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Grass Gives Way to Wildflowers: A Neighborhood Initiative to Provide Pollinator Habitat in Keene
The Edgewood neighborhood is a residential development that hugs the eastern Keene-Swanzey border. Geographically, the area was originally pine barrens and became home to New England’s first conifer nursery in 1906. The city aptly refers to our neighborhood as Edgewood because it is edged by woods. At the heart of our neighborhood lies an almost 2 acre commons. In July of 2023 I began to think of what that space could be!
Sarah Ellsworth
Jun 53 min read


Conserving Farmland in the Granite State: 1,813 Acres & Counting!
Since 2020, the NH Farm Future Fund has distributed over $372,000 to protect over 1,813 acres of land throughout the Granite State! The mission of the NH Farm Future Fund is to provide funding for farm viability planning in concert with the conservation of important agricultural soils.
Benee Hershon
May 12 min read


Every Turtle Counts: New Initiative Supports Local Turtle Conservation
New initiative seeks to support turtle conservation in our region and beyond!
Benee Hershon
Apr 35 min read


A Case for Drawing Lines & Showing Up
Conserving the Cheshire County farms, fields, and forests that I, and we, call home isn’t just about showing up!
Sparky Von Plinksy
Mar 65 min read


Climate Resilience Grant: A Closer Look at Building a Strong Farm Future in Our State!
Take a closer look at the NH Climate Resilience Grant, its impact, and why it matters!
Benee Hershon
Feb 63 min read


Expanding Accessibility: The Monadnock Farm Share Program
With the holidays behind us, a new season is around the corner! CSA season!
Benee Hershon
Jan 26 min read


2024: A Year of Growth!
2024 was an exciting year for our organization’s programs and internal operations! We’d like to reflect on the year behind!
Benee Hershon
Dec 5, 20247 min read


An Idea Becomes Reality: Planting a Hedgerow Through the Conservation Opportunity Fund
In December 2023, Eileen Casey of Keene began planning a Conservation Opportunity Fund hedgerow project to support wildlife on her property!
Eileen Casey
Oct 30, 20246 min read


The Cheshire County Conservation District Honors Britton Farm as the 2024 Cooperator of the Year
Each year the Cheshire County Conservation District honors an individual, business or organization with the “Cooperator of the Year”...
Amanda Littleton
Sep 24, 20245 min read


The Cheshire County Conservation District Honors Laura White as the 2024 Educator of the Year
This year we are happy to announce Laura White as our 2024 Educator of the Year!
Benee Hershon
Sep 4, 20247 min read


Making a Forever Farm in Winchester, NH
Making forever farmland through a collaboration between The Monadnock Conservancy & the NH Farm Future Fund!
Martin Royle
Aug 1, 20243 min read


Meet Ellinore: CCCD Welcomes a New Team Member!
CCCD is excited to welcome our newest team member and Administrative Coordinator: Ellinore Todd Long!
Ellinore Todd Long
Jul 5, 20242 min read


Pollinator Habitat Blooms in Keene: A Conservation Opportunity Fund Story
Initially I figured it would take us many years to plant our pollinator habitat, enter the Conservation Opportunity Fund!
Emily Daigle
Jun 6, 20243 min read


Expanding Connection to Nature: The Outdoor Gear Library
In the spring of 2023, the staff at the Keene Public Library were approached by the Cheshire County Conservation District with the idea...
Benee Hershon
May 3, 20246 min read


Starting from the Ground Up: A Closer Look at CCCD's Equipment Rental Program
From April 2023 through November 2024, I took time away from my role with the conservation district to work on farms up and down the east...
Benee Hershon
Apr 5, 20244 min read


Farewell, Matt!
We will be saying goodbye to Matt Smetana, CCCD’s Community Engagement Coordinator, as he embarks on a new adventure. Matt will be...
Benee Hershon
Mar 1, 20244 min read


Conservation Funding Encourages Local Farmers and Landowners to 'Grow Green' in 2024
Discover funding opportunities that help you enhance local agriculture, preserve wildlife habitat, and promote climate resilience!

Matt Smetana
Jan 15, 20245 min read


November Community Member Spotlight: Susie Spikol
Curiosity, empathy, and love for all beings big and small. Susie Spikol has been cultivating these in our community one encounter at a time.

Matt Smetana
Oct 23, 20236 min read


October Community Member Spotlight: Pete's Stand
Pete's Stand is CCCD's 2023 Cooperator of the Year, learn more about the important work they do for our community!

Matt Smetana
Oct 20, 20235 min read


A 'Nock Out Summer: Improving Regional Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Learn more about the role Sofie played in Monadnock Outdoors' regional efforts this summer!

Sofie Wicklund
Aug 4, 20233 min read
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