn safe chainsaw operation in these one-and-a-half-day courses. We’ll cover personal protective equipment (PPE) and chainsaw selection, and practice safe handling and open-face bore cutting techniques with instructor supervision. Designed and structured to create a welcoming learning environment for beginner-level chainsaw users who can relate to the experiences of women in the woods or feel safest […]
Farm & Homestead Day at MOFGA is a free, annual, volunteer-run event. The day's activities center around sustainable living and consist of delicious food and opportunities to learn new skills through hands-on workshops for people of all ages. To learn more, visit the event's main page here.What to bring:We are striving for a zero waste event. […]
This event is hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.Come tour the beautiful Mt Joy Community Orchard, and learn about growing fruit trees in urban areas. This tour and workshop will be led by Aaron Parker, owner of Edgewood Nursery and a community leader at Mt Joy. We will discover the many resilient and […]
Join MOFGA and Emily Springer, of Meeting House Farm, for an early summer evening of learning about, and planting, medicinal herbs at MOFGA's Education Center in Unity.In this beginner-friendly class, participants will learn about 12 vital medicinal herbs that they can grow at home or in their community. Participants will also learn about herb garden […]
Spend a summer evening touring a vibrant school garden!At the Troy Howard Middle School Garden Project, students tend a 1/3 acre garden and a year-round greenhouse -- producing veggies, fruits, flowers, heirloom seed crops, and more. The garden provides both material sustenance and educational enrichment. Student-harvested produce -- over 1,500 pounds of it yearly -- goes […]
Join us for a tour of the Orono Community Giving Garden! The Orono Community Giving Garden (OCGG) is a collaborative resource for people in the Orono area to share food they've grown, and to gather and learn from the process of gardening. The garden is tended to by volunteers, and it features a wide variety of veggies, fruits, and flowers that […]
Are critters nibbling on your veggies? Are plants developing strange colors, or wilting unexpectedly? Join Cooperative Extension, Cultivating Community, and MOFGA for an interactive tour of the common pests and diseases that appear at the height of summer. We’ll search over fruits and under leaves to help growers increase their comfort with diagnosing what ails […]
Join Wild Seed Project and MOFGA for a lunchtime webinar with Jessica J. Lee, environmental historian, writer, and author of Dispersals, among other works.In this webinar, Jessica will consider the core themes of her book Dispersals: On Plants, Borders, and Belonging, including ideas of kinship, language for native and invasive plants, and will explore the connections between cultural histories, personal histories, and […]
Join us in Bangor for a tour of a residential urban garden!Learn from gardeners Barbara and Miriam about their gardening journey. Participants will learn about how they designed their garden for a small space, how they interact with the community through their garden, the joys and challenges of gardening in an urban environment, and the […]
Join us for a tour of the community gardens at Beach Plum Farm Preserve in Ogunquit! Spanning 22 acres, Beach Plum Farm Preserve is the last remaining saltwater farm in Ogunquit. Managed by the Great Works Regional Land Trust, it is now home to thriving community gardens, a half-mile loop trail with marshland and ocean views, and, […]
The Common Ground Country Fair will be held at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine on September 19, 20, and 21, 2025. MOFGA’s annual celebration of rural living features 1000+ exhibitors and speakers, and emphasizes vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies, while highlighting organic agriculture. Learn more here.Advance tickets are on sale […]
Join professional sawyer Nick Zandstra for a hands-on opportunity to learn about portable bandsaw mills.The course will cover basic mill operation, mill yard layout and techniques to maximize lumber quality while milling logs harvested from the MOFGA woodlot. Please note: Though the course will be taught using a fully-hydraulic Woodmizer mill, the techniques discussed are […]
If you're grazing livestock on pocket-sized pastures, join us to learn strategies for managing pasture health on homesteads with limited acreage. This workshop will take place at a small homestead, where pastures are managed on a tight rotational grazing plan. MOFGA's Livestock & Dairy Specialist, Jacki Martinez Perkins, will discuss the strategies at play at this homestead, provide an […]
This event will take place at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity, ME with a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. We welcome donations to support this free programming!Join MOFGA for a celebration of the fall harvest. This event's mainstay is the apple, and the fruit is central among many of our vendors, workshops, […]
Learn the art of cheese making from Jean Koons, from Kennebec Cheesery in this evening workshop! This workshop will begin with an introduction to the history of cheesemaking, dairy cultures, and sanitation practices. Jean will then talk through the process of making yoghurt and cheeses while attendees participate in making both goat and cow milk ricotta, queso rexo (buttermilk cheese), and mozzarella. […]
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