Forest work day, invasive pests and plants workshop rescheduled

    WILLIAMSBURG — The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District has rescheduled the volunteer trail clearing day and invasive pests and plants workshop at the Demonstration Forest to Saturday, June 22 These events were originally scheduled for June 8.

    The district is seeking additional volunteer help with general trail clean-up and other projects from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. to get the forest ready for summer visitors. This is a great opportunity for civic groups and families to get involved in the stewardship of our local public forest, as well as for any students seeking community service hours. A BBQ luncheon will be held at noon.
    An invasive pest and plants workshop with presenter Ann Gibbs will be held from 12:15-1:15 p.m. at the Demonstration Forest outdoor classroom to teach people about the pests that may pose a threat to woodlands in Maine. Gibbs is the state horticulturist with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. She works closely with the horticulture industry in the state, both in a regulatory and educational capacity. She has been working on invasive species issues for the past 15 years at the state, regional and national levels. Some of these efforts include working to prevent the introduction of Asian long horned beetle and emerald ash borer, minimize the spread of hemlock woolly adelgid, release beetles as biocontrol for purple loosestrife and certify facilities to enable export of firewood.
    Pre-registration is required for the workshop and BBQ, and is also recommended for the trail clearing so teams can be organized to clear the forest trail system. Participants are welcome to register and take part in the workshop even if unable to assist with trail clearing – all are welcome to participate in the community educational forest. Please contact the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District at 564-2321, extension 3 or at info@piscataquisswcd.org for more information or to pre-register.