Reminders from Town Hall - April 7, 2023

WANTED:  Invasive Plants - Buckthorn

  

Photos of Common Buckthorn with flowers and berries from Maine.gov

Buckthorn is a highly invasive and aggressive deciduous tree in Maine. Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn are prevalent in all of Maine. Common Buckthorn grows in any kind of soil, in sun or shade. Glossy Buckthorn prefers wetter, sunnier areas. They both grow rapidly, reaching seed bearing age quickly. Birds readily spread the berries. Buckthorn is an allelopathic plant: The roots, leaves and berries contain a chemical that inhibits the growth of other species. They leaf out earlier in the spring and retain their leaves later into the fall, competing with and crowding out many of our native plants (including some rare species).

Common Buckthorn can be shrubby and multi-stemmed, or single trunked. It can grow to 25 feet. It has dull green oval leaves, 1” to 3” long, with fine teeth and distinct veins curved towards the leaf tip. The leaves grow alternate to nearly opposite each other. The fragrant flowers grow from among the leaves in small clusters of 4 greenish yellow petals. The berries are green to glossy black. Berries can remain viable in the soil for 6 years. Common Buckthorn may have small “thorns” in a fork between two branches (These are remnants of twigs breaking off), and most twigs end in a ½” to 7/8” small thorn (bud). Large plants have orange/yellow inner bark.

COMMUNITY NEWS
	Please Join the Cumberland Wood Bank for our first workday on Saturday, April 8,  8 am - 12 pm    46 Walnut Hill Parkway, North Yarmouth You will find us at the end of the street to the left past the RA Pierce building.  You can't miss us, we have the big piles of firewood thanks to many of you who have already helped out The Cumberland Wood Bank is a volunteer-run community organization that provides heating assistance - firewood and other fuel sources - to those in need in Cumberland County, Maine.  Help process wood for families in need in Cumberland, Maine and surrounding communities.  All experience levels are welcome.  Whether you can simply toss wood, use a wood splitter to split logs, or you have chainsaw experience, we have something you can help with.  RSVP is encouraged, but not required!.
	Skyline Farm Carriage Museum’s current exhibit "The Evolution of Comfort” tracks the developing technology and style from early vehicles, such as its Comfort “Waggon” dating back to the late 1700’s when George Washington was President, through to the end of the horse-drawn carriage era when automobiles came on the scene and Teddy Roosevelt was our 26th President. By Roosevelt’s time, carriages offered leaf springs, inflatable tires, and plush seats, all features that carry over to today so we can ride… in Comfort.   The museum, located at 95 The Lane, North Yarmouth, is open for public viewing on Sundays, through April 2, 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Free admission; donations are appreciated. Dress warmly.   For more information, email info@skylinefarm.org. Skyline Farm is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization.   Photo caption: A Comfort “Waggon” from the late 1700’s appears in Skyline Farm Carriage Museum’s current exhibit. Photo by Pamela Ames
	Golf Tournament at Val Halla   The Inaugural Lions Golf Tournament is coming up in May. They are looking for event sponsors (for putting, longest drive and 4 closest to the pin contests). As well as Corporate Team and hole sponsors. Or individuals to put together a foursome! Proceeds to stay in this community!   Signup or get more information by visiting the website at www.Lionsgolf.org.
	For Kids of All Ages!   Introducing  The Town House Mouse, by Dixie Hayes with illustrations by Sue Clukey.   This new book is set in North Yarmouth. It's a great "tale" about the Old Town House's move to its new home on the Village Green—and Ike the mouse, who got caught in the middle. History and a fun story all in one!   $12 each. Email nyhs1680@gmail.com for pickup/delivery info OR pick up your copy at the upcoming Special Town Meeting (Sat., Feb. 4th @10 M) & at Town Meeting in June.
	Hey, North Yarmouth! Tired of being mixed up with Yarmouth???   These mugs are $10 each, limited edition. Get yours now--contact Kaite at nyhs1680@gmail.com for payment/pick up/delivery.   PS --All proceeds to North Yarmouth Historical!
	The Community Food Pantry is in need of items linked here!   Donations can be dropped off in the shopping carts located in the front entrance of the Cumberland Town Hall. (290 Tuttle RD) Thank you for your continued support of our Community Food Pantry!