NEWFIELD — Craftspeople, woodworkers and scientists are gathering at Willowbrook Museum in Newfield Sept. 27 to demonstrate traditional skills using ash wood. They will also talk about the impending infestation of an ash-killing beetle that has decimated forests west of Maine.

The museum will be open with interpreter-led activities in addition to this special program.

The series of Ash Sunday hands-on activities, demonstrations, and workshop talks are sponsored by Willowbrook, Francis Small Heritage Trust and Forest Works.

“It’s a way to connect people with the Maine environment,” said Bob Schmick, director of Willowbrook Museum. “We live with the woods all around us, but we all get into our groove, and how often do we get to connect with the woods and trees?”

The day features a “great” lineup of activities, said Alison Truesdale, executive director of Francis Small Heritage Trust.

“Part of the trust’s mission is helping people appreciate the natural world – not just the science behind it, but cultural aspects,” she said. “Working with Willowbrook is an example of the collaborative effort the trust is hoping to do more of now and in the future.”

Craftspeople on hand for the event include Mark Young of Wells, owner of Black Ash Pack Basket, who will demonstrate basket making and other rustic creations; Schmick, who will show folks how to make a simple shaving horse; Frank Vivier of West Newfield, who will demonstrate bow-making; and Daniel Eaton of Denmark, who will demonstrate a work-in-progress canoe or small boat restoration.

Ron Prevoir of Shapleigh will bring regalia and museum artifacts in a storytelling of the ash tree and the Penobscot creation story.

Adrian Knox of Shapleigh and his team of oxen will twitch out ash logs from the museum’s woodlot for use in firewood cutting and other projects.

There will be some activities for young people, demonstraitons like cooking in a Victorian kitchen, weaving and more.

At 11 a.m., Colleen Teerling, forest entomologist with the Maine Forest Service, and Oliver Markewicz, Maine District forester, will talk about the emerald ash borer, a beetle that has been decimating forests from the Midwest to New York and has been found in a county in New Hampshire 30 miles west of Newfield. Teerling will demonstrate the proper technique for girdling a trap tree in the spring to help track and manage an infestation. This event will take place in the red barn adjacent ot the Newfield Post Office and does not require admission.

Admission for the remainder of the program is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for groups. Kids get in free with their parents. Admission includes the Ash Sunday program, the museum and its more than 25 structures, as well as a ride on an 1894 horse carousel, at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.