Events

The Popple Grove children's area needs some TLC. We'll be clearing brush, mowing, pruning a few trees, etc.
Meet at the South Gate at 4 pm. Gloves, loppers suggested.

Come join us for a morning of learning about the challenges of running a small farm, how to manage forest roads and reduce erosion, and tips on managing a small woodlot.  

Farm, forest & wildlife practices and technical and financial assistance to meet these practices will be discussed while walking the property. Emphasis will be on maintaining, protecting, and enhancing habitat, soil and water quality.

REISTER HERE

$10 fee includes lunch* and the booklet ‘Forestry Best Management Practices’ published by the Maine Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry!

*If you have a food allergy or sensitivity please contact us at [email protected] or call the office 667-8663.

PRESENTERS:

Ben Gifford-Owner, Kingdom Road Farm &  Woodlot

Ben operates the diverse farm.  He grows hay, potatoes and eggs, as well as raises sheep for lamb.  He provides potatoes and eggs to Penobscot Community School. Ben also manages his forest and is partnering with Somerset SWCD on a pollinator project.  He is a ‘jack of all trades’; farmer, carpenter and hosts guests in the farmhouse.

Michael Jensen – Maine Forest Service 

Mike is our Maine Forest Service District Forester, covering a 2.9 million acre district that stretches from Deer Isle to Lubec along the coast and inland from Bucksport to Calais.  He has worked as an employee in an old-fashioned circular sawmill, as a self-employed conventional logger, private consulting forester and in a shared state/federal position as Water Quality Forester with New Hampshire Forests and Lands and the US Forest Service.

 Joseph Roy – State Wildlife Biologist for Private Lands

Joe is a Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Private Lands Wildlife Biologist, providing technical assistance to landowners, foresters, and other service providers managing land for at-risk fish and wildlife.  Joe was born and raised in western Maine and has worked all across the country with bear, deer, elk, and loons among other species.  He has been working in his current role with IFW since November 2020. He and his wife, and their two dogs, live on a small “hobby farm” in Durham where they raise chickens, ducks, geese, goats and pigs.

David Rocque – State Soil Scientist, Retired

Dave has been a licensed Soils Scientist and Forester for 40 years.  He recently retired from the position of Maine State Soils Scientist.  Dave has been the liaison between the Soil and Water Conservation District and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and is generously offering his expertise to the District for this workshop.

Christopher Phinney – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 

Chris is the NRCS District Conservationist for Hancock County.  Since his hiring in 2015, he has been serving the county producers. Chris will provide information on NRCS Service Programs.  He is a lifelong Mainer living in Bucksport.

Morgan Bay Farm, 37 Cross Cut Rd, Surry, ME

Join us for a informative, FREE workshop for any size gardener! The event will take place on a farm where you’ll learn about gardening and farming practices which enhance & protect soils & crops!

Participants will learn:
–soil fertility, nutrients, pH
–tools for assessing pH & health
–soil amendments
–sustainable agriculture
–moisture retention in times of changing weather patterns

REGISTER HERE!

PRESENTERS

Kate Mrozicki, Owner, Morgan Bay Farm – Opportunities and challenges for the local farmer, high tunnel and open-field farming

Jarod Farn-Guillette, Executive Director of Hancock County Planning Commission – Traditional Ecoligical Knowledge, Farming Innovations from around the World, Using garbage for growing devices.

Christopher Phinney, Hancock County District Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA – Soil Health, Conservation Programs: “Helping You Help the Land”