4-H Embryology Project Kits

FALMOUTH — 4-H Embryology Project Kits are available for loan to Cumberland County youth organizations throughout the year from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County 4-H Program, 75 Clearwater Dr. Ste. 104 Falmouth, ME 04105.

The cost for kit rental is $15 to help cover the cost of curriculum and equipment maintenance, ensuring the continuation of the project for years to come. A $50 deposit in the form of a check is also required. Deposit will be returned when equipment is returned undamaged.

The kits provide an experiential learning opportunity for youth by providing materials needed to successfully hatch chicks. Youth develop a personal connection to the food system through hands on learning. Youth learn life skills such as disease prevention, problem solving, record keeping, planning, and organizing. They can study the process of incubation, learn about the cycle of life, care for healthy and possibly unhealthy chicks and work as a team to ensure the success of their project.

Participants must find their own fertile eggs for use with the kit and must have someone willing to take hatched chicks after the program.

FMI: http://umaine.edu/cumberland/programs/embryology-project-kit/, 207-781-6099 or sara.conant@maine.edu.

Go! Malawi’s second race in series

ROCKPORT — Go! Malawi’s second race of the 5K Race Series is the Luv ME 5K at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Samoset Resort, 220 Warrenton St.

The run/walk through Rockport will include free pizza, prizes, raffle giveaways and free use of the sauna/pool for all participants.

Go! Malawi helps educate orphaned and poverty-stricken children in order to give them a “hand up” and a chance at a productive life.

Walkers, runners and well-behaved dogs are welcome to meet for registration from 8:45 to 10 a.m. at the Samoset. Those wishing may preregister at RunSignUp.com or Active.com or via www.midcoastraceseries.com. Those who preregister will receive five more tickets for raffle prizes, which are gift certificates and other local and African items.

The annual 5K race series is organized by local volunteers from Team Go! Malawi.

FMI: info@midcoastraceseries.com.

Poultry producers told to remain alert for avian flu

ORONO — Due to the recent outbreak of a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (AI) on a large turkey farm in Indiana, poultry producers in Maine are reminded to maintain vigilance against its transmission, even in winter.

As a result of the outbreak in Indiana, about 245,000 turkeys and 156,000 chickens have been euthanized, according to news reports.

Dr. Anne Lichtenwalner, associate professor of animal and veterinary sciences, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, has updated information about the outbreak as well as recommendations for Maine farmers online at umaine.edu/veterinarylab/2016/01/20/avian-flu-still-a-threat.

Additional information also is available in the UMaine Extension Bulletin 2109, Avian Influenza and Backyard Poultry 2015 at umaine.edu/publications/2109e.

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