Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District

"Bless the Beasts
and the Children
for in this world
they have no choice."

BUS TOUR - KNOX COUNTY
OCTOBER 5, 2006

The Annual Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District's Fall Bus Tour took place this year on Thursday, October 5th. The tour was sponsored in partnership with the Knox-Lincoln Farm Bureau. This year the bus toured Knox County and was guided by the District staff and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Participants learned about active, conservation minded landowners within Knox County. Our first destination was the Marshall Point Lighthouse & Museum in Port Clyde. Lisa Young from the St. George Historical Society made arrangements for volunteers to be on hand at the lighthouse to answer questions and also in the gift shop for purchases and information.

Our next destination was at the Audubon Project Puffin Visitors Center in Rockland which opened in June, 2006. The Puffin Center offers a variety of displays and hands-on conservation lessons free of charge to the public. After a 20 minute film presentation, which highlighted how vulnerable the Gulf of Maine ecosystem is, and what it needs to stay healthy. Susie Meadows answered questions about Puffins migration, nesting and other characteristics from the audience. The center documents Project Puffin's successful venture to restore the species to Maine islands, and also brings about awareness of how humans can affect an environment.

As we journeyed northwest to "experience Mid-Coast Maine's Hidden Treasure" at Sennebec Lake Campground in Appleton, we met with Tim who graciously allowed us the use of the Loon Lodge for our Homemade Picnic-Style Luncheon Buffet. Loon Lodge overlooks beautiful Sennebec Lake and is the largest A-frame in the state, with seating for close to two hundred. After lunch, we took a leisurely walk around the campground taking in the beautiful countryside. Besides offering large waterfront and waterview sites, Sennebec Lake provides all those things of which memories are made ... Beautiful sunsets and sunrises, wonderful relaxing days of the beach, vast fishing opportunities and the peaceful knowledge that you know, this is where you belong.

Our next stop was at Aquaculture Engineering USA, Inc. in Washington with owners Cynthia and John Rosen. Values promoted at Aquaculture Engineering USA, Inc. include self-sufficiency, local independence and sustainable food production. Home Grown(tm) was created as the solution. Cynthia and John use recycled waste oil from area businesses converting this oil to bio-diesel. The bio-diesel is then used to heat their greenhouse during the winter months. The philosophy at Aquaculture Engineering USA is to keep it small and keep it simple. This means that this farm serves the immediate surrounding area. This combination of a local market clientele and the recycling of waste oil to produce heat mean they consume less energy in production& distribution. This dramatically reduces their costs and can therefore offer clean, wholesome produce at an affordable price. Cynthia and John love to share what they're doing with visitors to Aquaculture Engineering USA. Their shelves feature only products made by local food producers, artists and more.

Our final destination was at the home of Bill & Judith Jones in Hope. As Cooperators of the District, Bill & Judith provided valuable information about their Blueberry Fields and Christmas Tree Orchards including farm operation, gardens and history. Everyone in the group was extremely impressed after listening to Bill Jones speak about the Payson Barn and his work with the Hope Historical Society. The time spent with individual participants at the Christmas Tree Field was another highlight of our day! The dedication of Bill & Judith Jones to preserving these trees and educating the public is sincerely appreciated by all.

To receive more information about the 2007 Conservation Bus Tour of Lincoln County, you may telephone District Office Manager Kathy Ward at 273-2005, Extension 101, or send an email to kathy.ward@me.nacdnet.net