Growing Strong: Hancock County SWCD Brings Conservation to Food Fest Market on Main
The soil beneath our feet and the water that nourishes our crops are the foundation of every meal we enjoy. This Saturday, September 27th, Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) will be at Food Fest Market on Main in Ellsworth's Franklin Street Parklet, connecting the dots between healthy soil, clean water, and thriving local farms. As part of the larger Autumn Gold Ellsworth celebrations and Food Fest Week, Market on Main participating organizations will enjoy wide exposure to the many people enjoying these local events.
Extending Your Growing Season
Maine's short growing season doesn't have to limit your harvest. At our table, we'll be sharing practical tips and resources for extending your growing season well into fall and even winter. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a backyard gardener, learn how simple techniques can help you grow fresh produce longer and increase your yields.
Ready to take it to the next level? We can connect you with the NRCS High Tunnel Program, which provides cost-share assistance for season extension structures. These unheated greenhouses can transform your growing operation, allowing you to harvest fresh greens and vegetables even when snow covers the ground.
Get Your Hands Dirty: Free Garlic Planting Workshop
Fall is the perfect time to plant garlic for next year's harvest, and we're making it easy for you to get started. Stop by our table for a information on garlic planting techniques. We'll be giving away garlic bulbs so you can put your new knowledge to work right away in your own garden.
Who We Are and Why It Matters
As part of Maine's network of conservation districts, HCSWCD works with farmers, landowners, and communities to protect our natural resources. Our mission is simple but vital: conserve soil and water so our land can continue feeding our communities for generations to come.
We partner with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to bring federal conservation programs directly to Hancock County farmers and landowners. From helping design sustainable farming practices to providing financial assistance for conservation improvements, we're here to support anyone working to be a good steward of the land.
Building Ellsworth's Food Future
Food Fest Ellsworth isn't just about celebrating what we eat today, it's about building a stronger, more sustainable food system for tomorrow. Healthy soil and clean water are essential ingredients in that vision. By supporting local farmers with conservation practices, we're helping ensure that Hancock County remains a productive part of Maine's agricultural landscape.
Each organization attending the Market on Main is included on a Food Fest Passport, with completed passports unlocking special offers from participating businesses. In this way, the Food Fest helps bring awareness our mission by encouraging people to stop by our table and get their “stamp.”
Join us at Market on Main from 11 AM to 4 PM Saturday, September 27th. Learn something new, take home some garlic bulbs, and discover how soil and water conservation connects to every bite of local food you enjoy.
Find us at the Franklin Street Parklet, and don't forget to get your Food Fest Passport stamped!
Learn more about our programs and services at hancockcountyswcd.org