UMF Truck next to compost pile with two people standing on top

Sustainability

UMF & Sustainability

Sustainability is a core value at the University of Maine at Farmington, reflected in its campus operations, academic offerings, and student-led initiatives. UMF is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting responsible resource use. Student groups play a key role, leading efforts such as local clean-ups, food recovery, and sustainability awareness campaigns. The campus features green buildings, energy-efficient systems, and comprehensive recycling and composting programs.

Thrifty Beaver Co-op

The Thrifty Beaver Co-op is a student-run initiative at the University of Maine at Farmington dedicated to supporting the campus community and addressing food insecurity. Open to all UMF students, faculty, and staff, the The Thrifty Beaver offers free access to a wide variety of essential items, including canned and fresh food, second-hand clothing, dishware, personal care products, books, and more.

Operating on a no-cost system, the The Thrifty Beaver ensures that everyone on campus can get what they need, regardless of financial status. The Thrifty Beaver is located in Room 004 on the lower level of the Fusion Building, at the corner of South and High Streets.

Maine Fiddlehead Festival

The 2026 Maine Fiddlehead Festival will take place on May 2, 2026 from 10-3!

The Maine Fiddlehead Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of local food and community, held each spring on the University of Maine at Farmington campus. Centered around the beloved New England delicacy—the fiddlehead fern—the festival welcomes everyone, whether you love fiddleheads, hate them, or are just discovering them.
The Maine Fiddlehead Festival features a lively outdoor farmers market, live music, baby animals, educational exhibits, and hands-on activities. The festival highlights Maine’s dedication to sustainability, local agriculture, and community engagement, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information, please contact Christine Wilson, christine.wilson@maine.edu.

Earth Week at UMF

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, the University of Maine at Farmington has been committed to honoring the environment and promoting sustainability. While Earth Day has long been celebrated on campus, the Sustainable Campus Coalition (SCC) expanded the tradition in 2014 by launching Earth Week—a full week dedicated to environmental awareness and action.

Earth Week at UMF features a variety of events and activities, including community clean-ups, plant care projects, educational displays, and creative initiatives like a recycled-materials fashion show. The week reflects UMF’s deep commitment to sustainability, student involvement, and care for the planet.

Sustainability in Action

Holden Cookson, a 2016 UMF graduate with a degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, has built a career rooted in sustainability and innovation. Now the Director of Business Development at Agri-Cycle and founder of Against The Grain, Holden is helping reduce food waste by partnering with local farms in Massachusetts.

Holden credits his UMF education with giving him “the ability to think of the world in a more diverse and complex way,” and his self-motivation helped him shape a fulfilling career. In the summer of 2022, he mentored Zack Laflamme ’23, who interned at Against The Grain and brought enthusiasm, dedication, and curiosity to the role.

During his time at UMF, Holden was an active member of the Sustainable Campus Coalition and the Ultimate Frisbee team—both of which continue to influence his life and work today.

Contact Us

Christine Wilson
Campus Sustainability Coordinator
University of Maine at Farmington
Farmington, Maine 04938
Tel. 207-778-7087
christine.wilson@maine.edu