GRANT AWARDS
PROJECT CANOPY GRANT - The SASWCD was recently awarded a Project Canopy Grant, a community forestry program of the Maine Forest Service, to conduct a street tree survey in Houlton. Volunteers have been out this summer collecting data in different neighborhoods within Houlton with results that will be compiled into a report for the town this winter, providing guidance on future maintenance and tree plantings.
MOBILE KITCHEN CART PROJECT - With Covid-19 and closure of schools, the SASWCD switched gears to continue reaching students as part of our USDA-Farm to School grant. Instead of in-class hands-on cooking classes with Houlton elementary students, we began a new online video series called "Snack Bites." These videos are recipes for quick, homemade snacks that are simple enough for children to make without adult supervision. Students can view the You Tube videos on the RSU29 "Snack Bites" page - http://www.rsu29.org/district-information/snack-bites Thank you to local artist Frank Sullivan for generously designing the "Snack Bites" logo free of charge!
MEDUXNEKEAG RIVER WATERSHED RESTORATION, PHASE II PROJECT - The SASWCD has also received funding for a Dept of Environmental Protection grant to target specific agricultural and livestock practices in the Meduxnekeag Watershed, as well as no-tilling, cover cropping and winter cover work. The grant project is for two years, beginning 2020. Any farmers in the watershed who are interested in participating should contact the District at 254-4126 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss.
OTHER PROJECTS and EDUCATION
"INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES & THEIR REMEDIATION FOR HARVESTERS AND LANDOWNERS" - Thursday, September 17 beginning at Riverfront Park in Houlton. Due to class size restrictions, there will be a morning and afternoon session of this workshop. Pre-registration is required and there are currently spaces available for afternoon session beginning at 1pm. Speakers include Nancy Olmstead of the Maine Natural Areas Program, in addition to workshop partners Maine Forest Service and Master Loggers Program. Learn how to identify some of the most common invasive species in this workshop and how to address this threat to our forests. Master Logger, SAF, QLP, CLP and Pesticide credits are available. Please email the SASWCD to register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 254-4126.
INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S CHAINSAW SAFETY - This class will be held Saturday, November 14 at the Meduxnekeag Ramblers Snowsled Club in Littleton. Cost to attend is $15 and pre-registration is required. Snacks and refreshments will be provided but participants are asked to bring a bagged lunch. Women will learn the fundamentals of safe chainsaw use, head to toe protection gear, how to fix and sharpen a chainsaw, and practice using a chainsaw with "cookie" cutting. Please email the District at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 254-4126 for more information. This class is sponsored in part by LP Corp.