SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK SWCD UPCOMING EVENTS
As summer wanes and we head into the fall season, the SASWCD has two forestry workshops planned in September. First up is "Your Land as Part of the Maine Woods - Guided Walk" on Thursday, September 4 from 1-4pm. IF&W's wildlife biologist (and avid birder) Joseph Roy and district forester Lauren Ouellette will guide us through the open spaces and forest land of Grant Brees' Benedicta property. This free class will be an informational discussion as we walk some of Grant's property and learn more about the different aspects of a woodlot, along with it's place in the larger landscape. Pre-registration is appreciated through the SASWCD.
September 16: Harvest Operations Tour on Baskahegan Land, Patten, 9am-3pm. This forestry field day will include a tour of Baskahegan's recently harvested hardwood stand and an unharvested site from the 1970's, current beech management based on historical harvests, and learning more about Baskahegan's overall forest management. Forestry field day partners and speakers include Baskahegan Company Lands Manager Kyle Burdick and Operations Manager Jason McLellan, Maine Forest Service Landowner Outreach Forester Dr. Nicole Rogers, District Forester Lauren Ouellette, and Climate/ Carbon Specialist Andrew Whitman. Field day is free and includes lunch, however, class size is limited and pre-registration is required with the
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.
