Program on two new insect pests

AUGUSTA — Farmers and gardening enthusiasts will be interested to learn about two new insect pests in a presentation on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Viles Arboretum at 153 Hospital St.

Dr. David Handley, vegetable and small fruit specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, will talk about “Spotted Wing Drosophila and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: New Pests, Big Problems.” The presentation is part of the Kennebec County Extension Association’s annual meeting from 5 to 7 p.m.

Spotted wing Drosophila is already causing problems for producers of blueberries, raspberries and day-neutral strawberries. The brown marmorated stink bug feeds on a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and ornamentals. It is not a problem in Maine, yet, but it has caused significant problems in the mid-Atlantic area. Join us to learn how to recognize, avoid and treat these pests.

A light dinner will be provided, and a brief business meeting will follow the presentation.

The meeting is free, but advance registration by Dec. 2 is requested. Register by email at [email protected] or by phone at 207-622-7546 .

Pesticide training for growers

PARIS — University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering growers a training session for the Bureau of Pesticide Control private pesticide applicator core exam. The training will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at the UMaine Extension Oxford County office, 9 Olson Road. Participants also will have the option of taking the exam from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Effective April 1, 2015, a new Maine state law requires a pesticide license for fruit, vegetable and grain growers who use only general-use (over-the-counter) pesticides, and annually sell more than $1,000 of plants or plant products intended for human consumption. Each operation must have at least one licensed owner or employee on the farm. To qualify for the license, the candidate must pass the private pesticide applicator core exam.

Cost for the training is $10. For more information, to register or to request a disability accommodation, contact Barbara Murphy, 207-743-6329, [email protected].

Create cranberry gifts at workshop

FALMOUTH — Create cranberry gifts in the kitchen from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County office, 75 Clearwater Drive.

Kate McCarty, UMaine Extension preservation community education assistant, will lead the second in a yearlong series of “From Scratch: Your Maine Kitchen” workshops that highlight and connect Maine foods, local cookbook authors and experts.

Participants will make spiced cranberry-pear jam, cranberry rice pilaf mix and cranberry granola with local cranberries and Maine grains. A jar of each product and recipes will be available to take home.

Allison Carroll Duffy will sign her book, “Preserving with Pomona’s Pectin.”

Cost of the class is $40; register online at umaine.edu/cumberland/programs/from-scratch-your-maine-kitchen. For more information, or to request a disability accommodation, contact 207-781-6099, 1-800-287-1471 (in Maine) or [email protected].

4-H Afterschool Academy offered

ORONO — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will provide professional development for after-school providers at seven locations across the state beginning in January.

During the 10 hours of training, positive youth development concepts suitable for after-school programs and the interactive 4-H science curriculum will be highlighted. The agenda includes webinar overviews of the 4-H Afterschool Academy and 4-H science resources; an e-learning course for 4-H volunteers; and two in-person training sessions on the 4-H program model and the 4-H science curriculum.

Course fee is $60; CEU credits are available. Registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 19. To register and for locations, dates and times, visit umaine.edu/4h/youth/how-can-you-participate-in-4-h/afterschool/academy. For more information or to request a disability accommodation, contact Jennifer Lobley, 207-255-3345, 800-287-1542 (in Maine) or [email protected].

Master Gardener Training starts Jan. 30

FALMOUTH — University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County is offering a Master Gardener Training Course to begin Jan. 30. The program will focus on fruits and vegetables and take place on 16 consecutive Friday afternoons.

A Master Gardener is a trained volunteer of UMaine Extension.

Participants must be residents of Cumberland County and are selected through an application process. Application packets are available by calling the Cumberland County Extension office at 207-781-6099 or 1-800-287-1471 (in Maine). The application packet is also available at umaine.edu/cumberland/programs/mg_app_cumb.

The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, Dec. 26.