BRUNSWICK

Local Farms-Local Food, a collaboration between the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust and Kennebec Estuary Land Trust to conserve farmland and promote local food, is offering free children’s programs, Farmlife Hoopla, at local libraries in Brunswick and Bath in October.

The four-part series will offer agricultural-themed stories, speakers and activities.

Engaging children in discussion about local farming and food, whether growing vegetables or raising chickens, is a key step to promoting healthy eating habits. The connection of food from the farm to the plate is an enjoyable and active journey. Children will learn about the development of chickens from egg to adult, explore the science behind vegetable growth, discover the intricacies of gourds and pumpkins and unearth the day-to-day life of local farmers.

In Brunswick, the series will be held at the Curtis Memorial Library on Wednesdays in October from 4 to 5 p.m. for children 4 years and older.

Scheduled topics include: Oct. 3, “Wide world of vegetables”; Oct. 10, “It’s the farmer’s life for me”; Oct. 17, “Good golly gourds!”; and Oct. 24, “What came first: the chicken or the egg?”

In Bath, the series will be at the Patten Free Library on Thursdays in October from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for children ages 6 to 11 years old.

Scheduled topics include: Oct. 4, “Wide world of vegetables”; Oct. 11, “Good golly gourds!”; Oct. 18, “It’s the farmer’s life for me”; and Oct. 25, “What came first: the chicken or the egg?”

No pre-registration is necessary to join in the hoopla. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to take part in the activities.

These programs are supported by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation and the Davenport Trust Fund.

Curtis Memorial Library is located at 23 Pleasant St. and Patten Free Library is located at 33 Summer St.

For more information, visit www.kennebecestuary.org, www.btlt.org, or call 442-8400.