SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
This spring the SASWCD has been busy planning educational events and programs for 2026 so be sure to check back often for updates or like our Facebook page - fb/saswcd.
2026 has been designated as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (YOWF), declared by the United Nations General Assembly and led nationally by NASDA, state agriculture departments, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations, to uplift and recognize women in agriculture. Beginning in May, the SASWCD will be participating in monthly articles in The County weekly newspaper, along with Presque Isle NRCS and St John Valley SWCD, highlighting some of our own Aroostook County women farmers. SASWCD will feature two Southern Aroostook women farmers in the newspaper in May so be sure to check it out.
WORLD FISH MIGRATION DAY: SASWCD will be a part of the May 2nd event with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Houlton Downtown Alliance, celebrating our communities relationship with the Meduxnekeag River. We will be participating in a live staking demonstration and highlighting native plants for shorelines. It's also the same day as the annual canoe race so stop by RIverfront Park to cheer on the canoers and see the educational stations.
TROUT SALE: The SASWCD is now taking orders for the annual sale of Brook trout for pond stocking. Districts will once again be partnering with Mi'kmaq Fish Hatchery with a planned pick up date of May 20. Check out "Trout Sale" under the Fundraising tab to download an order form and IF&W permit application if needed.
GRANT PROJECTS
Nature-based Techniques for Shoreline Stabilization Demonstration Project -The SASWCD was recently awarded a grant from the 2026 Friends of National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) grant program to plan and implement an on-site demonstration of living shoreline stailization techniques through planting and nature-based strategies at a site on Nickerson Lake. The public demonstration project will be implemented in partnership with the Nickerson Lake Wilderness Preservation board. Stayed tuned to learn more about project and event details planned for later this year.
About Soil and Water Conservation Districts:
Soil and Water Conservation Districts work as the grass roots connection between local, state and federal agencies and producers and have done so since 1935, when Congress agreed to a Soil Conservation Service after spending an afternoon in session with skies darkened by soil particles blown in from the Great Plains. The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District became recognized under Maine State Law in January of 1942. Since then, the SASWCD has grown from working with farmers as conservation "cooperators" to include all landowners
Education for all landowners is an important part of our work. Check out listings under "Education" and "Fundraising" to see what is happening this fall in Southern Aroostook.
