Year Round Programs

Below are our ongoing programs that you can get involved in right now. If you’re interested in one or more of these initiatives, reach out for more information on how to get started.

• Water Quality Monitoring - We coordinate with volunteers in the Biotoxin Monitoring Program with Maine Department of Marine Resources where we’ve helped monitor brook trout streams for five years, providing important data for the EPA. Anyone can be trained to collect water quality data and assist in this citizen science initiative.

• Free pH Soil Testing - We have a 24-hour drop box for soil samples at 474 Bucksport Rd, Ellsworth, ME. Results are returned in a few days. Learn more on the Healthy Soil page on our website.

• Equipment Loaning - The District lends out Oxygen testers, a lopper saw for brown tail moth removal or orchard pruning, and soil augurs for testing and soil profiles.

Backyard Rewilding

Backyard Rewilding is an idea that has been popularized by Doug Tallamy through his work with Homegrown National Park. At HCSWCD, we have adapted his ideas to fit the goals and capabilities of the District. In our eyes, Backyard Rewilding is transforming your lawn into a living landscape by:

• Limiting mowing and allowing for natural plant growth

• Planting native species (some can be purchased through our Native Plant Sale at the start of each year. Check out the Store, the Annual Programs/Events section below, or Contact Us for more details.)

• Removing invasive species that out-compete our native plants and don’t provide as many ecological benefits.

The benefits of Backyard Rewilding include, but are not limited to:

• Increasing habitat for native wildlife. Depending on the species you plant, you can fill your back yard with birds, butterflies, mammals, etc. Increasing biodiversity and engaging animals from the entire food chain helps your yard act as a natural ecosystem and gives our native species more room to move throughout the state.

• Filtering polluted water before it reaches major waterways. Native plants have deep roots that absorb nutrients and allow water to infiltrate deep into the ground before it reaches nearby streams, rivers, lakes, etc.

• Carbon sequestration. More biodiversity above ground leads to more biodiversity below ground. The plant matter above ground takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it below ground, helping to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

• Soil Stabilization. In addition to storing carbon and filtering water, deep root systems and biodiverse soil helps keep your soil where it’s at and prevents erosion.

As part of our Backyard Rewilding Program, we offer a Conservation Landscape Certification. To obtain this certification, we walk your property with you and evaluate your yard based on 5 Core Principles: Wildlife Habitat Creation, Soil and Water Conservation, Invasive Species Control, Ecosystem Support, and Integrated Pest Management. If your yard receives a high enough score, we reward you with a sign that shows you have a biodiverse landscape that supports local flora and fauna. This is a great way to showcase your hard work and spark conversation with all those who see your sign.

If you do not receive a passing score, or if you would like more detailed assistance beyond the free initial site visit, we offer Technical design advice including species selection and general planting plans at $60/hr.

To get started Contact Us and we will schedule a site visit to view your property, or use one of our free Conservation Checklists to assess your own yard and start thinking with the Backyard Rewilding approach. We have a Residential Checklist for small, mixed-use properties and a Woodland Owner Checklist for properties over 5 acres.

Workshops

• Invasive Species Workshops - Our most common type of workshop, and something we touch on at almost all of our events, is invasive species. From brown tail moth removal to courtesy boat inspections, the District collaborates with area partners and volunteers to monitor invasives that affect our land and water ways. We offer general education as well as specific recommendations on how to manage invasives on your property. If you’re in need of immediate help with invasive management, visit our Services page to see how we can assist you.

• Workshops - Public workshops throughout the year might include an event around Forest health, a Blueberry Growers Field Day, a seed savers workshop, a migratory fish event, and more. Visit our Events page for more details on upcoming workshops.

Annual Programs/Events

• Sales - Each year we hold a Native Plant Sale, and a Trout Sale to help keep native species and healthy habitats alive and well in Maine. Dates for these sales vary each year. Check out the Store to see if these options are currently available, or reach out for this year’s details!

• Volunteer Spring Cleanup - Each spring on Earth Day we participate in the annual Ellsworth Card Brook and Roadside Cleanup. If it’s that time of year, visit our Events page to register.

• Shellfish Resiliency - We recently conducted a clam flat productivity assessment in collaboration with the Downeast Institute, FBRSC clammers, and District volunteers. Due to the success of this event, we are hoping to build this program in the future. If this is something you’d be interested in, please let us know. Oftentimes, it is easier to build up new programs when we know that there is interest from the community. We appreciate any and all feedback.