Francis Fitzpatrick, an area businessman, Debbie Melvin, an educator at MSAD#29 representing the Bird Farm of Houlton High School and Rotarian Otis Smith are shown in this photo. Francis and Debbie are asking for $5000.00 from Houlton Rotary Club to purchase soil amendments for the 20 tillable acres out behind the high school. Francis has been involved with the farm for many years beginning when he was a student and continuing with his involvement with its board of directors and his care in mowing and delivering manure each fall. More is needed to advance the soil health such as lime and fertilizers. Francis  also did a little brainstorming about the future of the Bird Farm. He mentioned a horse farm as one idea. Presently there is a section of Public Gardens managed by Reverend Wayne Robertson and an area that the high school students use for a class about greenhouses and planting out doors as well. Anyone who would like to be more involved is welcome at the organization’s monthly meetings which are on the third Thursday of each month at 4 o’clock at Houlton High School.