Upcoming Events
Options for On-Farm Solar
Webinar
When: February 20, 2024, 12:30-1:30PM (rescheduled from 1/23)
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free, Registration Required
Are you interested in learning more about solar options for your farm? As solar panel costs have lowered and incentives have increased, more farms are turning to solar to offset electricity costs.
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Join this webinar to learn about site assessment, compare ground mounted and roof mounted systems, and incentives and funding available for solar projects. We will touch on leasing land for larger solar development. and introduce resources available through The Agrisolar Clearinghouse, a program run by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).
About the presenter: Chris Lent is an Agricultural Specialist working out of Pennsylvania for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) as part of the Northeast regional team. He operated an organic vegetable farm for ten years and worked in the fields of energy efficiency, solar installation, and organic farm inspection. His work at NCAT has focused on farm energy, organic vegetable production, local food systems, high tunnel management, and urban agriculture.
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For questions or assistance in registration, contact matt@cheshireconservation.org or (603)756-9282.
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This workshop is a partnership between the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD), the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH). Funding for this program is provided by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) with NOFA-NH and the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.
REAP 101: Farmer Funding for
Renewable & Energy Efficient Projects
When: March 1, 12:00-1:30PM
Where: Monadnock Food Co-op
34 Cypress St, Keene, NH 03431
Cost: Free, Registration Required
During this in-person workshop, you'll uncover the wealth of opportunities available through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Learn from successful projects, grasp the ins and outs of the application process, and benefit from Clean Energy NH's expert support every step of the way. We will also outline initial actions to prepare your application and provide insights on federal tax credits.
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Maple Operation Energy Efficiency
On-Farm Tour
When: March 12, 1:00-3:00PM
Where: Stuart & John's Sugar House
31 NH Route 63, Westmoreland, NH 03467
Cost: Free, Registration Required
Making maple syrup is a family tradition that spans generations and is a staple here in the northern Northeast. Many maple operations are looking to scale up or improve their operations, but these changes can be costly by often requiring more fuel and larger equipment.
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Start off by learning about efficient sugaring systems that will save boiling time and fuel, and about federal and local funding opportunities that helps make these upgrades more feasible for producers.
High Tunnel Energy Efficiency
On-Farm Tour
When: March 26, 2:00-4:00PM
Where: Dog Days Farm
72 Jaffrey Rd, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
Cost: Free, Registration Required
This on-farm tour will focus on energy use and conservation in high tunnel and greenhouse production. Energy costs can be substantial in a smaller diversified production system and reducing electric bills can help your bottom line.
About the presenter: Chris Lent is an Agricultural Specialist working out of Pennsylvania for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) as part of the Northeast regional team. He operated an organic vegetable farm for ten years and worked in the fields of energy efficiency, solar installation, and organic farm inspection. His work at NCAT has focused on farm energy, organic vegetable production, local food systems, high tunnel management, and urban agriculture.
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For questions or assistance in registration, contact matt@cheshireconservation.org or (603)756-9282.
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This workshop is a partnership between the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD), the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH), and New Hampshire USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NH-NRCS). Funding for this program is provided by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) with NOFA-NH and the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.
Save the Date:
2024 Local Work Group Meeting
When: April 3, 4:30-6:00PM
Where: Walpole Town Hall
34 Elm St, Walpole, NH 03608
Cost: Free, Registration Required
What aspects of local conservation are most important to you? Let your voice be heard!
Join the Cheshire & Sullivan County Conservation Districts at this year's Local Work Group Meeting. This meeting is open to the public; those encouraged to attend include land owners/operators of farm and forest land as well as experts in the field of soil, water, agriculture, forestry, and wildlife sciences who are familiar with the agricultural and natural resource issues of our communities.
Local Work Groups set local priorities based on public input and needs assessments. They identify locally important natural resource concerns and make recommendations to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on local funding priorities, conservation practices, and policies.
Stay tuned for the registration
for this meeting
Save the Date:
Spring Equipment Field Day
When: April 9, 11:00AM-1:00PM
Where: Cheshire County Farm
193 River Rd, Westmoreland, NH 03467
Cost: Free, Registration Required
See equipment in action and learn about CCCD's equipment rental program. Learn how other farmers have utilized equipment on their land and get your questions answered.
Stay tuned for the registration
for this event
Save the Date:
BCS Tractor Training
When: April 17, 4:00-7:00PM
Where: Westmoreland Garden Project
193 River Rd, Westmoreland, NH 03467
Cost: Free, Registration Required
Join us for a 3 hour BCS Tractor Training, a required training to rent the BCS tractor through CCCD's Equipment Program in 2024. Learn how other farmers have utilized equipment on their land and get your questions answered.
Stay tuned for the registration
for this event
Birding on the Farm Workshop
Series
When: May 10th, 2024, 7:30AM-9:30AM
Where: TBD
Cost: Free
Join us for an exciting opportunity to bird on farms throughout our region! Learn new skills and about wildlife conservation on local farms!
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Participants will learn about farm habitat dynamics for birds, habitat management, wildlife conservation on the farm, as well as species identification from experienced bird guides.
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This workshop series is open to birders and enthusiasts of all skill levels!
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Participants should bring binoculars with them (extras may be available), and weather appropriate attire.
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Walking will include slow-paced off-path walks over relatively flat terrain, with stops for discussion and observation!
For questions or assistance in registration, contact matt@cheshireconservation.org or (603)756-9282.
Stay tuned for the registration for this workshop series!
Board Meetings
The fourth Thursday of every month, the board of the Cheshire County Conservation District meets to discuss the District’s strategic plan and annual plan of work. Minutes are available by appointment; please call 603.756.2988 ext.4 or email info@cheshireconservation.org with a request. To attend in person please call 603.756.2988 x3011 or email info@cheshireconservation.org with any questions or to request additional information!**