DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District will hold an open house at its Demonstration Forest in Williamsburg Township starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.

Visitors will learn about the cultural heritage of the region and of the Demonstration Forest land area. Local historians William Sawtell, Walter MacDougall and Paul Foulkes will speak on the history of this area, the early settlers here, and what brought them here.

At 10 a.m., Jim Macomber of Penquis CAP and Maine’s Best and Gordon Moore of the Maine Forest Service will lead visitors on a geocache discovery quest in the forest, learning the skill of orienteering using GPS mapping units.

The trails wind through 180 acres of old farmstead, which is now forest, and unique areas of headwater wetlands which help to feed the Pleasant River. Throughout these areas, there is great diversity of flora and fauna. The forest offers trails for hiking, bird-watching, hunting, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The forest supports both educational and recreational opportunities for the public, and it serves as a training site for teachers, foresters and others interested in conservation education. Workshops and tours are conducted throughout the year on various topics, including forestry and silviculture, best management practices, soil and water conservation, vernal pools, mushrooms and more. Foresters, teachers and the public are encouraged to make use of the forest for educational and recreational purposes. The site is available to other natural resource education groups who wish to host programs and events there.

The Demonstration Forest is located on the Old Williamsburg Road in Williamsburg Township. Directions and information are available at the district office. Pre-register for the open house by Friday, Sept. 7, so that the district may plan for educational materials, snacks and beverages. Contact the Conservation District office at 42 Pine Crest Drive, Dover-Foxcroft, by calling 564-2321, ext. 3, or by e-mailing info@piscataquisswcd.org.