Update 10/7/25: The event happening on October 8th starting at 11am is rain or shine! We’ll be under the big tent, lent to us by our event partners, Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust.

Event Information

Location:

Address: 3 Damon Ridge Road This is the closest address to the venue.

The farm is on Rt. 214. Once you get to Damon Ridge Road, follow the signs.

Map (see below)

Directions from Sunrise Glass in Ellsworth (Intersection of Rte. 1A and Rte. 179):

Heading towards Bangor on Rte. 1A, take right onto Rte. 179/Waltham Road directly after Sunrise Glass in Ellsworth.
Continue north on Route 179 for approximately 22 miles (when road ends)
Turn right onto Route 9 (Airline Road) and drive east for about 72 miles.
Turn left onto Damon Ridge Road in Charlotte. This is a gravel road.
Follow the signs to the venue, and see you there!

Additional directions!

Go right when you get to Route 1

Take a right again onto 191

Take a left on 214 for about a mile.

The field is on the right and will be marked!

SCHEDULE:

Blueberry Field Day Schedule:

9:00 AM - Arrive and setup (table top displays, food, smaller day-of things)

11:00 - 11:05 - Begin event, general announcements and introductions

11:05 - 12:15 - Lily and Rachel / UMaine Extension

12:15 - 1:00 - Zach McClimon, Washington County SWCD

1:00 - 1:45 - Lunch

1:45 - 2:15 - Chris G / MOFGA

2:45 - 3:15 - Laura / Wild Blueberry Commission

3:15 - 4:00 - Event ends, final Q&A, chatting time

If you're a blueberry grower in Maine looking to enhance your operation, mark your calendar for an exceptional learning opportunity coming this fall. The Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District and Blue Ox Blueberries are hosting "Better Soil, Better Berries" – a comprehensive field day designed specifically for blueberry producers who want to maximize their crop potential through improved soil management and sustainable practices. This marks the beginning of an exciting annual tradition where Washington and Hancock County SWCDs will take turns hosting this valuable event each year, with both districts collaborating to ensure growers receive the best possible educational experience.

What Makes This Event Special

This isn't your typical agricultural seminar. Taking place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the heart of blueberry country at 3 Damon Ridge Road, Charlotte, ME, this hands-on field day brings together some of Maine's most knowledgeable agricultural experts and resources under one tent.

Expert-Led Sessions You Won't Want to Miss

The lineup of speakers represents a powerhouse of agricultural expertise:

Dr. Lily Calderwood from UMaine Cooperative Extension will share cutting-edge research and practical experience in mulching wild blueberry fields. Her insights into soil improvement techniques could be the key to unlocking better yields and healthier plants.
Chris Grigsby from MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) will explore opportunities for transitioning to organic growing.
Event Host Laura Flannery, blueberry grower and member of Wild Blueberry Commission, will speak on “What Your Blueberry Tax Dollars Do For You.”

Free Soil pH Testing – A Valuable Bonus

One of the practical benefits of attending is the free on-site pH soil testing provided by Mark Whiting, Botanist and HCSWCD Board Chair. Understanding your soil's pH is fundamental to blueberry production, as these plants thrive in acidic conditions. Getting this testing done for free while learning from experts makes this event especially valuable. Visit our Healthy Soil page for details on collecting farm land samples.

Why Attend?

Maine's wild blueberry industry is unique and faces distinct challenges, including periodic drought conditions. This field day addresses those specific needs while providing practical, actionable information you can implement immediately. Whether you're dealing with soil fertility issues, considering irrigation improvements, exploring organic production, or simply want to better understand the resources available to support your operation, this event has something for you. The hands-on format means you'll not only hear about best practices but see them in action, ask questions directly to experts, and network with fellow growers facing similar challenges.

Reserve Your Spot

Space is limited for this valuable educational opportunity. To secure your place at "Better Soil, Better Berries," contact the Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District:

📞 Phone: (207) 255-4659
📧 Email: wacomeswcd@gmail.com

Don't miss this chance to invest in your blueberry operation's future. Better soil truly does lead to better berries, and this field day will guide you toward achieving both.

This event is made possible through the collaboration of UMaine Cooperative Extension, MOFGA, the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, the Washington County and Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust.

Better Soil, Better Berries 2025: Field Day for Maine Blueberry Growers