Soil and water quality are critical for human and wildlife welfare. In Maine, where we rely greatly on these two resources, it’s critical to protect both. With the recent scientific evidence that PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) have been found as a contaminant in Maine’s soils and waters, there is growing concern and many unanswered questions about these substances' impact.

In partnership with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Boothbay Clean Drinking Water Initiative, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is convening a group of PFAS experts to address the rising concerns of soil and water contamination. This free community panel will take place at the Gardens on Sept. 14, 5-6:30 p.m. Those interested in attending should register online at shop.mainegardens.org or by calling 207-633-8000.

Expert panelists include:

Meagan Hennessey, Director of PFAS Response, ME Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Thomas Simones, PhD, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Christoph Aeppli, Senior Research Scientist at Bigelow Laboratories

Molly King, Maine DEP, Division of Technical Services, Bureau of Remediation & Waste Management

Caleb Goosen, MOFGA Organic Crop and Conservation Specialist

And Guest Contributor: Jon Ziegra, General Manager, Boothbay Region Water District

Panel moderator: Gary Fish, Maine State Horticulturist

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions. The organizers of this event hope to provide a better understanding of what PFAS/PFOS are, and what options our communities have available to protect our soils, water, and well-being. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/5hydzpfs.

At nearly 325 acres, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is the largest public garden in New England. The nationally recognized public garden features two miles of hiking trails, 58 acres of cultivated gardens, a children’s garden, a sensory garden, and so much more. The mission of the Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education, and research. To learn more, visit MaineGardens.org.

We hope this event will provide a better understanding of what PFAS/PFOS are and what options we have available to protect our soils, water and well-being.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is at 105 Botanical Garden Drive in Boothbay.