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Seed Sales Throughout the year, the Cheshire County Conservation District helps coordinate bulk seed orders to help growers prepare for the coming seasons and save on shipping costs. To be notified of our next conservation product sale, please contact us and provide us with your name and mailing address. An order form will be e-mailed to you prior to the next product sale. Seed Sale: Spring Order Form is Now Open! We offer a bulk seed order in the spring for spring and summer plantings. The Spring and Fall Seed Sale, a partnership between the CCCD and King’s AgriSeed, enables orders less than 1500 lbs. to avoid shipping costs - a benefit the CCCD is proud to offer in support of local farms! We will be taking orders for Kings Agri-seed s in the Spring and Fall. If you have any questions, need assistance in placing your order, or would prefer to place your order over the phone or email please call 603-904-3011 or email ellinore@cheshireconservation.or g . Orders must be March 20, 2026 and should be available for pick-up at the CCCD Office (11 Industrial Park Dr. Walpole, NH) by the second week of April. A copy of the price list can be found here! To place your order, use our online order form here! Once your order has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your order total and payment instructions! You will be notified when your order is available for pick-up. Plant Sale Update Dear CCCD Plant Sale Customers, We want to thank you for your support of CCCD's plant sale throughout the years. We were saddened to learn that FEDCO will no longer be offering group orders for their tree catalog. Due to this, we have again made the decision to not collect plant sale orders this year. As an alternative to our traditional plant sale, we invite plant sale customers to attend our 2024 Pollinator Palooza event, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday June 25th, 2024 from 11:00AM-2:00PM at the Ashuelot River Park in Keene. During the event which celebrates national pollinator week, we will be inviting local plant vendors to sell their products to the community. All participating vendors will be generously donating a portion of their proceeds to support CCCD's conservation programs. We will be in touch with more details about this exciting event later this Spring! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions: info@cheshireconservation.org or (802) 518-0993 We look forward to seeing you in June! -The CCCD Team

< Back Kate Buckman Associate Supervisor Kate has spent the majority of her career studying marine and freshwater ecology, beginning with her undergraduate work at Smith College and moving on to receive a PhD in Biological Oceanography from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program. Kate returned to NH and spent many years at Dartmouth College as a member of the Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program studying how mercury moves through food webs and assisting with community science programs in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont before joining the Connecticut River Conservancy's staff, where she is currently the Aquatic Ecologist. Kate loves thinking and talking about the connections between people, land, water, and fish. She spends most of her free time puttering around her fields and gardens in Alstead.

< Back Kelsi Lord Program Analyst kelsi.lord@usda.gov 603-904-3008 Hi! I have lived and worked in the Monadnock Region for the last 8 years. I originally moved here to attend Keene State, earning a bachelor’s degree in Geography, Outdoor Recreation, and Planning. Along the way I also picked up two minors: one in Sustainability and the other in Environmental Studies. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with it all, but I did know I didn’t mind staying in the area while I figured it out. After doing seasonal park work for a couple of years, I craved something more stable with the same feel of giving back to the community. I eventually found the Farm Service Agency (FSA), somewhere I get to help people directly every day. If you are interested in working with FSA, NRCS, another USDA Agency, or have any general questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I might not have THE answer, but I’m happy to help you in the right direction.

Upcoming Events No-Till Equipment Field Day Thu, Apr 09 Cheshire County Farm Join local service providers and fellow farmers to see equipment in action and learn about the farm equipment rental program! RSVP BCS Tractor Training: 2026 Drop in Hours! Fri, May 01 Foggy Hill Farm This year we are making the BCS Tractor Training more accessible! On Friday May 1st, between the hours of 12pm and 6pm, we invite you to drop in for a BCS Tractor Training. RSVP Cover Crop Demonstration Day Wed, May 06 High Meadows Farm Join the Windham County NRCD in partnership with High Meadow Farms for a cover crop demonstration day! RSVP Making Your Turtle Sightings Count Tue, May 12 Zoom Workshop It’s always exciting to encounter a turtle in the wild — but did you know that it’s also an opportunity to contribute to turtle conservation? Join NH Fish and Game turtle biologist Josh Megysey and Harris Center ecologist Nate Marchessault to learn how you can turn your turtle photos into data that RSVP Learn to Grow and Maintain Trees in Agricultural Landscapes Thu, Jun 04 Nomad Farm Join the Windham County NRCD in partnership with Interlace Commons for an Agroforestry Demonstration day! RSVP Land Management Practices for New Hampshire Turtles (A Turtle Wildlife Workshop) Mon, Jun 08 Reservoir Woods Join us for a walking tour at Reservoir Woods in Walpole, New Hampshire! Learn about various Turtle habitat management practices on the property, how they support turtle populations, and ways to implement practices on your property. RSVP 2026 Pollinator Palooza Sat, Jun 27 Ashuelot River Park Join us for an afternoon of learning and celebration of pollinators during National Pollinator Week! RSVP 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 603.904.3011 or email info@cheshireconservation.org with a request. To attend in person p lease call 603.904.3011 or email info@cheshireconservation.org with any questions or to request additional information!**

No-Till Farming No-till farming is the practice of farming without disturbing the soil through traditional means of tilling. Tilling seems like a practical method of farming, it creates a clean seed bed and allows farmers to easily incorporate fertilizers into the soil. The rototiller is the tool of the trade for most farmers, and for good reason. However, as we start to learn more about the benefits of the natural soil ecosystem, we have begun to learn how no-till farming can benefit our crops. No-till farming has been gaining acceptance among small-scale organic farmers in recent years, though some large-scale conventional farmers have been practicing no-till for decades[1] . No-till and its associated practices have been proven to be revolutionary for soil erosion control[2] , water retention and drainage, soil health, disease control, and even weed pressure. Furthermore, no-till farming can provide economic and time saving benefits for the farmer all while conserving the land and combating climate change[3] . Farmers with land of all shapes and sizes have turned to no-till and it has led to a wide range of innovative practices and techniques, read more to find out if no-till is right for your farm! Visit our Farm Equipment Rental page for information on our No-Till Seeder and other farm equipment available to you today! Benefits to the Farmer... One invaluable benefit of no-till that is universal among practicing farmers is better soil drainage. Across the board, farmers that have transitioned into no-till have been celebrating the ability to access their fields after a rain event (case studies). The process of tilling may create a clean seedbed, but the restructuring of the soil and constant running of the plough can lead to standing water in the field, making it difficult to access. Furthermore, standing water can lead to increased crop disease from water splashing and transmitting pathogens to the plant. As climate changes, no-till farming can be a resilient practice to mitigate the effects of more intense and potentially more frequent storms. Many farmers report less time on the field with no-till production. While no-till may require a change in practices, without having to till, there is a lot less time spent in the field. With less time on the field, there are fuel savings and less wear and tear on equipment. Furthermore, switching to no-till saves on chemicals and fertilizer. With less disease, there is less need to spend time keeping it off your crops. With a better soil structure, fertilizers are better retained and organic matter and microbial activity helps to keep crops healthy to the point where fertilizers may not be needed as much. These results may not be universal for all farmers, but with changes in practices associated with no-till, there is likely to be improvement in several of these aspects. No-till farming can be an excellent tool for conservation and combating climate change. All of this comes down to building a healthy soil ecosystem. When kept in tact and left to natural processes, the soil ecosystem booms with energy as several organisms interact, exchanging information and cycling nutrients. One of those important organisms is the earthworm. Worms are a clear sign of good soil. Their presence is indicative of high organic matter content and porous soils that allow for better drainage and deeper rooting depths[4] . Worms are also useful in recycling nutrients, their waste can help make the soil richer in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Their burrows allow crop roots to reach lower depths and make more efficient use of soil water. Worms are worth investing in, and some no-till techniques such as the cardboard method (case study) can seriously boost their population. Worms, in combination with insects, microbial organisms, and mycorrhizal fungi can create a healthy nutrient cycle in the soil that will ultimately benefit crops. No-till farming can be one of the quickest and most effective ways of building soil organic matter and quality and reducing soil erosion[5] . Higher organic matter in soil can prevent erosion and practices like cover cropping and mulching help to boost that. No-till beds are also more resilient to erosion by wind and water than tilled beds[6] ,[7] . Some farmers are turning to no-till practices in response to the uncertainty of future oil supplies. Much of farming is heavily reliant on petroleum, as oil reserves begin to run out, it is important to find other ways of growing food. Many no-till practices lend themselves to using less fuel or none at all. Benefits to the Environment... With a rapidly changing climate, the future of farming is uncertain. It is important to build resilient farming practices for a food secure future. With an increase in the intensity of stormy weather, tilled fields will become less accessible after rainfall. With no-till, farms can bounce back quicker from excessive water (case study). Furthermore, no-till farms have less chance of run off and soil erosion from these events[8] . On the other side of the spectrum, no-till crops have proven to be more resilient against drought conditions[8] . Finally, no-till practices have been shown to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, as opposed to tilling practices, which generally release more carbon dioxide[3] ,[9] . No-till farming has been accepted and practiced by people all over the world, at all altitudes and in all climates[8] . There is a wide range of approaches being implemented on farms at all scales. No-till can be the best method for conservation on farms and resilience to climate change while simultaneously saving time and energy. Read our case studies to learn how farmers in the Northeast are doing it, and check out the resources below to learn more about how no-till can benefit you, your farm, and your environment. No-Till Vegetable Production Case Studies In the Fall of 2017, CCCD intern Cain Landry conducted a series of interviews with farmers in the Northeast who are actively practicing no-till farming. These interviews were then turned into case studies to highlight the work of the farmers and show the public how farmers in the area are approaching no-till farming in unique ways. Read about our featured no-till farmers below! Many Hands Organic Farm - Barre, MA Read about Julie Rawson of Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre, MA. Julie is an experienced farmer and executive of NOFA who farms from a unique perspective of soil ecology and is always experimenting and developing her methods. Read More Seeds of Solidarity - Orange, MA Read about Ricky Baruc of Seeds of Solidarity in Orange, MA. Ricky is a long-time progressive farmer and master of the cardboard method, which has led to extremely rich soil crawling with dense worm populations. Read More Lavoie Farm - Hollis, NH Read about Adrien Lavoie of Lavoie Farm in Hollis, NH. Adrien has converted nearly 100 acres of his farm to no-till using zone-tillage techniques. Read More Astarte Farm - Hadley, MA Read about Dan Pratt of Astarte Farm in Hadley, MA. At Astarte Farms, pollinator/predator habitats are emphasized and no-till methods make use occultation strips and biochar. Read More Woven Roots Farm - Tyringham, MA Read about Jen Salinetti of Woven Roots Farm in Tyringham, MA. Jen has honed season extension skills and utilizes mindful ecological practices. Read More References: [1] Johnson, C. (November 1, 2013). No-till acceptance disappointing. Corn and Soybean Digest. Retrieved from http://www.cornandsoybeandigest.com/tillage/no-till-acceptance-disappointing [2] Williams, J., Gollany, H., Siemens, M., Wuest, S., & Long, D. (2009). Comparison of runoff, soil erosion, and winter wheat yields from no-till and inversion tillage production systems in northeastern Oregon. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation,64(1), 43-52. doi:10.2489/jswc.64.1.43 [3] Spargo, J., Alley, M., Follett, R., & Wallace, J. (2008). Soil carbon sequestration with continuous no-till management of grain cropping systems in the Virginia coastal plain. Soil and Tillage Research,100(1-2), 133-140. doi:10.1016/j.still.2008.05.010 [4] Kemper, W. D., Schneider, N. N., & Sinclair, T. R. (2010). No-till can increase earthworm populations and rooting depths. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 66(1). doi:10.2489/jswc.66.1.13a [5] Schonbeck, M. (July 20, 2015). What is “Organic No-till,” and Is It Practical?. eOrganic. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/18526/what-is- organic-no-till-and-is-it-practical [6] Gard, L. E., & Mckibben, G. E. (1973). “No-till” crop production proving a most promising conservation measure. Outlook on Agriculture, 7(4), 149-154. doi:10.1177/003072707300700403 [7] Yoder, D. C., Cope, T.L., Wills, J. B., Denton, H.P. (2005). No-till transplanting of vegetables and tobacco to reduce erosion and nutrient surface runoff. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 60(2), (68-71). [8] Derpsch, R., Friedrich, T., Kassam, A., Hongwen, L. (2010). Current status of adoption of no-till farming in the world and some of its main benefits. International Journal of Agriculture and Biological Engineering, 3(1), 1-25. doi: 10.3965/j.issn.1934-6344.2010.01.001-025 [9] Rouw, A. D., Huon, S., Soulileuth, B., Jouquet, P., Pierret, A., Ribolzi, O., Chantharath, B. (2010). Possibilities of carbon and nitrogen sequestration under conventional tillage and no-till cover crop farming (Mekong valley, Laos). Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment,136(1-2), 148-161. doi:10.1016/j.agee.2009.12.013 Reference 1 Reference 2 Reference 3 Reference 4 Reference 5 Reference 6 Reference 7 Reference 8 Reference 9 Funding to support this work is provided in part by the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food though a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, the NH State Conservation Committee’s Conservation Grant Program, The You Have Our Trust Fund through the NH Charitable Foundation, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

< Back Sara Powell Board Member Sara Powell, of Gilsum, NH, has conservation in her blood. Hailing from the Catskill Mountains of New York Sara grew up raising goats, participating in 4-H, making maple syrup, and helping her ecology educator parents run an environmental field station on the Hudson River. She followed her penchant for environmental work into her formal education, gaining a B Sc., in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont. Summers she could be found back home, working as a Stream Stewardship Intern at her local Soil and Water Conservation District, surveying and monitoring stream restoration projects. Sara has worked with a myriad of farms and food justice programs across the region. From educating school groups at Shelburne Farms, to weighing and packaging vegetables for the CSA at Hawthorne Valley Farm, to coordinating a summer food systems fellowship program at Middlebury College, her desire to bring positive change to the food and farming landscape has never ceased. She earned her Master’s in Environmental Studies from Antioch University, where through her focus on community education and food systems she received a Certificate in Food Justice and Resilient Communities. She co-coordinated Antioch’s Community Garden Connections program and managed the Westmoreland Garden Project which connects local community members to food education and produces food for donation to the local food shelf. Thankfully, the program also connected her to CCCD! She loves living in Cheshire County and is thrilled for the opportunity to serve the community as an associate board member. These days, Sara can be found working at W.S. Badger Balm in Gilsum. Her interests include hiking and trail running, swimming, bluegrass music, cooking, and playing outside with her family.

Monadnock Grows Together Monadnock Grows Together is a free local resource for gardeners and small-scale urban farmers looking for advice, information, and support. Workshops and events provide a place to connect with other growers. Gardening Resources for the Monadnock Region As part of this project, local growers in Keene, NH and surrounding towns gain access to valuable gardening resources such as: 1-on-1 gardening resource assistance from our Urban Ag & Gardens Coordinator Free gardening workshops through 2022-2023 A Garden Tool Lending program at the Keene Public Library Makerspace Free seeds and seed saving resources at Keene Public Library Take advantage of free gardening workshops with Monadnock Grows Together! Our spring workshop series is underway , view events here! Check out Garden Tools from the Tool Lending Library! Visit the Kingsbury Makerspace at the Keene Public Library (KPL) to check out any of our garden tools for 1 week intervals! Free of charge & no library card needed to participate! See a few of the tools available below! KPL also offers a wide range of adaptive tools for gardeners of all skill levels and abilities! Seeds can also be checked out free of charge at the Frost Free Library in Marlborough, NH! Broad Fork This is a tool used to manually break up hard soil, to improve aeration and drainage. Hand Seeder This battery-powered seeder is great for any seed you wish to broadcast, from lawn grass, to cover crops, or baby greens. Flat Spade Shovel A spade has a flat edge (not a rounded or pointed edge). It is most useful for cutting. For example, if you need to line the edge of a garden bed. Garden Fork It is useful for loosening soil. For example, to prepare a garden bed or to loosed large weeds before pulling them out. Garden Rake Can be used to rake soil smooth and break up clumps, before planting in a seed bed. Hand Cultivator This is a great hand weeding tool! Really versatile in small spaces. Hand Fork A hand fork is a tool used for weeding and for loosening soil, on a smaller scale than a garden/digging fork. Hand Rake A hand rake is used for loosening soil in a garden bed. They can be useful when prepping small areas for seeds, or digging out weeds. Hoe Used for removing weeds. Best used when the soil is dry. You should stand as upright as possible, and aim to cut off the weeds just under the surface of the soil. Push Seeder This seeder is great for row crops. It has interchangeable plates, so it can be used with seeds of different sizes. Shovel A shovel has a rounded or pointed edge (not a flat edge). It is most useful for digging and moving soil. Trowel Garden trowels are used for digging small holes in the garden. For example, to transplant seedlings. They can also be used for digging out small weeds. Meet our Urban Ag & Gardens Coordinator! Nicolette Gagnon, “Nikko”, is a Masters candidate in the environmental education program at Antioch University. She is a New Hampshire native but has been teaching environmental and outdoor education for the last 8 years in California, Washington, British Columbia, and Maine. She comes to Monadnock Grows with a strong scientific understanding of ecosystems and climate change from her undergraduate degree in environmental science. Her interest in community work has been growing over the past 5 years as she took on leadership roles that interacted with stakeholders and the general public. She is keenly interested in an organization's impact on its immediate community and how it can be accessible to everyone, culturally, emotionally, and physically. Nikko is available to answer questions and connect community members with gardening resources! Reach out to Nikko via email: ngagnon@antioch.edu Gardening Technical Assistance Hours: Join Us for Garden Club! Monadnock Grows Together will be offering gardening technical assistance hours during garden club on Tuesday Evenings from 5:30-6:30PM at the Keene Public Library Booras Room! Garden club will be held from April 11th through May 16th and will be an opportunity to connect with other gardeners, ask questions, and discuss gardening topics! Thank you to our partners & funders! Monadnock Grows Together is funded by the Urban Agriculture Conservation grant Init i ative. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) established the Urban Agriculture Conservation Grant Initiative in 2016 to help conservation districts and their partners provide much-needed technical assistance for agricultural conservation in developed or predominantly developing areas. Since July of 2016, NACD and NRCS have awarded six rounds of grants, totaling over $4 million to 81 conservation district projects across 34 states. The CCCD is working in partnership with Antioch University New England's Community Garden Connections (CGC), the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition (MFCC), and the Keene Public Library within the city of Keene, NH to offer technical assistance, education, and gardening equipment to small-scale urban farmers and gardeners for growing their production capacity while conserving natural resources such as soil health, water quality, and pollinator habitat.

New Hampshire Farm Future Fund 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. Funding available to NH Land Trusts for: (1) Financial assistance to offset costs associated with farmland conservation projects (2) Technical assistance to support farm business viability and succession planning This program will leverage the singular opportunity of putting a conservation easement on farmland to also invest in the future viability of the farm business. The goal of this fund is to ensure that farmland is conserved, productive, and available for future generations. The New Hampshire Conservation Districts, in partnership with the Cheshire County Conservation District, requests proposals from land trusts who seek funding to work with NH farms to conserve their land and improve the viability of their farm business. This is an integrated approach to funding farm viability, farmland conservation, and farmland access. Applicants should be committed to bringing together experts in land conservation, succession planning, and farm viability to advance the Farm Partner's stated business goals. Applications are Open Interested in Applying? Before applying, please review the specific requirements of this grant opportunity laid out in detail in the RFP: NHFFF 2026 RFP Ready to Apply? If you have reviewed the RFP and confirmed that you meet all of the eligibility requirements please complete the application: NHFFF 2026 Application Technical Assistance Provider Menu NHFFF Final Report Te mplate All materials are due on May 31, 2026! NHFFF Project Descriptions: Since 2020, $440,000 has been distributed to 22 farms, in partnership with 8 NH Land Trusts conserving 2,402 acres, in 7 counties! Atkins Farm, Sandown NH In 2025, the Atkins Farm project will protect 15.9 acres in Sandown, NH, through the purchase of a conservation easement with an option to purchase at agricultural value (OPAV) by the Southeast Land Trust (SELT). SELT will use funds to help with easement costs, including survey, environmental assessment, and/or legal and title expenses. The landowner is taking ownership of the farm from his parents' estate and is working to bring the farm back into active production. Technical assistance may include lease agreement drafting, viability planning, soil evaluation, and easement legal review. Blue Moon Berry Farm, Warner NH In 2022, Five River Conservation Trust proposes to purchase at bargain sale a conservation easement from Jan Gugliotti and Barbara Dieckman on 104 acres for farm and forest land in Warner, NH. This NH Farm Futures grant will allow the owners of the Farm to create and intergenerational transition plan, investigate options to mitigate the effects of climate change on their business and explore options for bringing on additional farm help. Clyde Farm, Farmington NH In 2020, Southeast Land Trust of N H (SELT) purchased a permanent conservation easement on the 135-acre Carlsen Farm. In conjunction with SELT’s purchase, the owners of Clyde Farm LLC have negotiated a farm lease on the property with option to buy. Once conserved, their purchase would offer them their first chance at farm ownership. SELT will use $10,000 to cover transactional costs of the easement, while Clyde Farm will use $10,000 to complete an Enterprise Analysis for the new property, as well as obtain legal assistance to help navigate the easement negotiation and other business planning. Five Sigma Farm, Sullivan NH In 2023, the Monadnock Conservancy was awarded grant funds to assist with transaction costs associated with the permanent protection of 55 acres of farmland at Five Sigma Farm in Sullivan, NH. Funds will also be utilized for technical assistance and to cover costs related to survey work, the appraisal, and Conservancy Staff time. The technical assistance funds will likely be used to cover the farmer’s legal fees to review the conservation easement and transaction documents, to address business and financial planning needs and to assist in developing land lease agreements for grazing lands as available funding allows. Forcier Conservation Area, Haverhill NH In 2025, the Forcier Conservation Area will protect 520 acres in Haverhill through the purchase of a conservation easement by the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust. Technical assistance will focus on costs associated with legal and financial assistance and conservation planning. The Farm Partner is very committed to this conservation project, keeping the property undeveloped and available for farming into the future. Hillside Springs Farm, Westmoreland NH In 2025, the Hillside Springs Farm project will protect 53 acres in Westmoreland through the purchase of a conservation easement by the Monadnock Conservancy. Hillside Springs Farm is a working vegetable farm with prime agricultural soils of statewide importance, as well as grass land and forest habitat. The technical assistance funds will likely be used to cover the farmer's legal fees associated with the project and to address financial, tax, estate, and succession related planning. Horizon Farm, Bennington NH In 2023, the Monadnock Conservancy will utilize grant funds to assist with transaction costs associated with the permanent protection of 55 acres of farmland at Horizon Farm in Bennington, NH. The organization will utilize grant funds for technical assistance and to cover Conservancy costs related to the appraisal expense and the stewardship fund contribution. The technical assistance funds will likely be used to cover the Horizon Farm’s legal fees associated with the project and to address business and financial related planning and implementation needs. Huckins Farm, New Hampton NH In 2021, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) will purchase a conservation easement on 132 acres of the Huckins Farm. The Huckins Farm is a small dairy operation that sells its milk, cheese and yogurt directly to the consumer through its farm stand as well as through retail stores state-wide. It will use NH Farm Future funds to develop business practices, conduct farm succession planning, and enhance its social media /web presence and marketing. Jalco Farm, Haverhill NH In 2023, the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) will utilize grant funds to protect Jalco Farm, an idyllic mix of 181 acres farm and forestland in Haverhill, NH. A conservation easement, in the form of an NRCS ALE, will be purchased utilizing funds from UVLT’s NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Grant funds will aid in covering a portion of the costs for the project and will be utilized by Jalco Farm to seek legal assistance with will and estate planning and easement review, as well as tax and financial planning support. Maple Leaf Farm, Lyme NH In 2021, Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) will protect 42 acres of Maple Leaf Farm, an idyllic mix of farm and forestland situated along NH Rt. 10 in Lyme. A conservation easement, in the form of an NRCS ALE, will be purchased utilizing funds from UVLT’s NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NH Farm Future funds will aid in covering a portion of the costs for the project and will be utilized by the Farm Partner to seek project representation and business and transition planning support. Meadow’s Mirth Farm, Brentwood NH In 2021, Southeast Land Trust of NH (SELT) will purchase a permanent conservation easement on a 33-acre property currently owned by Game Farm, LLC. In conjunction with SELT’s easement purchase, Game Farm, LLC has agreed to lease the farm to Meadow’s Mirth Farm. The lease agreement also gives Jennings an option-to-buy once the conservation easement is completed, offering Meadow’s Mirth its first chance at farm ownership after more than 15 years of operating on leased land. SELT will use $10,000 to cover transactional expenses of the easement, while Meadow’s Mirth Farm will use $10,000 for technical assistance. Mink Meadow Farm, Hanover NH In 2024, the Upper Valley Land Trust will protect 23.5 acres of farmland through the purchase of a conservation easement on Etna Road, in the village of Etna in Hanover, NH. The property that will be protected consists of prime agricultural soils, soils of statewide importance, and soils of local importance and is utilized by Mink Meadow Farm, an operation run by the landowners’ son and his partner. This project will utilize $10,000 for technical assistance and $10,000 for conservation easement expenses. NH Farm Future funds will be utilized for technical assistance towards business coaching for Mink Meadow Farm and towards UVLT’s purchase of the easement. Morrill Dairy Farm, Penacook NH In 2022, The Forest Society is working with Rob and Sherri Morrill and the Morrill Farm Dairy LLC o purchase a conservation easement on approximately 208 acres of their farm property in Penacook, NH. The farm is operated by Rob and Sherri Morrill and their three sons, Andy, Kevin, and Ryan. The farm currently owns or leases over 500 acres of land in Penacook, Concord, and Boscawen. The proposed easement land is a mixture of open agricultural fields, riparian areas, floodplain forests, and shrub wetlands that drain into the Merrimack River. 25% of this grant will be used to help cover the conservation easement transaction expenses and 75% will be used towards legal fees associated with estate planning and technical assistance to help analyze their current business practices and develop a business plan. Moulton Generations Farm, Haverhill, NH In 2022, the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust, will protect 202 acres of farmland at the Moulton Generations Farm in Haverhill, NH. Grant funding will help pay the costs associated with the property survey needed for the easement process. Technical assistance will focus on succession to new owner (the owner’s son) and costs associated with legal and financial assistance, and owners share of EQIP funded forest management plan. This grant funding will help to take the project from the planning and discussion phase to the development phase of placing the land in conservation easement. On the River Farm, Lyme NH In 2023, the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) seeks to protect 18 acres of farmland at On the River Farm, a floodplain farm between the Connecticut River (National Scenic Byway) and River Road in Lyme, NH. UVLT anticipates that a conservation easement, in the form of an NRCS ALE, will be purchased utilizing funds from UVLT’s NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Grant funds will aid in covering a portion of the costs for the project and will be utilized by On the River Farm to seek legal assistance for will and estate planning and easement review, tax and financial planning assistance, and coaching on attracting and bringing on a future farmer. Pete’s Stand, Walpole NH In 2021, the Monadnock Conservancy permanently protected this farmland by purchasing a conservation easement. This grant request seeks $10,000 to be used for technical assistance and $10,000 to be used to cover Conservancy costs related to the appraisal expense and the stewardship fund contribution. The technical assistance funds will likely be used to cover the farmer’s legal fees to review the conservation easement and transaction documents, to assist in implementing land lease related agreements, and to address other business related planning and implementation needs as available funding allows. Picadilly Farm, Winchester NH In 2021, the Monadnock Conservancy permanently protected this farmland by purchasing a conservation easement. This grant request seeks $10,000 to be used for technical assistance and $10,000 to be used to cover Conservancy costs related to the initial appraisal expense, the survey expense and a portion of the stewardship fund contribution. The technical assistance funds will likely be used to cover the farmer’s legal fees to review the conservation easement and other transaction related documents, and to provide business finance and marketing assistance. Pletcher Farm (aka Vegetable Ranch), Warner NH In 2020, Five Rivers Conservation Trust purchased a conservation easement on Pletcher Farm. The easement will allow the farm to be split into two ownerships in the future. Technical assistance will be utilized to help Larry Pletcher develop a succession plan for the farm business and land. This will enable Larry and the next generation of farm stakeholders to consider creative ideas for future ownership and equity building. Land for Good will also provide accountability to Larry as he establishes a will. Sherman Farm, Conway NH In 2020, the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) purchased a conservation easement on Sherman Farm. The easement will preserve important natural resource values and forever protect the land for agriculture. The easement will protect over 160 acres of valuable farmland soils and almost 1,000 feet of frontage along the Saco River. NHFF funds will be used to partially cover acquisition costs such as surveying, appraisal, legal review, title work, stewardship contribution and legal defense funds, environmental assessment, and baseline documentation. Technical assistance for the farm partners will be used for business viability planning and identifying new markets for local, farm-raised beef. Swiftwater Farm, Lee NH In 2022, The Garvan Swiftwater Farm project will be a bargain sale conservation easement. NH Farm Future grant funding will help pay the costs associated with the property appraisal, updating of the property survey, and associated costs. Technical assistance will focus on succession to new owner and development and training opportunities. The landowner is very committed to conservation, and we expect will proceed unless the appraisal is very low - not an expected outcome. This grant funding will help to take the project from the planning/discussion phase to the development phase. Tuckaway Farm, Lee NH In 2020, the Forest Society worked with the Cox family to buy a conservation easement on an adjacent 36-acre property which was purchased by Tuckaway Farm (Westwick Farming LLC) last spring. NH Farm Future funds will be used to help cover the transaction expenses and provided funding to the landowner to receive farm viability planning, land transfer planning and legal assistance. Woods Farm, Bath NH In 2020, the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust began the process of conserving a 311-acre beef farm through the purchase of a conservation easement. Technical assistance focused on current business viability (e.g. capital investments, soil fertility, marketing), identifying new business opportunities for the future, and how to create an easement that meets goals for both business viability and conservation. Grant dollars were also used for an appraisal of the land to determine which land is strategic fort conservation. Impact Having trouble viewing in your browser? Visit the full StoryMap here ! Thank you to our Funders! This grant opportunity wou ld not be possible without the help of our generous funders. The NH Farm Future Fund is a grant program that is privately funded and administered by the Cheshire County Conservation District on behalf of t he New Hampshire Conservation Districts. Many thanks to our funders that make this program possible. The primary funder is the You Have Our Trust Fund of Fidelity Charitable Additional funding provided by the Madison Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and LCHIP. Additional thanks to the Land Resources Action Team of the New Hampshire Food Alliance . The NH Farm Future Fund grew out of the efforts of this Action Team. Cheshire County Conservation District is proud to announce additional funding through the NH Farm Future Fund from the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) in 2026! LCHIP funds will be used to provide funding for transaction costs associated with the conservation easement process, matched by private funds used to provide technical assistance (business planning, succession planning, etc.), to support the continued stewardship of these lands and ensure the viability of local farm businesses. By partnering with the NH Farm Futures Fund, LCHIP has a unique opportunity to support and strengthen a program that has conserved 2,402 acres of agricultural soils throughout our state, while engaging 22 farms and 8 NH Land Trusts! This partnership marks an exciting new chapter and expansion of this innovative program! Partners on this project: The NH Association of Conservation Districts , The Cheshire County Conservation District , Land for Good , American Farmland Trust , University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension , Legal Food Hub , & New Hampshire Community Loan Fund Donations to this program are accepted year round! Click here to make a donation online Checks can be made payable to "NHFFF" 11 Industrial Park Drive Walpole, NH 03608" Questions? For further information or to discuss project proposals, please contact Benee Hershon: benee@cheshireconservation.org / 802-518-0993

Our Team. This is your Team page. It's a great space to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture and work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team. Amy Bodwell Roxbury Andy Pressman Jaffrey Richard Mellor Rindge John Treat Keene

Acerca de Volunteer Opportunities Every year, we have engaging annual events and ongoing committees that need volunteer support. Check out some of the opportunities below and consider how you want to get involved! Join the CCCD Board of Supervisors Want to get on board with the Conservation District’s efforts? Join our Board of Supervisors. CCCD Board members offer guidance, advice, and input to the District’s strategic plan and annual plan of work. To find out more about serving on the CCCD Board contact District Manager Benee Hershon: benee@cheshireconservation.org 802-518-0993 View Job Description CCCD Annual Events Each year we look for volunteers on these one day events: Source to Sea Pollinator Palooza Annual Celebration

Conservation Opportunity Fund The mission of the Conservation Opportunity Fund is to provide funding for owners or stewards 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. Applications are Closed for 2026! The Conservation Opportunity Fund awards up to $1,500 to implement a wildlife habitat improvement project! Eligible applicants include private landowners or land stewards in Cheshire County, NH with tracts of land 25 acres or less in total. This can include individuals, businesses, farmers, and forestland owners/stewards. Wildlife habitat improvement projects include (but are not limited to): Installation of pollinator habitat, rain gardens, wildlife-focused plantings, and riparian buffers Creation and improvement of early successional habitat, aquatic habitat, and turtle habita t in priority areas A lis t of previously-funded projects can be found further down the webpage Priority will be given to projects that: Have a plan for long-term maintenance and sustainability Demonstrate landowner inputs of time and resources Are informed by the ecology of our region Provide opportunities to partner with the CCCD to offer community education The following will not be funded: Landowner/steward time Research and feasibility studies Efforts that will not lead to improved wildlife habitat The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) requests proposals from applicants that meet the eligibility criteria above. Applications for 2026 are Closed Interested in Applying? Before submitting an application, please Review the 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) Watch Past Years Virtual Informational Session Recordings Interested land stewards are encouraged to watch the recording of last year’s informational session to learn more about eligibility, project types and grant requirements. Watch the recording on our Youtube channel. Ready to Apply If you have reviewed the RFP above and confirmed that you meet all of the eligibility requirements please complete an application: 2026 Application [PDF] [Word] View an Example Application from a Successful Awardee Here! Applications are due on February 1, 2026 Upcoming Informational Session The 2026 Informational session is on December 15th, 4:30pm-5:30pm, Register here! Previously-funded projects 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 In 2022, we awarded $6,445 between five projects: Leslie Casey of Sullivan for regenerating forest edge Georgina Carley of Hinsdale for pollinator habitat installation Dian Matthews of Keene for pollinator habitat installation The Friends of the Ashuelot River Park of Keene for rain garden installation The United Church of Christ of Keene for pollinator habitat installation In 2023, we awarded $11,558 between ten projects: Emily Daigle of Keene for pollinator habitat installation Emily Elliot of Walpole for early successional habitat installation Ioana Stoian of Walpole for a rain garden installation Jill Robinson of Walpole for erosion control and wildlife habitat installation Peter Oliviera Soens of Marlborough for early successional habitat installation Rachel Brice and Jeremy Ahouse of Walpole for pollinator habitat installation Skylar Roach and Wendy Wolleager of Stoddard for early successional habitat installation Gene and Olga Kissin of Alstead for pollinator habitat installation and restoration Shanon and Michael Lucas of Ashuelot for early successional shrubland habitat installation Shelley Woodson of Marlborough for pollinator habitat installation In 2024, we awarded $11,113 between nine projects: Eileen Casey of Keene for native shrub hedgerow installation Gemmo Forest of Keene for early successional habitat installation Keene Parks and Recreation Department and Edgewood Neighborhood for pollinator habitat installation Jake Pipp of Keene for pollinator habitat installation Albie Mason and Phylicia Roberts of Keene for rain garden installation Eli Rivera of Keene for pollinator habitat and rain garden installation Laura Shim of Keene for pollinator habitat and rain garden installation James Sullivan of Fitzwilliam for pollinator habitat installation Lynn Zimmerman of Surry for pollinator habitat installation In 2025, we awarded $11,296 between seven projects: Geoffrey Griffiths of Dublin for pollinator habitat installation Gilsum STEAM Academy for native pollinator garden installation Mary Jensen of West Chesterfield for pollinator habitat installation The Montessori Schoolhouse of Cheshire County for pollinator habitat installation Peter Oliveira Soens of Marlborough for riparian buffer installation Snow Frye of Marlow for riparian buffer and pollinator habitat installation Keene Housing for pollinator garden installation at the Ash Brook Apartments Habitat Planning Resources Below are some links that might help you start thinking about your own wildlife project. Rain Gardens SOAK Up the Rain NH Rain Garden Do it Yourself Guide SOAK Up the Rain NH Rain Garden Planning Resources Watch our most recent Rain Garden Workshop with NH Soak Up the Rain! UVM Rain Garden Manual (List of plants that are good for rain gardens and refers to salt tolerance on their chart) Pollinator Habitat Native Shrubs & Trees for Pollinator Conservation Guide to Planting a Garden Over a Leach Field Leach Field & Septic Safe Pollinator Mix Organic Site Prep Methods Organic Wildflower Establishment Pollinator Plants for Northern New England Gardens Xerces Pollinator Plants Northeast Region Northeast Native Pollinator Habitat Plant Directory (Created by COF Recipient Emily Daigle) Planting Buffers Vegetated Buffer Planting Guide Landscaping at the Water's Edge Planting Riparian Buffers in the CT River Watershed NH Department of Environmental Services Native Shoreland/Riparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire Early Successional Habitat UNH Extension Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines with Wildlife Value Managing Grasslands, Shrublands, and Young Forests for Wildlife UNH Extension Guide to Shrublands Forest Management for Wildlife VT Audubon Foresters for the Birds UNH Extension Wildlife Habitat Improvement for Woodlands and Wildlife Maine Audubon Resources for Foresters Lawn Conversion UNH Extension Wildflower Meadows Plant Selection and Establishment 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: https://extension.unh.edu/resource/directory-landscape-professionals-trained-ecological-landscaping-water-quality-protection Where to Purchase Native Plants and Seeds NH State Forest Nursery Native Plant Trust's Nasami Farm Fassett Farm Nursery (10% discount available for Conservation Opportunity Fund awardees) Bagley Pond Perennials Morning Star Flowers Prairie Moon Nursery Vermont Wetland Plant Supply (Wholesale Only) Ernst Conservation Seeds NH Home Magazine Resource List Xerces Society Native Seed Mixes Xerces Society Native Seed and Plant Directory Intervale Conservation Nursery Educational Tools for Plant and Animal ID and Citizen Science Research iNaturalist National Phenology Network (NPN) and Nature's Notebook Bloom Project eBird Merlin Bird ID App Understanding Your Soil Type Web Soil Survey Soil Potential Index Read a Past Grant Award Recipient's Blog on their Conservation Opportunity Fund Project: Bob and Lynn Ziman's blog on our website here! Georgina Carley's blog on our website here ! Eileen Casey's blog on our website here! Lynn Zimmerman's illustrated project timeline here! Thank you to our Funders! This program would not be possible without the funding support of private donors and the generosity of community members. If you would like to make a donation to support future funding of the scholarship, please do so here! Donations to the fund may also be made by mail, checks can be made payable to "CCCD" and addressed to 11 Industrial Park Dr., Walpole, NH 03608. Please include “COF” in the memo line. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and make a difference!

< Back Hale Morrell Associate Board Member Hale Morrell grew up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She attended College of the Atlantic where she focused on ecology and natural history and later attended the Yale School of Forestry where she focused on land conservation and management in New England. She’s had extensive experience farming, working with land trusts, researching land and sea birds, teaching college students, and conducting ecological surveys in National Parks and other conserved lands. Currently she lives in Walpole and works as a consulting forester with Long View Forest. She loves when her work combines management, conservation, and outreach.

Gardening Resources for the Monadnock Region Monadnock Grows Together is a free local resource for gardeners and small-scale urban farmers looking for advice, information, and support. Workshops and events provide a place to connect with other like-minded growers. As part of this project, local growers in Keene, NH and surrounding towns gain access to valuable gardening resources such as: 1-on-1 technical assistance from our Urban Ag & Gardens Coordinator, Rachel Brice Free gardening workshops through the remainder of 2019 A Garden Tool Lending program at the Keene Public Library Makerspace Free seeds and seed saving resources at Keene Public Library Take advantage of free gardening workshops with Monadnock Grows Together! For more information on each of our workshops, including links to register, visit our Program & Events Page (Event are also listed on the CCCD Google Calendar, available on our Program & Events Page) Meet our Urban Ag & Gardens Coordinator! Rachel Brice is a current Environmental Studies Doctoral student at Antioch University New England; she relocated to the Monadnock region from Austin, TX. Rachel has more than ten year of experience as an environmental educator in a wide variety of educational settings, from outdoors to the classroom full-time, working with youth grades K-12, as well as adults. She serves as Cheshire County's Urban Ag & Gardens Coordinator, and works as the Garden Educator for the C&S Workplace Organic Gardens Project, both of which are a great fit with her small-scale organic growing and permaculture design experience. Rachel's interests intersect with food systems/food justice, environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, community work, organizational leadership, and program planning/design and evaluation. Rachel is available to answer questions, provide 1-on-1 technical assistance, and will even come out and visit you and your garden to provide advice! Reach out to Rachel via email: Rachel@cheshireconservation.org Check out Garden Tools from the Tool Lending Library! Visit the Kingsbury Makerspace at the Keene Public Library to check out any of our garden tools for 1 week intervals! Free of charge & no library card needed to participate! Click any of the images below to learn more information about each garden tool. broad fork This is a tool used to manually break up hard soil, to improve aeration and drainage. It's indispensable when creating new beds or when trying to turn lawn/turf into a garden. This is a hefty tool, as it weighs 15 pounds. electric hand seeder This battery-powered seeder is great for any seed you wish to broadcast, from lawn grass, to cover crops, or baby greens. flat spade shovel. A spade has a flat edge (not a rounded or pointed edge). It is most useful for cutting. For example, if you need to line the edge of a garden bed. garden fork A garden fork is also sometimes called a digging fork. It is useful for loosening soil. For example, to prepare a garden bed or to loosed large weeds before pulling them out. garden rake Garden rakes can be used to rake soil smooth and break up clumps, before planting in a seed bed. They can be used to spread compost or mulch, and can be used to "tamp down" the soil after planting. They are much sturdier than a leaf rake, and are better for use with soil for that reason. hand cultivator This is a great hand weeding tool! Really versatile in small spaces. hand fork A hand fork is a tool used for weeding and for loosening soil, on a smaller scale than a garden/digging fork. hand rake A hand rake is used for loosening soil in a garden bed. They are small, like garden trowels, and are really handy for tight spaces. They can be useful when prepping small areas for seeds, or digging out weeds. hoe A hoe is a tool for removing weeds. It is best used when the soil is dry, and the blade needs to be kept sharp. You should stand as upright as possible, and aim to cut off the weeds just under the surface of the soil. push seeder This seeder is great for row crops. It has interchangeable plates, so it can be used with seeds of different sizes. shovel A shovel has a rounded or pointed edge (not a flat edge). It is most useful for digging and moving soil. trowel Garden trowels are used for digging small holes in the garden. For example, to transplant seedlings. They can also be used for digging out small weeds. Monadnock Grows Together Thank you to our partners & funders! Monadnock Grows Together is funded by the Urban Agriculture Conservation grant Initative. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) established the Urban Agriculture Conservation Grant Initiative in 2016 to help conservation districts and their partners provide much-needed technical assistance for agricultural conservation in developed or predominantly developing areas. Since July of 2016, NACD and NRCS have awarded three rounds of grants, totaling $4 million to 81 conservation district projects across 34 states. The CCCD is working in partnership with Antioch University New England's Community Garden Connections (CGC), the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), and the Keene Public Library within the city of Keene, NH to offer technical assistance, education, and gardening equipment to small-scale urban farmers and gardeners for growing their production capacity while conserving natural resources such as soil health, water quality, and pollinator habitat.

NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant Applications are Closed for 2026! The mission of the NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant is to support and empower local farmers to build climate resilience throughout the Granite State. This will be done by reducing the impact that local agriculture has on climate change (mitigation) through greenhouse gas emissions reduction and carbon sequestration, and through increasing the resiliency of New Hampshire Farms in a changing climate (adaptation), while meeting farm’s conservation goals and needs. Extreme weather events, frequent and prolonged droughts, and increased pest pressures are increasing challenges for NH farms. This grant program, through the NH County Conservation Districts seeks to support farmers in meeting those challenges. Since 2022, the NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant has distributed $1,052,000 to 135 on-farm projects across New Hampshire! The 10 New Hampshire Conservation Districts are thrilled to announce the fourth grant round of the NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant. The NH County Conservation Districts launched this farm viability program to improve the resilience of NH farms in the face of extreme weather events and a changing climate. Direct grants to farms to invest in on-farm infrastructure, equipment, and innovative practices will support farm profitability and the long-term viability for NH’s agricultural sector. This grant program is designed with a high level of farmer input to ensure the most pressing needs of farms will be met. The NH Conservation Districts have also worked in close partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners to ensure that this statewide program fills the gaps that are not being adequately met by federal funds. Funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change and enhance the on-farm adaptations to projected climate conditions. Preference will be given to projects that can demonstrate strong potential in mitigation and adaptation. Explore the Statewide Impact of the Climate Grant! View Impact Here Read Our 2026 Press Release Contact your County Conservation District & Apply Today! Interested applicants are encouraged to visit their County Conservation District's website to learn more and apply! Contact your Conservation District, here! HB.246: Shape a Strong Farm Future! HB. 246 seeks to support the NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant Program! As climate related challenges grow, additional financial support for this critical program is needed! Shape a strong farm future for Granite State farmers! Opportunities for support include attending an upcoming hearing, contacting your representative, or providing testimony on how this grant program has impacted you or why you feel this program is needed! This legislation received full support from the House Finance Committee and is now up for hearing through the Senate Finance Committee on February 17th! Track the progress of the bill, here! If you are interested in attending a future hearing to show your support or provide an in person testimony please contact info@cheshireconservation.org to let us know we can contact you for these opportunities! One of the most impactful ways to make your voice heard is to attend the hearing, remote sign in, and/or contact members of the Senate finance committee via email or phone . View information on what to expect at the hearing and points to highlight for in-person, digital, and phone testimony, here! Talking points in testimonials in person at hearings or submitted online should focus on how the grant: Helps farmers produce more food and be more profitable – tell a story on how this grant has helped farms with increasing production and increasing profitability. This is a good investment for NH – invests in strong farm businesses and is good for the agricultural economy If you are interested in attending a hearing to show your support or provide an in person testimony please contact info@cheshireconservation.org to let us know that you plan on being there! Other Remote Opportunities for Support: Submit testimony/remote sign in online prior to the hearing of this bill (HB 246): https://gc.nh.gov/remotecommittee/senate.aspx For the online submission form: Select the committee:( Finance) and the hearing date (2-17-26) and the bill number (HB 246), then simply type in what you want to say in the box provided or upload a PDF file with what you want to say. You can view submitted online testimony here: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/submitted_testimony.aspx Call and/or email individual members of the Senate Finance committee and ask that they shape a strong farm future through HB. 246. The committee members are listed here: https://gc.nh.gov/senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx Submit a testimony for the districts to share at upcoming hearings through our google form, here! Outreach materials and sample email templates can be found here! Applications for 2026 are Closed View the 2026 RFP Here: 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) Watch last year's Virtual Informational Session Interested farmers are encouraged to watch the recording of this year’s informational session to learn more about eligibility, project types and grant requirements. Watch the recording on our Youtube channel. The 2026 Informational session is on December 10th, 5:00pm-6:00pm, Register here! Ready to Apply? If you have reviewed the RFP above and confirmed that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, please complete an application: 2026 Application [PDF ] [Word doc ] Partnership Form [ PDF ] [Word doc ] In-Kind Contribution Form [PDF ] [Word doc ] Applications are due on February 1, 2026 For Current Grant Awardees To receive final reimbursement, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 award recipients must fill out the 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 Grant Report below and in-kind contribution tracking document (not required for 2023 awardees). Please send the completed version to Benee at benee@cheshireconservation.org or to CCCD at 11 Industrial Park Dr, Walpole, NH 03608. Please reach out with any questions. 2023 Grant Report [PDF ] [ Word doc ] 2024 Grant Report [ PDF ] [Word doc ] 2025 Grant Report [PDF ] [ Word doc ] 2026 Grant Report [ PDF ] [Word doc ] In Kind Contribution Tracking Form [ Word doc ] Additional Funding Opportunities for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation: The NH Community Loan Fund currently has low interest rates (3.25-4.5%) for farmers who are either currently implementing or planning to implement climate smart practices or energy solutions on their farm. These interest rates can also be used for bridge loans if needed for NRCS projects. The NH Community Loan Fund can also offer this rate to minority-owned farmers who are seeking micro-loans ($2,000-10,000) for equipment and marketing. Learn more here! American Farmland Trust New England Farmer Microgrants Program NOFA-NH Farmer Resilience Fund National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) Grant Archive NH Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Resource Fact Sheet NSAC Grant Guide to Farm Bill Programs and Grant USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Educational Opportunities and Resources for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation: N OFA NH Workshops and Events Terra.do Climate Farm School at Round the Bend Farm, MA Eco-Farm Free Online Resources What do Northern New England Farmers Need to Adapt to Climate Change (Research Summary) Climate Adaptation Resource Database Vital Communities Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Toolkit USDA Climate Smart Practices Directory Kiss the Ground Farmer Resources Guide Past Cheshire County Recipients & their projects: Abenaki Springs Farm , a diversified vegetable and fruit farm in Walpole, NH, will enhance their cover cropping to promote on-farm soil health. Learn more about Abenaki Springs Farm, here! Boggy Meadow Farm , located in Walpole, NH, producing farmstead cheeses, will install a Johnson-Su compost bioreactor, to create a fungal-rich compost to improve on-farm soil health. Learn more about Boggy Meadow Farm, here! Britton Farm , a dairy and maple farm in Walpole, utilized climate grant funds to install a new bulk tank to improve their farm's energy efficiency. Learn more about Britton Farm, here ! Brookfield Farm , a certified Organic Dairy Farm in Walpole, NH, will apply potassium to select fields to increase the quality and quantity of forage, improve soil health, and improve plant resilience during extreme weather conditions and drought. Through an additional grant awarded project in 2024, they will also install a fre-heater to increase their farm's energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint! Learn more about Brookfield Farm, here! Deer Hill Farm , a diversified farm in Hinsdale, NH, will install a water supply system to support cattle and accommodate and increased rotational grazing to improve soil health. The new water supply system is being designed to prevent unnecessary watering, minimize excessive water runoff, and to decrease soil erosion and pasture destruction from water runoff. Dog Days Farm , a 3-season mixed vegetable, fruit and herb farm in Fitzwilliam, NH, purchased a Red Dragon tractor mounted flame weeder. Flame weeding will reduce tillage on open vegetable beds, improving soil health and promoting carbon sequestration. Learn more about Dog Days Farm, here! Five Sigma Farm , a diversified farm in Sullivan, NH, selling lamb and eggs, will install a hoop house for laying hens as a method to improve their farm soil health. Learn more about Five Sigma Farm, here! Foggy Hill Farm , a diversified farm in Jaffrey, NH, selling vegetables, eggs, herbs, and honey, will install a passive solar greenhouse to improve their farm's energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. Learn more about Foggy Hill Farm, here! Gentile Family Homestead , located in Fitzwilliam, NH, selling pasture based beef and pork directly to the community, will install an automatic cattle watering system, conserving water during periods of drought. Learn more about Gentile Family Homestead, here! Lucky 13 Farm , a diversified vegetable farm, located in Winchester, NH, will purchase a stone burrier to improve soil health, reduce tillage, and promote carbon sequestration. Through an additional grant awarded project in 2024, they will purchase a crown bed mulch layer, to improve their farm's soil health and increase their water management efficiency. Learn more about Lucky 13 Farm, here! Manning Hill Farm , a diversified dairy farm, located in Winchester, NH, also selling all natural grass beef beef, pasture raised pork, chicken and eggs, and hay will clear pasture pine and install paddock fencing to increase space for rotational grazing. Rotational grazing will improve pasture soil health, promote carbon sequestration, and will also give rest time for fields during periods of drought. Learn more about Manning Hill Farm, here! Partners' Gardens , a diversified vegetable and fruit farm in Nelson, NH, will increase their high tunnel's efficiency to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of their farm. Learn more about Partners' Gardens, here! Picadilly Farm , a diversified farm in Winchester, NH, selling organically grown vegetables, will purchase a Perfecta Field Cultivator to reduce tillage, improving farm soil health and carbon capture. Learn more about Picadilly Farm, here! Stonewall Farm , a diversified vegetable and fruit farm in Keene, NH, will purchase low tunnels as a method of crop protection and climate adaptation. Through an additional grant awarded project in 2025, Stonewall implemented rotational grazing for their new sheep operation. Learn more about Stonewall Farm, here! Windyhurst Farm , a dairy and beef farm in Westmoreland, NH, will utilize a no-till corn planter to improve their farm's soil health. Learn more about Windyhurst Farm, here! This grant program is made possible through grants from the You Have Our Trust Fund, The NH Charitable Foundation, and the generosity of community members. Funding is also provided by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender. I f you would like to make a donation to support future funding of the program, please do so here! Donations to the fund may also be made by mail, checks can be made payable to "CCCD" and addressed to 11 Industrial Park Dr., Walpole, NH 03608. Please include “Climate” in the memo line. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and make a difference!

Renewable & Energy Efficiency Resources In New Hampshire's agricultural sector, there's a growing need for sustainable practices. With rising energy costs and climate change concerns, integrating renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency is crucial for farms statewide. From small family-owned enterprises to larger commercial operations, adopting these technologies and practices not only reduces carbon footprints but also offers economic benefits, ensuring the long-term viability of the state's farms. Below you will find local resources to support farms in implementing renewable and energy efficiency options. Service Providers The following is a resource list of energy efficiency service providers in the Monadnock Region. Solar installers, energy auditors, weatherizing specialists and more are included below. This list was compiled and graciously shared by our partners at the Monadnock Sustainability Hub . Looking for more local info on energy efficiency and solar? Check out a separate resource list here.* *T his list was last updated on 2/21/24 Primary Focus Secondary Focus (if any) Organization Services Location Website Solar Granite State Solar solar, batteries Based in Bow https://www.granitestatesolar.com/ Solar Heating and Cooling Green Energy Options minisplits, solar, heating with wood Keene Area https://greenenergyoptions.com/ Solar Norwich Solar solar for farms, businesses, and other large projects Northern New England, based in Upper Valley https://norwichsolar.com/ Solar Heating and Cooling Revision Energy solar, heat pumps, batteries New England https://www.revisionenergy.com/ Weatherization Audits NH Saves audit, weatherization if qualified NH-wide https://nhsaves.com/ Audits Horizon Residential Energy Services contracts with utlities to carry out NH Saves programs; does not provide private services to homeowners limited to Liberty customers https://www.horizon-res.com/ Financial Assistance Southwestern Community Services fuel assistance, electrical assistance Cheshire, Sullivan Counties https://www.scshelps.org/energy-assistance/ Financial Assistance Weatherization Southern NH Services fuel assistance, funded home upgrades Hillsborough County https://www.snhs.org/services/fuel-assistance Audits A Plus Energy Services audits and weatherization; NH Saves contractor Monadnock Region https://www.aplusenergyservices.com/ Audits P&M Installed Building Solutions NH Saves contractor Londonderry Area https://pm-insulation.com/ Audits Quality Insulation audits and weatherization; NH Saves contractor Monadnock Region, based in Nashua https://www.truteam.com/branches/nh/nashua/675/ Audits S.E.E.D.S. by Margaret Dillon building and commercial audits, envelope design Jaffrey Area Audits Resilient Buildings Group Audits Monadnock Region http://www.resilientbuildingsgroup.com/services/audits/ Audits Mill City Energy audits and weatherization Based in Manchester https://millcityenergy.com/ Audits Building Alternatives NH Saves contractor Monadnock Region possible https://www.buildingalternatives.com/ Weatherization Audits Yankee Thermal Imaging Audits, weatherization; NH Saves contractor Monadnock Region https://www.yankeethermalimaging.com/ Weatherization Audits ABC Energy Savings NH Saves contractor, retrofits, weatherization NH-wide, based in Concord https://www.abcenergysavings.com/ Weatherization Audits Turn Cycle Solutions audits and weatherization; NH Saves contractor located in Nashua, works in our region https://turncyclesolutions.com/ Weatherization EarthShare Construction NH Saves contractor based in the Upper Valley https://www.earthshareconstruction.com/ Weatherization Shakes to Shingles Weatherization, inspection, NH Saves contractor located in Concord https://www.shakestoshingles.com/ Weatherization Colonial Insulation & Fireproofing NH Saves contractor located in Rindge https://www.colonialgreenproducts.com/ Weatherization Builders Installed Products NH air sealing, insulation, building contracting tri-state with local office in Westmoreland https://www.buildersinstalledproductsnh.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=GMB%20Listing Heating and Cooling Gary Jackson Heating HVAC, minisplits Marlborough & Keene Areas https://www.garyjacksonheatingservices.com/ Heating and Cooling Audits BlocPower Project Manage installs of heat pumps with energy audits and weatherization Peterborough Residents https://www.blocpower.io/posts/blocpower-partners-with-town-of-peterborough-nh-to-pilot-building-electrification-program Heating and Cooling Renewables Bill Wenzel Heating & Air Conditioning ASHP, geothermal Amherst Area https://billwenzelgeo.com/about-us Heating and Cooling Sorby & Sons . Jaffrey Area https://sorbyandsonheating.com/ Heating and Cooling AirMaster Heating & Cooling . Weare Area https://airmaster-heating-and-cooling.business.site/ Heating and Cooling Keating Plumbing & Heating HVAC, indoor air quality Keene Area https://keatingph.com/ Heating and Cooling Bergeron ASHP Keene Area https://bergeronmechanicalsystems.com/residential/ Heating and Cooling Revolution HVAC . Weare area, select work in Monadnock Region https://www.revolutionhvac.com/ Heating and Cooling Pinney Plumbing and Heating . Keene Area https://www.pinneyplumbing.com/ Heating and Cooling Links Heating, LLC . Hillsboro Area, select work in Monadnock Region https://linksheatingllc.com/ Heating and Cooling Design Day Mechanicals HVAC, engineering located in New Ipswich https://www.designdaymech.com/ Heating and Cooling Wilder Plumbing and Heating . Peterborough Area http://www.wilderph.com/ Heating and Cooling Wetherbee Plumbing and Heating . Milford Area https://wetherbeeplumbingjim.com/ Heating and Cooling Card Heating and Cooling HVAC, minsplits Milford Area https://www.cardhvac.com/ scroll for more providers Energy Resources & Webinar Recordings Resources The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants for small businesses and agricultural producers to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technology. REAP grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible technologies include solar, wind, geothermal, wood heat or power, anaerobic digesters, weatherization, the installation of energy efficient equipment, and more. Clean Energy NH is an approved REAP Technical Assistance provider, meaning they have funding from USDA to help farmers and small businesses apply for a REAP grant. Check out their website to determine REAP grant eligibility, identify the right energy-saving project for your business, apply for REAP grant funding, and complete your project. Looking for more local info on ene rgy efficiency and solar? Check out a separate resource list here .* Webinars CCCD offered webinars & workshops through Fall 2024 highlighting different energy practices on farms in our region. View recordings of our recent webinar offerings below! High Tunnel Energy Efficiency Workshop Resources Additional Funding and Technical Assistance Opportunities for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects: National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) Grant Archive NH Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Resource Fact Sheet

Acerca de Sponsorship Opportunities CCCD offers several sponsorship opportunities at different giving levels for our Pollinator Palooza, Annual Celebration, Soil Health Initiatives and Veteran Appreciation Month Programs . Sponsorships are available to businesses, organizations, and individuals! Please view our sponsorship opportunity packages below! Annual Sponsorship Opportunities Soil Health Initiatives Sponsorship Opportunities Veteran Appreciation Month Sponsorship Opportunities To discuss sponsorship opportunities further, please reach out to Benee Hershon at 802-518-0993 or benee@cheshireconservation.org Thank You to Our Sponsors!