Maine Roots Series
A Series of Talks about Growing, Foraging, and Nurturing Our Ecosystem in Maine
A Partnership Event with Freeport Community Services
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First Talk: May 17, 2023: 6:30pm:
The Pine Tree Pantry: Growing, Preserving, and Raising Food in Your Maine Backyard
Thank you to all who came out to share their knowledge!
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May 17th Presentations
Theresa Kelly:
Best Food Cultivars to Grow in Maine
Cultivating Success: The Best Food Cultivars for Maine's Climate
An informative talk designed to guide garden enthusiasts and aspiring homesteaders in selecting the most suitable food cultivars for Maine's unique growing conditions. This presentation will explore a variety of fruit, vegetable, and herb cultivars specifically adapted to thrive in Maine's climate, ensuring a bountiful and satisfying harvest. Gain valuable insights into planting schedules, soil requirements, pest management, and cultivation techniques to optimize the health and productivity of your Maine garden.
Speaker: Theresa Kelly, Master Gardener, University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Maine Harvest for Hunger
Theresa Kelly retired from IBM in 2013 after a 40+ year IT career. She lives on 37 acres in Pownal, with her husband Sandy, where they grow most of their own food, with most gaps filled by all the wonderful farmers in the area. They are blessed with good soil, access to great compost and all the training and guidance available from the Cooperative Extension. Theresa’s planting list for this year has 30+ veggies and herbs, as well as 14 flower varieties. For fruits, they have figs, blueberries and blackberries, as well as a variety of fruit trees, and they have a 19X30 greenhouse that allows them to extend their growing seasons. And of course, as a retired IT person, Theresa has favorite apps and greenhouse monitoring tools that allows her geeky side to have fun.
Kate McCarty:
Maine Food Storage & Preservation
Preserving Maine's Bounty: Savoring the Seasons' Harvest all Year
This presentation will introduce you to various preservation methods, such as canning, freezing, drying, fermenting, and pickling, while providing practical tips and techniques for preserving the flavors and nutritional value of your homegrown produce and other dry goods storage. Learn about food safety, essential equipment, and best practices to ensure the success of your preservation efforts. Join us as we explore the culinary and cultural traditions of Maine, transforming seasonal abundance into a year-round feast for your senses.
Speaker: Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Kate McCarty has been the Food Systems Professional at UMaine Extension since 2009, after serving in the AmeriCorps VISTA program. She has completed the Master Food Preserver program, an intensive, hands-on training in all aspects of home food preservation. Kate manages the volunteer efforts of the 60+ Master Food Preserver volunteers statewide and teaches food preservation programs in 7 Maine counties.
Mindy Woerter
The Maine Henhouse
Maine Coop Chronicles: Raising Happy Chickens in Your Backyard
In this presentation, you'll learn about the benefits of raising chickens in Maine, from farm-fresh eggs to organic pest control and natural fertilizer for your garden. Discover how to select the right chicken breeds for your needs, set up a safe and comfortable coop, and provide proper nutrition and healthcare for your flock. Gain insights into best practices to ensure a successful and enjoyable backyard chicken experience.
Speaker: Mindy Woerter, Journalist & Writer
Mindy Woerter is a writer and a mom raising children and chickens in Durham, Maine. Mindy and her family decided to get backyard chickens during the 2020 pandemic quarantine, and soon realized that chicken keeping is both fulfilling and therapeutic. She’s proof that even folks with no prior experience with livestock can be successful at raising chickens. She chronicles her chicken-tending experience on Instagram at @motherclucker_maine.