The University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMCE) helps Maine people improve their lives through an educational process that uses research-based knowledge focused on issues and needs. UMCE serves you where you are. We bring hands-on, educational know-how right to your door, community and county. Trained staff in 16 county offices and in Orono, plus over 2,000 Extension volunteers, reach half a million Maine people each year. UMCE provides citizens with information important to them. We provide educational programming in variety of areas such as: sustainable agriculture and natural resources, 4H/youth development, family living, and small and home-based business education.