ORONO — University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H will offer its hands-on virtual summer learning series June 14–Aug. 20 with over 50 workshops open to all youth ages 5–18.

“UMaine Extension 4-H Summer Learning Series,” to be offered in two parts, includes learning tracks in arts and crafts, food and nutrition, STEM, marine science and aquaculture, animal science and agriculture, and teen leadership. The series opens with a magic show featuring Maine 4-H alumnus and family-friendly entertainer Conrad Cologne.

In addition, this year’s 4-H@UMaine experience for teens will now be offered as one of the learning tracks. These online workshops will highlight University of Maine programs and opportunities and will be provided by UMaine faculty, staff and students.

The series is free; registration is required. Registration opens June 1 for part one and July 6 for part two. Offline projects that can be completed at home also will be available. Register and find more information on the Extension 4-H Summer Learning Series webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jessy Brainerd, 207.581.3877; jessica.brainerd@maine.edu.

Busy as Bees Workshop

Wednesday, July 21 1 – 3 p.m. – Come see what all the buzz is about! Join experienced beekeepers Chris and Paula Easton for a fascinating workshop about bees, and other pollinators. They will show us an active hive and help us to understand why bees are not only extremely important for humans, but also for entire ecosystems to function.

Sara and Becky will be offering creative art and pollination related STEM activities following the bee presentation. This outdoor workshop will be held at the Oxford County Extension Office, 9 Olson Road in South Paris.

Chris and Paula are members of the Oxford Hills Honey Bee Club and the Maine State Beekeepers Association. Chris is also a hardworking and dedicated member of our Oxford County Extension Advisory Board. Please pre-register by June 23rd so we can plan materials here https://extension.umaine.edu/register/product/busy-as-bees/

Nature walk at Shepard’s Farm Preserve

Thursday, August 5 10 a.m. -12 noon – Join UMaine 4-H and Western Foothills Land Trust for a nature walk at Shepard’s Farm Preserve, located at 121 Crockett Ridge Rd in Norway. We will explore and identify native plants along the rolling hills and trails of the preserve, while we gather natural materials to make our own homemade paint brushes. If you are feeling inspired by the surrounding landscape and Bernard Langlais sculptures, we will also have paints on hand to make your own nature inspired work of art. Open to youth of all ages! Register by July 29 at https://extension.umaine.edu/register/product/natura-walk-shepards-farm/

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