Maine

Maine AgrAbility Project Director Richard Brzozowski and Project Coordinator Lani Carlson spent a day on the Damariscotta River touring and learning about oyster farming. During the course of the day, they learned hands-on about some of the farming tasks, tools and the processes for growing and harvesting oysters. They were able to meet and learn from a variety of farmers about limitations and potential hazards during the course of a workday.

Maine AgrAbility sponsored a farmer-veteran field day at King Hill Farm in Penobscot, Maine. Paul Schultz, a military veteran and farmer, owns and operates a certified organic farm with his wife and two young children. The field day was intended to give current and prospective growers and ranchers information about farming, with a tour, discussion, and practical demonstrations.

Ellen Gibson, Maine AgrAbility specialist with Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, conducted two demonstration workshops on assistive technology for gardeners in May. During the workshop, Ellen focused on new tools and techniques, as well as on how to adapt existing tools to make gardening easier on the body so they can continue to garden for the long term.

Submitted by Lani Carlson