SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK SWCD UPCOMING EVENTS
It's Spring and we are loving watching the spring ephemerals appear and the many color variations of the woods as the leaves unfurl. The stretch of cool, wet weather has been good for newly planted shrubs and trees - thank you to those who ordered plants through SASWCD this year! The Brook trout recently added to ponds are also loving the cooler temps and again, thank you to those who participate in the District's pond stocking program through the Mi'kmaq hatchery in Caribou.
August 5: Invasive Plant Educational Workshop, 10am-4:30pm. Houlton High School. Cost of class is $30 and includes Invasive Plants Field Guide and lunch. This full-day event will include both classroom instruction and outdoor field sessions focused on invasive plant biology, identification, ecological impacts, and basic management strategies. Registration is required: https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/invasive-plant-educational-workshops/. Workshop is being held in partnership with UMaine Cooperative Extension, Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Forest Service, and NRCS.
GRANT PROJECTS
MEDUXNEKEAG RIVER WATERSHED RESTORATION PHASE III -The SASWCD has received a grant award from the DEP for a Phase III project for the Meduxnekeag River Watershed. This project, funded through the Clean Water Act section 319, will continue working with livestock and crop farmers in the watershed to promote soil health practices, as well as provide educational and outreach opportunities. Stayed tuned for partnership opportunities and event announcements as we begin project activities this year. If you farm in the Meduxnekeag Watershed and are interested in being a participant, please contact the SASWCD at 254-4126 or
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.
