Upcoming events
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Normalizing Farm Financials -MOFGA
March 19, 2026 | 9am-2pm | Common Ground Education Center
A farmer-led discussion on the financial realities of farming, including diversification vs. specialization and long-term financial planning. Panelists will share real financial insights to encourage open conversation about challenges and solutions for farm viability.
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Growing & Marketing Specialty Potato Varieties - UMaine Cooperative Extension
March 20, 2026 | 11am-1pm | Zoom
For commercial farmers with an interest in producing specialty potato varieties, commercial farmers currently producing specialty potato varieties, new and beginning farmers exploring market opportunities. Led by Brett Johnson.
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Water Quality Collaborative: Trout & Salmon Habitat
March 25. 2026 | 5:30 | Moore Community Center & Virtual
Hosted by Downeast Trout Unlimited, Emily Zimmerman (Maine DEP) presents on Maine's updated water quality standards and the Salmon Habitat Monitoring Program. Then Paul Doscher outlines the Magalloway Conservation Collaborative's effort to protect 78,000 acres of premier brook trout habitat..
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USDA's New Grant Terms - Informational Webinar
March 25, 2026 | Noon
A discussion on the USDA’s new standardized general terms and conditions for grants and cooperative agreements. The webinar is designed for farmers, nonprofits and ag service providers navigating USDA funding through a shifting policy environment.
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Integrating Watershed Restoration with Flood Risk Reductions
Thursdays in March 2026 | 12pm-1pm | Virtual
Maine Riverscape Restoration Network presents this lunch and learn webinar series led by TNC Maine’s Climate Adaptation Program Director, Jeremy Bell.
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Dormant Season Pruning - Native Gardens of Blue Hill
March 28, 2026 | 1-4pm
Join Marjorie Peronto & Cathy Rees of NGBH to gain an understanding of the goals and effects of timing and various pruning strategies in order to build pruning skills, tool know-how, and confidence.
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Annual Lake Conference 2026
June 12, 2026
Mark your calendars for this annual event co-sponsored by Maine Lakes and Lake Stewards of Maine at UMaine Orono. More details and registration information will follow in the coming months.
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6th Annual Wild Blueberry Weekend
Aug. 1-2, 2026
This multi-location event includes farm tours, music, food, and everything wild blueberry. Hosted by the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine.
Get Involved
Our conservation work in Hancock County depends on community residents and organizations to support and contribute to it. We maintain a list of conservation-related opportunities that are organized by our partners, and, when possible, we organize events and volunteer opportunities that are specific to our soil and water projects. We invite you to join one or all of these opportunities to stay connected with conservation work in our community.
Complete our Volunteer Sign-Up Form to get started!
We also invite you to consider giving to our District. We accept donations of all sizes, and encourage you to reach out to us if you’re interested in partnering to accomplish and expand conservation goals. Please call us at 207.667.8663 or email hcswcdinfo@hancockcountyswcd.org for more information.
By providing Envirothon and other quality education programs to students today, we hope to ensure the continued value of Maine’s natural resources. Envirothon is aligned with Common Core Standards, the guiding principles for Maine’s education system.
Youth Engagement
Envirothon
What is Envirothon? A natural resource problem-solving competition for grades 9-12. In an outdoor setting, students are tested in five natural resource areas: aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, and a current national environmental issue. Envirothon is a team effort that includes site-specific, hands-on tasks. A team includes three to five students, an alternate, and an adult advisor. Regional and state competitions are held each spring. The top Maine team qualifies for the North American Envirothon finals, an opportunity to compete against teams from across the United States and Canada.
Why Envirothon? The State of Maine has a long history of natural resource use and management. Maine is 90% forested, has 6,000 lakes and ponds, 4,500 miles of mainland shoreline, and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. We have an abundance of wildlife and fish, and agriculture continues to be an important resource. The Maine Association of Conservation Districts has a strong, shared commitment to preserving these natural landscapes.