Address:
304 North Street Houlton Maine 04730
Phone:
207-254-4126

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GRANT PROJECTS 

MEDUXNEKEAG RIVER WATERSHED RESTORATION, PHASE II PROJECT- The SASWCD is working with eight farmers in the Meduxnekeag Watershed this season as part of this Dept of Environmental Protection grant. Farmers are planting different multi-species and green manure cover crops, based on the grower's farm priorities. The one thing they all have in common though is that they benefit the soil. A good example of the kinds of cover being planted is this photo of an arugula and mustard mix grown as a bio-fumigant and to be followed by planting sorghum sudan grass. 

July 7 close up mustard mix

FARMS and RIVERS for the FUTURE - This partnership grant project among UMaine, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, NRCS, and SASWCD has completed its one-on-one interviews with 17 livestock and crop farmers in the Meduxnekeag Watershed and will follow up with on-farm visits this summer. The project aims to gain a better understanding of the needs and potential barriers of farmers adopting certain best management practices (BMPs).  

PROJECT CANOPY GRANT - The SASWCD was awarded a 2020 Project Canopy Grant, a community forestry program of the Maine Forest Service, to conduct a street tree survey in Houlton. The project has been completed with a written report provided to the Town of Houlton that includes recommendations and guidance on future maintenance and tree plantings within the town. Tara King, GIS specialist with NRCS, developed an interactive map of surveyed trees that allows users to glean specific information on the trees. The online map can be accessed at ArcGIS Dashboards.

MOBILE KITCHEN CART PROJECT - With 2020 impacting the project's focus on in-class cooking, the SASWCD reached students through USDA-Farm to School grant in other ways like an online series called "Snack Bites," videos of recipes for quick, homemade snacks that are simple enough for children to make without adult supervision. Students can view the You Tube videos on the RSU29 "Snack Bites" page - http://www.rsu29.org/district-information/snack-bites The SASWCD is looking forward to getting back into the classrooms this fall and using the Charlie Cart to teach kids healthy cooking skills.

OTHER PROJECTS and EDUCATION

WINTER HIVE MANAGEMENT FOR BEEKEEPERS -  September 19. State Apiarist Jennifer Lund and Swan's Honey Lincoln Sennett will lead a discussion of preparing hives for winter for successful overwintering. Time and location TBD. Check back for additional details. 

BASIC & ADVANCED EROSION CONTROL PRACTICES - Thursday, November 18, 7:30am - 3:45pm. In this class participants will learn why erosion control practices are important, be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation, learn how to properly install and maintain BMPs, regulations requiring erosion control and more. Pre-registration is required and cost of class is $30. Location TBD.

 

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About Soil and Water Conservation Districts:
Soil and Water Conservation Districts work as the grass roots connection between local, state and federal agencies and producers and have done so since 1935, when Congress agreed to a Soil Conservation Service after spending an afternoon in session with skies darkened by soil particles blown in from the Great Plains. The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District became recognized under Maine State Law in January of 1942. Since then, the SASWCD has grown from working with farmers as conservation "cooperators" to include all landowners.
 
 
Education for all landowners is an important part of our work. Check out listings under "Education" and "Fundraising" to see what is happening this fall in Southern Aroostook.