LINCOLNVILLE — University of Maine Cooperative Extension is hosting the first annual Midcoast Agroforestry Conference, Saturday, April 5, from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Lincolnville Central School, 523 Hope Road. 

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic and social benefits. Maine ranks second nationally in adoption of agroforestry practices on commercial farms with Waldo County leading the state at 12.6% of farms already utilizing such practices, according to UMaine Extension, in a news release.

Intended for commercial farmers and foresters, participants will learn about the benefits of integrating agroforestry practices on farms or homesteads and identifying suitable agroforestry-based enterprises.

For more information and to register, visit the event webpage or call 207.342.5971. Cost of the conference is $30 and includes a light breakfast, refreshments and lunch. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Billiejo Pendleton at billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu or 207.342.5971. 

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.