OLD TOWN, Maine — On a crisp September morning, foresters and land stewards throughout Maine gathered in the densely forested Beauregard Family Woodland in Old Town.
"We have been growing timber to harvest and are even growing places for wildlife," owner Larry Beauregard said.
Larry and his wife Barbara were recently named Maine's Tree Farmers of the Year. That's why organizers felt there was no better place to host an event to provide information and resources to people interested in managing a forest of their own.
"The whole concept of education and learning is one of the major things that helps to motivate us," Larry Beauregard said.
Attendees had the chance to visit stations dedicated to forest measurements and tree identification as well as go on walking tours through the trees led by forestry experts. Director of Maine Woodland Owners Tim Doak says the field day connects people with every aspect of the profession.
"Some of them are experts, but a lot of them are new owners, and our job is to help those people and make it fun for them and help them get started in the right direction," Doak said.
Experts spent the day promoting effective methods to manage a forest, like proper wood harvesting techniques.
U.S Department of Agriculture Biologist Jeremy Markuson also took the time to educate ways to positively impact the environment through things like wildflower pollinator plots.
"They provide the forage resources for native bees as well as butterflies and other pollinators, but these sights are great for other species as well," Markuson said
The Beauregards say they are more than happy to use their land for events like these.
"We love to allow our neighbors and fellow woodland owners to come in and share the experiences that we have just like they share the experiences they've learned," Larry Beauregard said.
While wrapping up a tour focusing on forest management, University of Maine forestry students Emma Alexander and Victoria Stepeck said this exposure shows them they're more than ready to become foresters of their own one day.
"It makes you excited for what we're going to be doing and the stuff we will get to do someday. There's so much to learn so much to gain from these," Alexander said.
If you're interested in learning more about additional forestry management resources they and other organizations provide, officials with the Maine Woodland owners say you can visit their website here.