The courses will provide the skills to support community volunteer activities.

LISBON FALLS – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties will offer two volunteer program, Habitat Stewards and Master Gardener Volunteers, this fall.

The programs will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to support volunteer activities in communities. Extension faculty and other experts will present a variety of topics.

In cooperation with the National Wildlife Federation, the Habitat Stewards program will be offered on alternate Saturdays, Sept. 13 to Nov. 22. Participants will learn to enhance habitat for wildlife in backyards, schools and other places in the communities. In return for 30 hours of training, they will volunteer 50 hours mentoring others in their communities.

The Master Gardener Volunteer Training will start in October, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The specific schedule will be announced. The program will focus on food production and landscape gardening. Participants will receive nearly 80 hours of training and, in return, volunteer 80 hours to help others be successful in growing healthy plants.

For each program, there are a limited seats available and, after interviews, applicants will be notified of their acceptance a week prior to the start date. Each program has a fee that covers basic costs.

For more information and an application form, contact the Extension Office at 1-800-287-1458 or 24 Main St., Lisbon Falls, ME 04252. All applications must be received before Aug. 13 for the Habitat Stewards program and before Sept. 23 for the Master Gardener Volunteer program.