Gary Fish
Plants, Bugs, and Worms – Oh My! Current and Future Invasive Species Threats on MDI
Gary Fish, Maine State Horticulturist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
November 13, 2025 at 1:00 P.M.
Birch Bay Retirement Village
25 Village Inn Road, Bar Harbor
The Bar Harbor Garden Club welcomes Gary Fish, Maine State Horticulturist, as the guest speaker for its November meeting on Thursday, November 13th at Birch Bay Retirement Village, Bar Harbor. Mr. Fish’s presentation will focus on the numerous invasive species that can harm both our gardens and the varied natural landscape that characterizes Mount Desert Island. As invasive species often outcompete native plants and animals, the battle to control and eradicate them has proven difficult. Mr. Fish will provide some insights into lessons learned from years of invasive species management and will also introduce us to some of the invasive species that are expected to move into the Downeast region in the near future.
Mr. Fish has served as the State Horticulturist since 2015. He has also worked as the Manager of the Pesticide Programs for the Board of Pesticides Control for 28 years. Previously, he served as Coordinator of the Maine YardScaping Partnership and as chair of the Arborist Examining Board.
Mr. Fish received his undergraduate degree in Forest and Wildlife Management from the University of Maine, College of Forest Resources in 1982. In 2023, he completed a Master of Policy, Planning, and Management from the University of Southern Maine.
He grew up in Farmington, Maine and has enjoyed studying insects since childhood. Mr. Fish says he was inspired to love plants by his mother, who always grew beautiful roses and had lovely rock gardens. He is also a landscape and nature photographer.
Mr. Fish’s presentation will begin at 1:00 P.M. and will include time for questions.
This informative presentation is one of the monthly programs offered by the Bar Harbor Garden Club that is open to the public.