ORONO – University of Maine Cooperative Extension has published 2008 editions of “Conifers of Maine” and “Biodiversity in the Forests of Maine. “

“Conifers of Maine,” the late Fay Hyland’s classic field guide, was first published in 1946. The edition has been updated by his former student, colleague and friend, Christopher Campbell, director of the Fay Hyland Botanical Garden and professor of plant systematics.

Hyland had a teaching and research career at the University of Maine that spanned 60 years. During his study of Maine’s woody plants, he collected seeds and seedlings from throughout Maine and established them in the botanical garden that carries his name.

First published in 1999, “Biodiversity in the Forests of Maine” was the result of several years of collaborative effort among members of the Maine Forest Biodiversity Project – nearly 100 forestland owners and managers, environmentalists, sporting and property-rights advocates, government agencies and the scientific community.

Designed for foresters, biologists, loggers, forestland owners and managers, educators, and land-use planners, the manual focuses on the influences of forest management practices on biological diversity. It also adds a set of broad, landscape-level recommendations that are absent from most previous guidelines.

The 2008 edition was produced in response to continuing demand. “Although research into forest biodiversity is ongoing, this manual remains a singularly effective and practical reference and field guide,” said Catherine Elliott, Associate Extension Professor and editor of both editions.

To order copies of the field guides, visit www.extension. umaine.edu and click “Publications,” or call 581-3792.