Reviving, managing ‘wild’ apple trees

SKOWHEGAN — Many woodland owners in Maine have forgotten apple trees that are struggling to survive. Though many of these trees are of wild origin and may not be enjoyable for food, there is a diverse amount of wildlife that welcome the chance for the apples.

Tips on how to make these trees prosper will be given from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Yankee Woodlot.

Apple tree enthusiast Joe Dembeck will provide a tour of recently rehabbed trees and discuss methods and tools used to manage them.

It is a free event and there is no need to preregister.

The event is sponsored by the Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine and the Maine Forest Service.

FMI: 207-592-2238, [email protected].

Trail management practices and alternatives

FARMINGTON — The Upper Kennebec Valley Chapter of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine will host a presentation by Blaine Miller of Dirigo Timberlands on the new concrete arch culverts or concrete bridges that he designs as alternatives for the traditional corrugated metal culverts and wood bridges.

Tom Gilbert, new water quality forester for the Maine Forest Service, will also review the use of best management practices.

Miller started his concrete business in 2013 and has since been providing a longer lasting, more environmentally and cost-efficient product for landowners.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Farmington Town Office, 153 Farmington Falls Road (park in back, use back door). The session is free and open to all, with no need to preregister.

FMI: 207-592-2238, [email protected].

Bulletin provides tips on creating new plants

ORONO — University of Maine Cooperative Extension has published a new bulletin about creating new plants that covers seed production and storage, soil conditions, transplanting and dissemination by cuttings and divisions.

“Plant Propagation in Maine” was edited and revised by David Sorensen, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension educator emeritus, and Kate Garland, UMaine Extension horticulturist.

Bulletins may be obtained for $2 each or may be downloaded for free. 

FMI: extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu, 207-581-3792, [email protected].