Conservation district seeks nominations for board of supervisors

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has one opening on its five-member Board of Supervisors. The volunteer board, which is responsible for guiding the District’s business affairs and operations in it’s mission to provide assistance to the community in conservation of land and water resources, is comprised of three elected and two appointed supervisors, who each serve overlapping three-year terms. This year we are seeking nominations for one elected position.

Anyone interested in 1) running for the office of supervisor, or 2) voting in the election must be a registered voter within the boundaries of the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD). Candidates need have only an interest in conservation and a willingness, at a minimum, to participate in a monthly board meeting at the District office or online. To run for an elected position, a candidate must submit a nomination paper signed by 25 Knox or Lincoln county residents.

In addition, the SWCD Board welcomes Associate Supervisors, non-voting members appointed by the board, who may have an interest in the general activities of the district or a specific area of interest or expertise to share.

Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting the District office. The completed election document must be received at the District office by 2:30 pm on September 20, after which candidates will be posted on our website, https://www.knox-lincoln.org/board-of-supervisors. Ballots must be received at the District office no later than 8:30 am on November 20, 2024 and will be counted at our Board meeting tentatively scheduled for November 20, 2024, at 9 a.m.; public are welcome to attend.

To receive nomination papers or a ballot, or for more information, contact Election Superintendent at 893 West Street (Route 90) in Rockport, 596-2040 or julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

EVENTS: Announcing annual wildflower seed fundraiser

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has announced their autumn fundraiser – native wildflower seeds. October is the perfect month to sow wildflower seeds for spring growth. Want to develop a big flower garden without planting and tending to dozens of plants? Replace some of your lawn with a meadow! Create a pollinator strip between your street and property/lawn. Overseed an existing meadow to fill in the gaps. Whether you’re seeding a small space garden, filling in a side yard, or planting across acres of land, wildflowers are an easy-to-grow solution and supportive of pollinators.

They offer three seed mixes:

Showy New England Wildflower & Grasses Mix, New England Annual & Perennial Mix and Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix

For a list of plants included in seed mixes and to purchase seeds, check out our website: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/wildflower-seed-sale. Orders can be picked up at their office, located at 893 West Street (Rte. 90), Rockport, or mailed for an additional fee to cover postage and handling. Seed mixes are for sale until supplies last. FMI, please email info@knox-lincoln.org or call 207-596-2040.

EVENTS: Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District spring plant sale set for May 11, 2024

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Don’t miss the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District Spring Plant Sale, at Union Fairgrounds, on Saturday, May 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plants have been chosen for their value as windbreaks, lakeshore buffers, bank stabilization, erosion control, and wildlife habitat – including songbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects. Individual varieties were selected for productivity, pest and disease resistance, a variety of soil and light conditions – and to provide beauty and color in the home landscape from spring through fall. Many plants that we will have available are responsibly grown by Crystal Lake Farm & Nursery, in Washington, and from Rebel Hill Farm, in Liberty. They accept credit card, checks and cash payment methods.

They will also have available their Backyard Compost Bin and Rain Barrel items, including Systern rain barrels, Earth Machine and Trap-Wire compost bins, compost turners and thermometers. For description and prices, refer to: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/backyard-sale.

For more information, visit https://www.knox-lincoln.org/spring-plant-sale or email info@knox-lincoln.org, or call 207-596-2040. Proceeds of the sale benefit the conservation district’s education and outreach programs. Thanks for your support.

EVENTS: Knox-Lincoln SWCD launches annual plant sale

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2024 Spring Plant Sale Catalog is now available in print and online! Plants are available for pre-order, either online or by mail through Tuesday, April 16, 2024. They are offering curbside pick-up of your orders on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, and “Cash and Carry” on Saturday, May 11, at Union Fairgrounds. Quantities are limited so order early for the best selection!

This annual spring fundraiser provides more than 180 varieties to choose from: bareroot fruit trees and berries for the home orchard and garden; native conifers, deciduous trees, shrubs and vines for conservation, wildlife, and landscape enhancement; and native, organic, Maine-grown perennials and herbs in one-gallon pots for pollinators. The plant list includes new varieties in all categories and returning favorites. As always, the print catalog offers descriptions of the plants and cultural requirements to aid in choosing the right plant for the right place. Plant care fact sheets are available on our website.

The proceeds of this fundraiser support the youth and adult conservation programs throughout the year.

They are dependent on volunteers to help pack orders and distribute to customers. Volunteers receive some perks as a thank you for helping. If interested, please contact louisa@knox-lincoln.org.

Don’t wait to place your order, visit https://www.knox-lincoln.org/spring-plant-sale to download a catalog or to shop online; call 596-2040 or email julie@knox-lincoln.org to receive a catalog by USPS – and, think spring!

EVENTS: KLS&WCD to present award

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The community is invited to Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s Conservation Awards Celebration on Wednesday, August 23, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. The banquet will be held at Beaver Lodge, in Hope.

This year’s Conservation Award Recipients are:

  • Brodis Blueberries, in Hope, will be awarded the Conservation Farm of the Year for 2023. Brodis Blueberries has been recognized recently from many achievements. Gwen Brodis and her husband Dick, purchased the farm from their parents in 1967. Ron and Sonja Howard are helping to manage the farm after Dick Brodis passed in 2016. Knox-Lincoln SWCD recognizes their achievements in conservation efforts ensuring soil health, water quality, moisture retention and a healthy habitat for wildlife. • Sharon G. Chadwick’s work with KLSWCD will be acknowledged with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Since 1996, Sharon G. Chadwick served on the Knox-Lincoln SWCD Board of Supervisors at first as an associate and then as a supervisor. Sharon lives with her husband, Gerald, at BenEva Farm, in Warren, and still operate as a conservation farm, raising commercial Black Angus beef. For several decades, Sharon helped with judging the Annual Poster Contest and at our Conservation Fair and Plant Sale. (See attached photo)

  • Shelby Chadwick

    Shelby Chadwick will be recognized with the 2023 Excellence in Conservation Education Award. Shelby, a second grade teacher at Camden-Rockport Elementary School (CRES), worked alongside the District to develop and offer our Pollinator Party program, which engages students through hands-on, place-based outdoor activities with pollinators and pollination.

 

 

Golf Fore Kids Sake to be held at Samoset Resort in May

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Photo by Monica Charette

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s 2023 Golf Fore Kids’ Sake, at Samoset Resort, presented by Dover Ford and Union Fair Auto, welcomes teams to participate in its May 26 tournament to support one-to-one youth mentoring.

The annual spring golf tournament is expected to raise over $50,000 for community and school-based mentoring programs across seven counties served by BBBS of Mid-Maine.

“We are excited to welcome a full course of supporters back on the green this spring to help raise critical funding for local youth,” said BBBSMM Interim Executive Director Mae Slevinsky. The tournament is limited to the first 28 teams to register.

In addition to Dover Ford and Union Fair Auto, Golf Fore Kids’ Sake is supported by Colby & Gale and Machias Savings Bank (Major Sponsor); Austin Associates, P.A. (Lunch Sponsor) and Scoreboard Sponsors: PDQ Door, Maine Coast Orthodontics, Rockland Hannaford, and Cape Air.

To sponsor, or to donate to the Golf For Kids’ Sake auction, email info@bbbsmidmaine.org or call 207.236-BBBS (2227). For more information about Golf Fore Kids’ Sake, visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine will hold a second Golf Fore Kids’ Sake tournament on Friday, September 1, at Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, presented by Kennebec Savings Bank. Team space is limited. To register, or sponsor, please call 207.236-BBBS (2227).

Big Brother’s Big Sister’s long-standing, successful mentoring programs pair children, ages 5-16 (Littles) with caring, responsible role models (Bigs) in one-to-one friendships in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo counties. By partnering with parents, volunteers and local organizations, children in the program have higher aspirations, greater confidence, develop better relationships, avoid risky behaviors, and achieve educational success.

For information about enrolling a child in our mentoring programs, or becoming a volunteer or mentor, please call 236-BBBS (2227) email info@bbbsmidmaine.org, or visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org.

Annual Spring plant sale Fundraiser for Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has launched

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2023 Spring Plant Sale Catalog is now available in print and online! Plants are available for pre-order, either online or by mail through Tuesday, April 18, 2023. This year we are offering curbside pick-up of plant orders on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13 and “Cash and Carry” on Saturday, May 13. Quantities are limited so order early – and often – for the best selection!

This annual spring fundraiser provides more than 180 varieties to choose from: bareroot fruit trees and berries for the home orchard and garden; native conifers, deciduous trees, shrubs and vines for conservation, wildlife, and landscape enhancement; and native, organic, Maine-grown perennials and herbs in one-gallon pots for pollinators. The plant list includes new varieties in all categories as well as tried and true favorites. As always, the print catalog offers descriptions of the plants and cultural requirements to aid in choosing the right plant for the right place. Plant care fact sheets and additional information, including plant images, may be found on our newly-updated online store and website.

The proceeds of this fundraiser support our youth and adult conservation programs throughout the year.

They are dependent on volunteers to help pack orders and distribute to customers. Volunteers receive some perks as a thank you for helping with their largest annual fundraiser. If interested, please contact louisa@knox-lincoln.org.

Don’t wait to place your order- visit https://www.knox-lincoln.org/spring-plant-sale download a catalog or to shop online; call 596-2040 or email julie@knox-lincoln.org to receive a catalog by USPS – and, think spring!

EVENTS: Knox-Lincoln S&WCD announces wildflower seed fundraiser

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is excited to announce a new fundraiser – native wildflower seeds. October is the perfect month to sow wildflower seeds for spring growth. Want to develop a big flower garden without planting and tending to dozens of plants? Replace some of your lawn with a meadow! Create a pollinator strip between your street and property/lawn. Overseed an existing meadow to fill in the gaps. Whether you’re seeding a small space garden, filling in a side yard, or planting across acres of land, wildflowers are an easy-to-grow solution and supportive of pollinators.

They offer three seed mixes in one-ounce packages:

Showy New England Wildflower & Grasses Mix

The native wildflowers and some grasses provide a gorgeous display of color from spring to fall. Designed for upland sites with well-drained soils and full sun to semi-shaded areas; ideal for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

New England Annual & Perennial Mix

This seed mix offers plants that will be showy the second year and beyond, changing color and texture as they mature. Designed for upland sites and meadows; ideal for attracting native pollinators.

Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix

Designed specifically to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other native pollinators, this seed mix is best for  upland sites and meadows.

For a list of plants included in seed mixes and to purchase seeds, check out our website: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/wildflower-seed-sale. Orders can be picked up at our office located at: 893 West Street (Rt 90), Rockport or mailed for an additional fee to cover postage. Seed mixes are for sale until supplies last. FMI, please email info@knox-lincoln.org or call 207-596-2040.

Celebrate Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 75th Anniversary on August 30

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The community is invited to Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 75th anniversary and annual banquet celebration on Tuesday, August 30, from 4:30 pm – 7:30 p.m. The banquet will be held at the beautifully-renovated Jewell Lodge, overlooking Damariscotta Lake, at Camp Wavus, in Jefferson.

They are celebrating 75 years of conservation activities in Knox and Lincoln counties with old friends, including past board members, past conservation award recipients, partner organizations and new friends. Attendees will be treated to a BBQ dinner and delicious pies while viewing a rolling display of photos spanning 75 years. Speakers will highlight the district conservation activities and future plans in Knox and Lincoln counties. Throughout the evening there will be raffle drawings, a chance to meet our supervisors and staff, and to peruse displays highlighting past and current District projects.

Knox-Lincoln SWCD to host Maine Audubon

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting Maine Audubon to present Stream Smart Training – Phase One on Thursday, May 26, at the Camden Opera House and online. The hybrid training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes refreshments and resource materials.

This half-day introductory workshop provides training for professionals to expand the local knowledge base on how to include aquatic organism passage and higher storm volume capacity when designing stream/road crossings.

Applying the Stream Smart principles to road crossings can help connect and maintain fish and wildlife habitat while protecting roads and public safety. Stream Smart crossings can also help towns prepare for the large and frequent storm events that have been washing out roads around the state and the northeast. Participants will learn about learn about: the value of free-flowing streams; the regulations that are applicable when working on road/stream crossings; the principles of building Stream Smart crossings; the costs and benefits of Stream Smart crossings; and where to look for funding.

These workshops are designed for professionals responsible for road-stream crossings, including municipal leaders, managers, and public works employees. They cover road-stream crossing projects from site assessment to permitting and installation, and emphasize maintaining and restoring aquatic habitat and economic values of the stream. Workshop presenters include professionals from state and federal agencies and statewide non-profits, participants can receive recertification credit for Maine DEP’s Voluntary Contractor Certifi­cation Program, and information on potential funding sources.

Pre-registration with payment of $25 (mail-in registration) / $26 (online registration) is required by Friday, May 20. Attendees may register and pay online or download a registration form from the Knox-Lincoln SWCD website at www.knox-lincoln.org/events-workshops/stream-smart or for more information, contact Knox-Lincoln SWCD office at 596-2040, julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Knox-Lincoln SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.