Conservation Opportunity Fund
The mission of the Conservation Opportunity Fund is to provide funding for owners of small tracts of land who are interested in improving the wildlife habitat on their property. This program is an annual opportunity to support environmental stewardship and the ecological integrity of Cheshire County, NH.

In 2020, we awarded $5,500 between four projects:
Laura Andrews & Cary Gaunt of Keene for pollinator habitat installation
Anne Fletcher of Alstead for riparian buffer and pollinator habitat installations
Hillside Village of Keene for pollinator habitat installation
Douglas Clayton of Jaffrey for pollinator habitat installation
In 2021, we awarded just over $5,800 between five projects:
Sophia's Hearth of Keene for pollinator habitat installation
Marlborough Garden Club for pollinator habitat installation
Tom Winmill of Walpole for pollinator habitat installation
Bob Ziman of Swanzey for pollinator habitat installation
Kris Snowman of Walpole for pollinator habitat installation
Eligible applicants include private landowners in Cheshire County, NH with tracts of land 25 acres or less. This can include individuals, businesses, farmers, and/or forestland owners.
Priority will be given to projects that:
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Have a plan for long-term maintenance and sustainability
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Demonstrate landowner inputs of time and resources
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Are informed by the ecology of our region
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Provide opportunities to partner with the CCCD to offer community education
The following will not be funded:
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Landowner time
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Research and feasibility studies
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Efforts that will not lead to improved wildlife habitat
The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) requests proposals from landowners of small tracts, less than 25 acres, who seek funding to make meaningful long-term impact on wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

Interesting in Applying?
Applications for 2022 have closed. View the 2022 RFP Here: 2022 Request for Proposals (RFP)
Attend a Virtual Informational Session
Check Back in November!
Ready to Apply
If you have reviewed the RFP and confirmed that you meet all of the eligibility requirements please complete an application: 2022 Application
Applications for 2022 have closed. 2023 Applications will be posted in Fall/Winter 2022.
For further information or to discuss project proposals, please contact Amanda Littleton:603-756-2988 x4 / amanda@cheshireconservation.org
This year, we have an exciting partnership for rain garden installation and technical assistance.
This new partnership can help in planning a compelling Conservation Opportunity Fund application: https://www.cheshireconservation.org/raingarden
Planning Resources:
Below are some links that might help you start thinking about your own wildlife project. If you have questions about the eligibility of your project, contact Amanda and the CCCD: 603-756-2988 x4
Rain Gardens
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https://www4.des.state.nh.us/SoakNH/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Rain-Garden.pdf
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https://www4.des.state.nh.us/SoakNH/resources-2/rain-garden-planning/
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Watch our most recent Rain Garden Workshop with NH Soak Up the Rain!
Pollinator Habitat
Planting Buffers
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https://www4.des.state.nh.us/SoakNH/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Vegetated-Buffer.pdf
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https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/resource004159_rep5940.pdf
Early Successional Habitat
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https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/nongame/documents/ne-guide.pdf
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https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/nongame/documents/habitat-shrublands.pdf
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https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/nongame/documents/habitat-grasslands.pdf
Lawn Conversion
Ecologically Trained Landscaper Directory
CCCD encourages applicants to research and install projects, but also recognizes that some projects require assistance. CCCD does not endorse any individuals or businesses listed in this directory: