Tree identification class to be held Sept. 20

OTISFIELD — Tree identification will be the subject of the Sept. 20 meeting of the western Maine chapter of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine at Merle’s Ring’s tree farm.

Ring, a state district forester and longtime SWOAM member, has 16 acres of forestland he has been managing for nearly three decades. He will lead the tour, identifying at least 16 tree species and talking about their features.

Maine has about 72 native species of trees, he said, and depending on the location, a typical woodlot might have from 10 to 20 species, each with its own need for sunlight and soil, and its own value.

Coffee and doughnuts will be available at 8:30 a.m. The meeting, open to the public, will begin at 9 a.m.

To find the meeting site, take Gore Road on Route 117 between Norway and Harrison. Travel half a mile and take a right on Bow Street. Follow this about a mile to the intersection of Ahonen Road on the left. Continue straight through the intersection onto a gravel road. Merle’s driveway is about 300 feet down this road on the left. Look for the SWOAM and tree farm signs. For more information, call Merle at 743-5976, evenings only.