What happens to food we don’t eat? Learn how we can waste less food in our state, towns, and homes.

The last in a four-part series of free educational events for the midcoast community: Nancy Wood, retired SNAP Nutrition Educator and former owner of Amalfi Restaurant, along with Cindy Wright, of the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, will talk about how to cook and store food, compost scraps, and avoid waste in your kitchen whether in an apartment, a home in town, a camp, or a farmstead.

Maine DEP Basic & Advanced Erosion Control Practices Certification Course

Thursday, November 6, 2025, 8 AM - 4 PM, at the Wiscasset Community Center

Register for this day-long training using the form below by Tuesday, November 4. Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are provided. Course fee is $95.

This course, co-sponsored by Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP, is required to become Certified in Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In this eight (8)-hour course, participants learn why erosion control practices are important; be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation; learn how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control (ESC) Best Management Practices (BMPs); and become familiar with regulations requiring Erosion and Sediment BMPs. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of ESC practices in accordance with Maine DEP's Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.

The course is geared for, and of primary interest to contractors but could also be helpful to municipal code enforcement officers, consultants, engineers, and public works employees. Courses can be tailored to either an audience composed primarily of contractors or for inspectors and municipal officials.

This class qualifies for six (6) Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. Each CEH affords certified individuals one year of recertification. This class is approved for four (4) credits for Certified Tank Installers by the Board of Underground Storage Tank Installers, January 2023.

CoastWise Lunch & Learn Webinar

Join Maine Audubon online for an overview of the new CoastWise Approach to tidal crossings! CoastWise is a training program and resource for anyone with responsibility for planning and building road crossings in tidal wetland areas. Modeled after the statewide Stream Smart program for non-tidal crossings, CoastWise supports coastal Maine communities in building safe road crossings that accommodate the tides, sea level rise, and increasingly powerful storm surge, while fostering a healthy ecosystem.

In this Lunch and Learn we will share the broad principles underlying the CoastWise Approach to replacing tidal crossings in Maine, in advance of two full-day introductory workshops we will host in November.

This program is being offered for free thanks to the Midcoast Council of Government’s “Weathering the Storm” project. Registration is required to receive the zoom link. Please plan to join 10 minutes before the program start time.

Oct 30 at 12:00 - 1:00 pm (Knox-Lincoln SWCD co-hosting), register here: https://maineaudubon.org/events/coastwise/

Friday, October 10th, 4:00–5:30 PM | Georges River Land Trust Pool Preserve
Register Here

Join Georges River Land Trust, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, Maine Tree Farm, and Maine Forest Service for a woodland mindfulness walk. As the trees prepare for their seasonal change, participants will engage in mindful practices that foster a deeper connection with their woodland. Participants will learn ways to connect and build a relationship with their woodland by reflecting in two distinct ecosystems. Facilitators will share tools and resources to help continue your stewardship journey.

Maine Tree Farm has donated writing materials for journaling and reflection exercises. Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and bring your insect repellent of choice.

Directions: From Route 17 in Union, travel one mile north on Sennebec Road to a dirt road on the left (see map). Drive down the dirt road to its end and park beyond the entrance to the driveway into the small gravel pit. At times, the dirt road is chained, so please park on the shoulder there and walk down the dirt road to the property.

Thursday, October 2nd, 6:00–7:00 PM | First Congregational Church, 28 High Street, Wiscasset, ME, 04578

Ever wondered what the big deal is about invasive plants, how they got here in the first place, and how they harm local ecosystems? In this program, attendees will learn about the plants that are disturbing natural ecosystems and replacing the native vegetation that makes Maine unique and supports diverse wildlife, including birds and insects.

Attendees will learn identification features for key invasive terrestrial plants in our area and explore control & prevention strategies. Attendees are encouraged to bring samples of plants from their property for identification – please make sure samples are secured in a plastic zip-lock bag or sealed container.

This free program is presented by Louisa Crane, Program Development Specialist for the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District in partnership with the Garden Club of Wiscasset.

No registration required.

Registration is FULL. Thank you for your interest - please sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram or Facebook to learn about future workshops!

Join Matt Boucher (Maine DACF, Maine Healthy Soils Program) and Knox-Lincoln SWCD for the final of three Soil Health Field Days on Wednesday, October 1, 4:30-6:30 PM, at Sheepscot General Store & Farm in Whitefield.

Our final soil health day focuses on erosion and winter cover. Learn about how to promote soil health as we enter the fall and winter season.

The Soil Health Field Day Series features hands-on soil health trainings to support farmers in implementing best practices. Workshops will cover not only how soil health practices improve soils from a scientific perspective, but also how to approach building these practices into general farming plans. Matt will discuss different strategies for implementing practices and host farmers will share their experiences establishing and maintaining soil health practices as part of their operation.

Learn more about all three 2025 Soil Health Field Days here.

Join Georges River Land Trust, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, and Midcoast Trails Stewardship for a hands-on workshop about sustainable trailbuilding practices, the ways trails impact ecosystems around them, and what makes the Rockland Bog ecologically special.

During the first part of the morning, Louisa Crane from Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Jasper Guyer-Stevens of Midcoast Trails Stewardship will provide education about sustainable trailbuilding and planning for high usage trails. Luke Thombs, Trails and Public Access Manager from Georges River Land Trust, will explain the land trust’s planning and trailbuilding process, as well as how conservation easements work and impact the landscape. 

Then, Midcoast Trails Stewardship will lead a volunteer work session on the newly constructed trails in this section of the Rockland Bog. This collaborative effort between Midcoast Trails Stewardship and Georges River Land Trust will expand multiuse trails in the bog for hikers, mountain bikers, birders, families, and anyone in the community looking to spend time outdoors.

This workshop is free and open to anyone. No prior experience with trailwork is needed. Participants should be prepared to walk over uneven terrain with some elevation and roots. Good walking shoes, long pants, drinking water, and gloves are recommended. 

We will meet at the new Beechwood St entrance to the Rockland Bog. Contact maeve@grlt.org with questions.

Join us on the picturesque grounds of the Camden Amphitheatre on Sunday, September 14 from 9 AM to 1 PM for a celebration of native plants! You can purchase sustainably-grown native plants from local vendors in the beautiful harborside Amphitheater in the heart of the Midcoast! This event is put on by Wild Ones Midcoast Maine in partnership with Camden Public Library. RAIN DATE is Sunday, September 28.

There will be shopping from local native plant nurseries, educational booths with various organizations; conversations with native plant growers and garden experts; two speakers; music; kids activities, and more! This is a great opportunity to learn more about native plants and incorporate them into your own garden and yard.

Stop by the Knox-Lincoln SWCD booth for our Wildflower Seed mixes and seeding information.

Please join us for great food, fellowship, raffle prizes and announcement of conservation awards at our Annual Banquet on Thurs., August 14 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Beaver Lodge in Hope.

Enjoy dinner catered & dessert from Pies by Daphne and a chance to win raffle prizes. Our featured speaker is Matthew Boucher, Ph.D., State Soil Scientist at Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.

We hope you can join us as we celebrate conservation leaders in Knox & Lincoln counties:

Conservation Farm of the Year: Meadowcroft Farm, Washington and Jefferson

Conservation Educator of the Year: Lynn Snow, Thomaston Grammar School

Volunteer of the Year: Brian Lightbody, Camden

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased through mail or our website: www.knox-lincoln.org/shop.

Please register below or call: 207-596-2040, or email: julie@knox-lincoln.org

Tickets are $25 mail/$26 online per person and can be purchased through our website (see blue button below), or via mail a check to: KLSWCD 893 West Street, Rockport, ME 04856.

Thank you to our generous business sponsors:

Goldenrod Sponsor Level:

The First National Bank

Sasanoa Brewing

Viking Lumber

Silverrod Sponsor Level:

Brooks Trap Mill

Union Farm Equipment

If you are interested in sponsoring our annual celebration, please contact Julie Sells at julie@knox-lincoln.org or call 207-596-2040.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Pool Preserve | Register Here

Join Georges River Land Trust, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, and Maine Forest Service for an ash tree focused woodland walk. Maine Forest Service District Forester Allyssa Gregory will provide instructions on identifying ash species. Maine Forest Service Entomologist Colleen Teerling will present ways to identify emerald ash borer, management strategies for ash forests, and treatment options. Woodland stewards and appreciators should leave with a knowledge of Maine’s ash species trees, practical tree identification skills, an understanding of emerald ash borer, treatments, and insights into stewarding a healthy ash forest.

Please come prepared for a mile hike. Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and bring your insect repellent of choice. All ages are welcome! Registration required.

Directions & Parking: From Route 17 in Union, travel one mile north on Sennebec Road to a dirt road on the left (see map). Drive down the dirt road to its end and park beyond the entrance to the driveway into the small gravel pit. At times, the dirt road is chained, so please park on the shoulder there and walk down the dirt road to the property.

Join Matt Boucher (Maine DACF, Maine Healthy Soils Program) and Knox-Lincoln SWCD for the second of three Soil Health Field Days on August 6, 5:30-7:30pm, at Dooryard Farm in Camden.

This event is FULL. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, and to be notified when registration for the October workshop opens, please email cindy@knox-lincoln.org

The Soil Health Field Day Series will feature three hands-on soil health trainings to support farmers in implementing best practices. Workshops will cover not only how soil health practices improve soils from a scientific perspective, but also how to approach building these practices into general farming plans. Matt will discuss different strategies for implementing practices and host farmers will share their experiences establishing and maintaining soil health practices as part of their operation.

Family-style meal and refreshments provided thanks to sponsorship by Real Maine.

Learn more about all three 2025 Soil Health Field Days here.

On Tuesday, August 5, from 5 – 6:30 PM, join Louisa Crane, Program Development Specialist at Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, for a workshop hosted by Native Gardens of Blue Hill on field identification and management of common invasive plants. Meet at the Blue Hill Consolidated School parking lot for this hands-on workshop. Registration is required.

Participants will learn to identify and remove common invasive plant species in Maine, such as Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), and Shrubby honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.). This workshop will feature education about invasive plants, strategies and tools for successful invasive plant management, and hands-on experience with removal. 

This workshop is open to everyone who is interested—no prior experience removing invasive species is needed. Participants should be prepared to walk over uneven terrain with some elevation and roots.  Good work shoes and long pants are recommended. Everyone should bring water and gloves. Loppers and shovels are recommended to anyone who has them.

Field Identification: Invasive Terrestrial Plants of Merryspring

Join Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (KLSWCD) on Tues., July 29th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at Merryspring Nature Center in Camden for Tuesday Talks. We will be focusing on learning field identification skills of key terrestrial invasive plant species impacting Midcoast Maine, such as Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Shrubby Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Ornamental Jewelweed (Impatiens glandulifera), and more.

Louisa Crane, Program Development Specialist at KLSWCD, led the efforts in 2021 on phase two of the invasive plant management plan at Merryspring. She helps landowners and organizations identify invasive plant species and develop invasive plant management plans.

This program will require some standing and walking around Merryspring’s grounds, primarily in the horticultural garden area. We may venture a couple hundred feet onto some woodland trails.

In-person Tuesday Talks are free for Merryspring members and $10 for non-members (cash and check).

Support Maine Farms!

Maine's Open Farm Day is a statewide event, started by Maine farmers and supporters in 1989. For more than 30 years, this premier agritourism event has been a way to raise awareness about farms and their importance to Maine. It is an opportunity to connect visitors to Maine farms so they may learn and see firsthand the care and effort to produce quality Maine farm products and ingredients year-round. Each site is different and offers visitors a chance to meet farmers and learn more about the role of farms across Maine. Open Farm Day hours vary for each location. Please verify before traveling to the farms. FMI: https://www.realmaine.com/openfarmday/

Some participating farms in Knox & Lincoln Counties include:

Brae Maple Farm, Union

Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm, Southport

Figwort Farm, South Bristol

Hamilton Farm, Whitefield

Herbal Revolution, Union

Lakin’s Gorges Cheese, Waldoboro

ME Water Buffalo Co., Appleton

Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, Somerville

Round the Bend Farm, Union

SeaLyon Farm, Alna (Sat. only)

Sweet Season Farm, Washington

Sweethaven Farm, Union (Sat. only)

Tenderwild Farm, Rockport (Sat. only)

Terra Optima Farm, Appleton

FMI: https://www.realmaine.com/openfarmday/

ME DEP Gravel Road Maintenance Practices Certification Course

Fee: $95 per person (mail-in) / $98 per person (online)

Register Below

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring a four and a half-hour classroom and field training intended to provide a resource for gravel road owners, town officials, contractors, and watershed organizations to better understand methods and practices for evaluating and maintaining gravel roads using the Maine DEP Camp Road Maintenance Manual.

The proper maintenance of gravel roads in Maine is important for providing residents safe access to their properties and minimizing costly capital repairs to these roads over time, but it is also an important part of protecting our natural resources from degradation. In this training, participants will learn how proper maintenance protects water quality, review gravel road materials, evaluate a gravel road for maintenance needs, create a road maintenance plan, discuss gravel road Best Management Practices, and will include a site-walk of a local gravel road to provide a real-life scenario for discussion of potential improvements and practices.

The classroom portion of the training includes morning refreshments and materials.  

The afternoon portion will be onsite in Dresden. Lunch and transportation are on your own.

This class qualifies for 4 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. Each CEH affords Certified individuals one year of recertification.

Presented by John Maclaine, Non-Point Source Training Center Coordinator Maine DEP, and Dave Roque, Retired Soil Scientist Maine DACF.

North Haven Invasive Plant Management Walk

Location: North Shore Preserve | Address: North Shore Preserve, North Shore Road, North Haven, ME
Date & Time: July 10th, 11am-1pm | Directions & Parking: Park along North Shore Road, North Haven, ME
Register Below

Join North Haven Conservation Partners, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Forest Service, & Water, Earth, Birds, & Bugs (WEBB) for an invasive plant management workshop. North Haven Conservation Partners will lead us through North Shore Preserve. The 31-acre preserve is predominantly spruce-alder with a strong buckthorn presence.  Maine Natural Areas Program will provide instruction on invasive plant identification and treatment options. Maine Forest Service & Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District will discuss relevant resources and programs. WEBB will share ways North Haven residents can participate in invasive plant control measures on the island.  All are welcome! Please come prepared for a hike. Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring your insect repellent of choice.  A phone number is required to register. If we do not have enough people register or have inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. Please contact District Forester Allyssa Gregory with questions allyssa.gregory@maine.gov 207-441-2895.

Stream Smart Online Lecture

Have you heard about Stream Smart road crossings but haven’t had a chance to attend a workshop yet? Do you or your colleagues want to follow the Stream Smart principles but don’t know where to start? Join us on June 19th at 6:00 pm for a brief, one-hour lecture on the basic principles of Stream Smart. This free online webinar will give you an introduction to the concepts of Stream Smart and where to get additional information for you, your town, or your organization.

This program is being offered for free thanks to the Midcoast Council of Government’s “Weathering the Storm” project. Registration is required to receive the zoom link. Please plan to join 10 minutes before the program start time.

For June 19, 6:00 - 7:00 pm (Knox-Lincoln SWCD co-hosting), register here: https://maineaudubon.org/events/stream-smart-online-training/

The next two trainings in the series, CoastWise and Stream Smart Phase II, will be held later this year.

Date: June 5, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Wiscasset Community Center - Conference Room
Address: 242 Gardiner Rd Wiscasset, ME

Register Below

Soil erosion is not only a source of nonpoint source pollution, but it can also threaten structures and other development along waterbodies. Historically, there was a single approach to shoreline erosion: fill the shoreline with rock or riprap without regard to the ecological functions of the shoreline. While this approach can be successful in solving the erosion problem when done correctly, we now know it creates other problems for waterbodies, fish, and wildlife. Shoreline erosion can be caused by several factors, and finding an appropriate solution requires an understanding of each reason behind the erosion. In this class, participants will be exposed to the factors leading to shoreline erosion, how land use and behavior affects shorelines, state permitting standards related to shoreline stabilization, the importance of vegetation and other natural processes in stabilization of shorelines, and how to minimize impacts to the water on shoreline projects.

This 4-hour class qualifies for 4 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP.

Questions? Contact Louisa at louisa@knox-lincoln.org or (207) 596-2040.

**A 48-hour notice of cancellation is required to get a 50% refund. No refunds for a “no show.” All programs and services of the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District are offered on a non-discriminatory basis.