The 62nd annual Forestry Field Day, a joint production of Maine Tree Farm and the Small Woodland Owners of Maine (SWOAM,) will be held on Saturday, September 10th at Pine Tree Camp in Rome, Maine. Pine Tree Camp, a program of Pine Tree Society, is the Maine Outstanding Tree Farmer for 2016.
“The Forestry Field Day is our largest outdoor event of the year, and affords the opportunity for landowners to share experiences and find out how others deal with the challenges we all face as landowners,” said SWOAM Executive Director Tom Doak. The day emphasizes sustainable forestry practices and the many ways landowners can enhance the usefulness and enjoyment of their property. This annual event has attracted hundreds of people in years past.
Pine Tree Camp encompasses 285 forested acres in Rome and is a long time Tree Farm, first certified in 1993. The Field Day will host a wide variety of events, tours and talks during the daylong program. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with coffee, snacks, informational brochures and door prize tickets available. Program opens at 8:50 a.m. with remarks from SWOAM and Tree Farm representatives.
There will be an Exhibitors’ tent, education stations, tours, music, children’s activities, and refreshments all day.
Guided Forest Walking Tour –@ 9, 10, and 11: Showcases the recreational mission of Pine Tree Camp. Highlights include accessible trails and overnight camping area, renovation of camper cabins, management of older forests, and accessible tree house.
Guided Forest Motorized Tour –@ 9, 10:30: Demonstrates in-depth aspects of forest management. Highlights recent timber harvests; management of a deer wintering area; Best Management Practices for water quality, including stream crossing techniques; converting harvesting trails to recreational trails; and the importance of aesthetics to the Camp’s mission.
11:45 a.m. – Lunch (chicken BBQ, with cole slaw, potato salad, dinner roll, drink and dessert; $10 per person, $5 for age 12 and under; proceeds support Pine Tree Camp. Cash only.)
12:15 p.m. – Lunch Speaker Program
Awards/raffle/ door prizes
1:15 p.m. – Repeat of Guided Forest Tours (see above.)