Poland April 27 Earth Day program will look at invasive plants, more

POLAND — An Earth Day event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Ricker Memorial Library.

This year’s theme is “Protecting Our Species.” A variety of displays and activities will be of special interest to home owners and gardeners, as well as those committed to conservation.
The featured speaker will be Jean Potuchek, whose topic will be “Protecting Our Species: The Problem of Invasive Plants.” She is of the gardening blog, “Jean’s Garden,” and a master gardener. She holds a certificate in native plants and ecological horticulture from the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Home owners will learn about our common invasive plants and how to protect the native species on their own property.
There will be displays by civic organizations and area businesses, including farms and nurseries that participate in conservation and outdoor recreation. Attendees will have also learn about the town’s conservation land, trails and parks. The town forester will be available to answer property owners’ questions about their own woodlands.
Poland naturalist Alan Audet,will show game camera pictures and video of surprising wildlife in Poland’s Waterhouse Park. Maps and pictures of the town reserves will be on display. Those who wish may participate in an orientation and clean-up walk in one of Poland’s conservation areas. Participants can learn about opportunities to volunteer for conservation and trail projects.
The public is invited to attend all or a part of the activities. Doors open at 1 p.m. for refreshments and conversation. Potuchek’s talk will be at 2 p.m.. Audet will present at 3 p.m. Displays, refreshments and informal discussions will take place all afternoon.
The program is sponsored by Poland, Conservation Commission, Friends of Ricker Library and Poland Trails Committee.