This summer (May 2026), we enter a new year with faces new and old! Larry Tuttle, Professor of Geology, continues to serve as the UMF Campus and Community Garden Director!
For our summer student garden positions this year (2026), we are fortunate to have Hayden Triance (May 2027) and Emma Towers (December 2026) on board.
Michelle Navarre and Rosemary Baker are continuing their work with us as Master Gardener Volunteers, part of the UMaine Cooperative Extension's Harvest for Hunger Program and the Master Gardener Volunteer program. Master Gardener training participants must complete 40 hours of volunteer service in a community garden, and our two gardeners chose UMF!
Michelle Navarre is retired but had worked on the UMF campus with the Adult Completion Program.
Rosemary Baker works locally in special education and earned her Master's degree from UMF in Special Education.
Additionally, we have a great crew of volunteers, including students Chris and Ethan, and former director Gretchen, amongst others.
This year, we are emphasizing our composting efforts after an open conversation with JustME for JustUs prior to the start of the summer. This conversation was centered around food waste in the community and ways we can divert it. We were lucky enough to receive a donation of a "new to us" composter for this growing season and beyond, and are excited to put it to great use!