Search Results

Surface Water Improvement Projects CCCD partners with local farms and conservation partners to improve surgace water through mitigation projects. Read more about these projects below! Boggy Meadow Farm Milk House Waste & Barnyard Runoff Project The CCCD partnered with Boggy Meadow Farm, a dairy farm adjacent to the Connecticut River in Walpole, NH to install a milk house waste and barnyard runoff solids separation system large enough to accommodate their needs while preventing milk house waste from entering the Connecticut River. The goal of this project is to protect water quality and demonstrate best management practices for agriculture. This project is funded by the NH State Conservation Committee. Windyhurst Farm Manure & Waste Water Handling Improvement Project The Windyhurst Farm infrastructure project has improved water quality in the Connecticut River Watershed by retrofitting an existing dairy barn to effectively and efficiently move manure and milk house waste from the dairy cattle barn and milking center to the watertight manure tank. Windyhurst Farm partnered with the USDA NRCS on this project. Additional funds secured by the Conservation District from the NH State Conservation Committee and Connecticut River Watershed Council will be used to tie the milk house wash water and parlour waste water to the new system.

Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) The USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years into cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations and their partners to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities . Key TOPP Initiatives Include: Organic farmer-to-farmer mentorship Community building opportunities Technical assistance and training Workforce training and development New Hampshire Partnerships The Cheshire County Conservation District is part of a New Hampshire TOPP cohort developed by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH) . NOFA-NH is a core partner in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic TOPP region. The Conservation District will multiple events with NOFA-NH and NH TOPP Cohort partners over the coming year to promote the TOPP Mentorship Program, provide outreach to farmers, and share information about organic agricultural practices with the NH farm and food network. TOPP Cohort Members Include: Cheshire County Conservation District, Granite State Graziers, Kearsarge Food Hub, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), New England Farmers Union, New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation, New Hampshire Maple Producers Association, NH Food Alliance and the NH Food Hub Network, NH Queer Farmers Network, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association (NODPA), Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH), Seacoast Eat Local, UNH Extension, and Vital Communities. Upcoming TOPP Events TOPP events will be hosted throughout the spring and summer of 2024. To view upcoming TOPP-related events, visit our events page ! Farmer-to-Farmer Mentorship TOPP is actively seeking to match experienced and knowledgeable certified organic producers who are passionate about organic production and interested in sharing their expertise with TOPP mentees. Mentees are transitioning producers who have existing farming operations where they are currently employees, managers, or owners. Applications for prospective mentors and mentees are being accepted periodically. Learn more about participating in the mentorship program as a Mentor or Mentee and Apply at www.nofanh.org/topp . Past Events Walk-In Cooler Efficiency & CoolBot Technology Tour When: July 19, 2023, 10:00AM-11:00AM Where: Green Wagon Farm -- 833 Court Street, Keene, NH Green Wagon really does have green greens! At the July 19th Farm Energy Tour, we explored their walk-in coolers and learned about energy efficiency across Green Wagon's operation. Much appreciation to Kaisa and Bill Jarrell of Green Wagon Farm for showing us around! Manure Management with Bedded Packs – On-Farm Workshop When: Wed, July 26 11:00AM-1:00PM Where: Brookfield Farm -- 460 Old Drewsville Rd, Walpole, NH Everybody poops, including livestock! On July 26th we learned about Manure Management using 'bedded pack' facilities. We learned the science of manure composting and application. Thank you to UNH Extension, NOFA-NH and Brookfield Farm in Walpole for having us out! Learn More About TOPP! Want to learn more about TOPP? Explore NOFA-NH's website for details on all the above programs and more: https://www.nofanh.org/topp

Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund The Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund's mission is to support local farmers in increasing sustainable food production for wholesale markets to contribute to a thriving local farm economy. This local grant opportunity, now in its ninth year, is a partnership between the Cheshire County Conservation District and the Monadnock Food Co-op . Applications for 2026 are Closed! The mission of the Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund is to bolster local farmers' efforts to expand sustainable food production for wholesale markets, contributing to the vitality of our local farming economy. Funds can be used to support a range of projects, including the purchase of equipment and infrastructure, farmland conservation, packaging and labeling design needs, and technical assistance. The Farm Fund grant program aligns with several shared goals of the Co-op and Conservation District, such as fostering the sustainability of farm businesses and the local economy, preserving farmland, and ensuring the responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Since starting in 2017, the MFC Farm Fund has awarded over $225,066 in grants to 28 local farms! Apply for the MFC Farm Fund Grant! Applications for 2026 are Closed The Farm Fund awards funding to help farms in Cheshire County and abutting New Hampshire towns develop or expand their production for wholesale markets, including selling to the Monadnock Food Co-op and Food Connects. Farmers may apply for grants ranging from $500 to $20,000. Funds can be use d to support a range of projects, including the purchase of equipment and infrastructure, farmland conservation, packaging and labeling design needs, and technical assistance. Applications are due February 1, 2025. Application Materials: 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026 Farm Fund Application [PDF] [Word doc] 2025 Farm Fund Report (existing awardees) Attend this year's virtual informational session! Join us on Tuesday, December 4th from 5:00-6:00PM, Register here! Interested farmers are encouraged to watch the recording of 2024's informational session to learn more about eligibility, project types and grant requirements. Watch the recording on our Youtube channel below: Info Session Recording Eligible applicants include farms in Cheshire County and abutting NH towns. If applying for Emergency Relief, the eligibility has been expanded to also include agricultural producers in NH and VT that have an established vendor relationship with the Monadnock Food Co-op. If you have inquiries about the grant or would like to make a donation to the fund, please call Benée Hershon at (802) 518-0993, or send an email to benée @cheshireconservation.org . Donate to the MFC Farm Fund! Help us to support the vitality of local farms with a donation to the Farm Fund. Your donation contributes to the pool of money offered each year through the Farm Fund. This year, donations made to the Farm Fund through October will directly support farmers impacted by frost, flooding or other disaster-related events. Tax deductible donations to this fund can be made to the Cheshire County Conservation District through our donation page (please be sure to write “MFC Farm Fund” under “Add Special Instructions”) Donations may also be made by check - made payable to “Cheshire County Conservation District” and write “MFC Farm Fund” as a note and mail to: CCCD 11 Industrial Park Dr. Walpole, NH 03608 Past Recipients & their projects: Lee's Bees (Walpole, NH) Lee Beers, owner of Lee's Bees, is a honey, beeswax, and bee pollen producer. Lee upgraded his beekeeping equipment to increase efficiency, reduce labor time, and produce a higher quality product. The new beekeeping equipment includes a honey creamer, pollen dryer, and honey warmer. These improvements will also allow for the expansion of hives in future seasons, as well as expansion of selling to wholesale markets! Monadnock Berries (Troy, NH) Oliver Levick at Monadnock Berries added a walk-in cooler, as well as infrastructure improvements to their pack house. Monadnock Berries is a second generation fruit farm that produces blueberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries, and cut flowers. Infrastructure upgrades will include improved lighting, metal shelving and packaging table, roof improvements, fans, and new flooring. The additional walk-in cooler will allow for increased storage and production throughout the growing season, and infrastructure improvements to the pack house will allow for increased productivity, efficiency, and quality of products. Nubi River Farm (Peterborough, NH) Elsbeth Pedleton-Wheeler and Jasen Woodworth at Nubi River Farm purchased a root barrel washer and commercial egg washer. Nubi River Farm is a diversified farm producing vegetables, cut flowers, pastured chickens and eggs. This new equipment will allow them to expand their wholesale production of root crops and chicken eggs, increasing productivity and on-farm efficiency. Abenaki Springs Farm (Walpole, NH) Bruce Bickford at Abenaki Springs Farm built a wash/pack shed that will be utilized in their certified organic vegetable production. The wash/pack shed will be the location of all washing, processing, packing, and storage of perishable produce. The structure will include an area with cement padding and drainage, an area for storage of packing materials such as boxes, crates, and bags, and a lean-to which will cover the currently built walk-in cooler. Archway Farm (Keene, NH) Mark Florenz at Archway Farm built a new walk-in freezer to store his own pasture-raised pork products and provide freezer space for other local producers to utilize at a reasonable cost. Being able to freeze and store pork has enabled Mark to better meet customer demand, for example, he was able to double his supply of Easter hams to our co-op in the first year. Mark also designed and purchased new labels for his products with additional funds in 2019. Bascom Farm (Charlestown, NH) Dean & Donna of Bascom Farm will use their grant to remodel and equip their current barn to serve as a packaging and processing area for their produce. Blackfire Farm (Hancock, NH) Douglas and Elizabeth Higley of Blackfire Farm will use their Farm Fund dollars to construct a new propagation house powered by a wood pellet stove. This project will allow for increased production on their farm and will also allow for increased energy efficiency, reducing their fuel use. Brookfield Farm (Walpole, NH) Christian and Holly Gowdy of Brookfield Farm used their Farm Fund dollars to develop new product labels, their first-ever website and other promotional materials needed to better promote their grassfed beef. These marketing materials better reflect the story behind Brookfield Farm’s products, and they expect sales to double as a result. Through additional funds awarded in 2022, they will also upgrade their transport cooler system for their frozen meat sales. Upgrading this system will increase sales by allowing for further transportation to farm stands, as well as allowing for a new delivery service direct to their bulk customers. Dog Days Farm (Fitzwilliam, NH) Jack Rixey of Dog Days Farm will use their Farm Fund dollars to construct an automated, heated high tunnel to increase production and efficiency of retail ready plant starts. Echo Farm (Hinsdale, NH) Beth & Courtney Hodge of Echo Farm Puddings replaced their 20-year-old packaging machine. The Fund Fund award allowed them to purchase a more reliable, efficient machine that will help increase sales of their 16 oz line of puddings, as well as add larger containers for food service kitchens. They expect sales to increase by 10-20%. Five Sigma Farm (Sullivan, NH) Milton Trimitsis of Five Sigma Farm installed a mobile coop and hoop house. These projects will result in the expansion of Five Sigma Farm's pastured egg operation by doubling the number of hens which can be managed, and provide comfortable and productive winter housing for the entire flock. Both improvements will increase the efficiency of the enterprise through year-round egg production, will improve feed efficiency, while reducing farm labor inputs. Flying Cloud Dairy (Alstead, NH) Bill & Kelly Jahos of Flying Cloud Dairy installed a freeze-free water system which more efficiently gets water to cows, allowing them to increase the production of their organic, raw milk dairy products. Since this system also makes water available to cows 24/7 in the summer too, year-round milk production will likely increase. Through additional funds awarded in 2022, they will update their milk cooling tank to ensure product stability. By upgrading to a new cooling tank, this will allow for increased production and more time for deliveries. The upgraded tank will also increase energy efficiency. Green Wagon Farm (Keene, NH) Bill & Kaisa Jarrell at Green Wagon Farm purchased Harvest Carts to improve the ease and efficiency of harvesting strawberries and vegetable crops. The picking carts are designed to straddle a crop row and assist in getting crops out of the field. The carts have the ability to adjust in height and allow for use in a wide variety of crops. Through additional funds awarded in 2022, they will install a third walk-in cooler at their retail farm stand in Keene. This new cooler and upgraded system, will allow for better storage of crops to increase sales, efficiency, and sustainability. Grow A Pear Farm (Charleston, NH) The Grow A Pear Farm orchard which grows using organic practices and currently sells 34 varieties of rare heirloom apple trees, will work with a local contractor to install wildlife exclusion fencing around the perimeter of the orchard. This fencing will allow the orchard to expand to 250 fruit trees, while protecting trees from deer to ensure continued tree growth and fruit production. Lucky 13 Farm (Winchester, NH) Jake & Gerianne Fierro of Lucky 13 Farm will build a wash and pack shed to build their capacity to sell to wholesale markets and meet on-site retail demands. This shed will ensure their crops maintain their high quality in a climate-controlled wash house while also providing adequate cold storage. Manning Hill Farm (Winchester, NH) Sarah & Sam Costa at Manning Hill Farm installed a large energy-efficient cooler to increase the storage capacity of their grass-fed milk before distribution. Sam says the new walk-in cooler also reduces his back ache, which is worth a lot to a farmer! Additional funds were awarded in 2021 for the purchase and installation of a walk-in freezer to store their inventory of cut meats. This increased storage capacity will allow them to increase production to meet their sales demand. It will increase the farm's energy-efficiency practices, saving them operating dollars. Additional funds were also awarded in 2023 to upgrade to a new milking parlor, saving time, increasing farm efficiency, and will allow for increased milk production. Partners' Gardens (Nelson, NH) Jenna & Tyler Rich of Partners' Gardens will build a passive solar propagation house for seed starting. This infrastructure project will increase their capacity to get more crops in the ground and meet the market demand. It will also lower their dependence on fossil fuels and lower their heating bills. Through additional funds awarded in 2022, they will also install a 50-foot movable caterpillar tunnel. This infrastructure will allow them to harvest their greens earlier in the season, as well as harvest more fall greens as their season ends. During the middle of the season, the caterpillar tunnel will provide protected space for delicate vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes. Pete's Stand (Walpole, NH) John & Teresa Janiszyn at Pete’s Stand scaled up their potato production for their retail sales and to accommodate wholesale demand. To do this, they purchased a potato planter, potato digger, and wholesale packaging. Pete’s Stand has the available land, and a ready market for the expansion of their potato production. Picadilly Farm (Winchester, NH) Jenny & Bruce Wooster of Picadilly Farm added a 25-foot long storage space that will accommodate another 18,000 – 20,000 pounds of root crops. Jenny & Bruce also purchased a new set of three precision vacuum seeders for field seedings of root crops and greens, of which they currently grow around 10 acres worth each season. Through additional funds awarded in 2022, they upgraded the cooling system of one of their walk-in coolers. This upgraded system, will allow them to extend late winter and early spring sales of their storage crops. Through additional funds awarded in 2024, they upgraded a second walk-in cooler from a cooling system that utilizes an air conditioner to a standard commercial refrigeration system. Upgrading a second walk-in cooler will double the long-term storage capacity of root crops, allowing for year-round sales and distribution to local buyers. Additionally, the third walk-in cooler which sits in between the first and second coolers, can be modified to be cooled by connecting one or both of the adjacent walk-ins, further maximizing on-farm storage and efficiency. Stonewall Farm (Keene, NH) Julie Davenson & Heather Mason of Stonewall Farm purchased and built a 14x100’ caterpillar tunnel to expand their spinach production in the winter and purchased a 50% shade cloth so the structure also offers cool growing space in the summer. Tracie's Community Farm (Fitzwilliam, NH) Tracie Loock of Tracie's Community Farm purchased a Jang 6-Row Seeder. Picture it, instead of seeding one row at a time as they did with their previous seeder, they can now seed up to six rows at a time. This significant time saver will boost productivity, grow sales, and provide more delicious food for our community. Sun Moon Farm (Rindge, NH) Craig & Megan Jensen of Sun Moon Farm will use their grant to build a greenhouse structure to expand space for curing onions and garlic and will purchase a rolling dibbler to reduce transplanting time. Windyhurst Farm (Westmoreland, NH) The Adam's family at Windyhurst Farm is looking to increase their milk tank storage from their current 2000 gallon tank to a 6700 gallon tank. Their milk tank is 35 years old and does not have enough capacity for their current and future milk production, and has been working very inefficiently, using a lot of electricity, and requiring multiple costly repairs annually. This upgrade will save Windyhurst Farm with annual production and trucking costs. Thank you to our funders! This grant would not be possible without funding support from the You Have Our Trust Fund, the Monadnock Food Co-op, and MFC Co-op customers through the Round It Up program. Round Up Your Change for the Farm Fund when Shopping at the Monadnock Food Co-op! Rounding up your change makes a difference! This fund is made possible through your support! During select months co-op shoppers can round up their change at the registers to donate to the fund for the 2025 grant cycle! Additional Funding Resource: Producers who need additional storage should consider funding from the USDA's Farm Servce Agency through their Farm Storage Facility Loam Program . Visit the program page at the link above for more details or contact the Cheshire-Sullivan County Office at 603-756-2970 ext.2

Ways to Give There are many ways to support CCCD! All donations go directly to supporting CCCD's conservation programs. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and make a difference! Donate Monthly Giving Conservation Legacy Sponsorships Volunteer Contact Benee Hershon, benee@cheshireconservation.org or 802-518-0993 to discuss your giving options further!

Photo Contest Submission View Full Contest Rules Name * Email* Phone* Photo description: (where the photo was taken, what it is of, etc.)* File upload* Upload File I have read, and agree to, the full contest rules. Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

Programs The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) was created in 1945 as a governmental sub-division of the state to provide local leadership and decision-making for the protection of the land and water resources of the county. In other words, the CCCD represents the conservation interests and priorities of the county, for the county. As such, the conservation district is fully vested in the preservation and enhancement of agriculture and its place and role within the community at large. Explore our programs by clicking on the icons below! Soil Water Wildlife Farm Viability

Monadnock Outdoors Monadnock Outdoors is a partnership of community leaders dedicated to building a healthier, more connected community where individuals thrive by engaging with nature and maintaining an active lifestyle. Our goal is to promote physical activity, active transportation, and a love for the outdoors to contribute to the overall well-being and vitality of the Monadnock region. As one of the six Workgroups of the Healthy Monadnock Alliance, Monadnock Outdoors is committed to advancing active living in the region, ensuring that all residents have the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to get active and connect with nature and our community. By collaborating with local organizations and community members, we aim to create a supportive environment that fosters a culture of well-being and outdoor recreation. This initiative is made possible through community support and the Healthy Monadnock Alliance . Mission Our mission is to foster connections to nature and improve community well-being through education and the promotion of active living through physical activity, active transportation, and recreation in the outdoors. Vision Our vision is that Monadnock Region residents are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to get active, connect with nature and the community, and improve their well-being. Who We Are Monadnock Outdoors was launched in 2021 and currently has 12 active members representing 10 regional organizations, including: The Harris Center for Conservation Education, Horatio Colony Preserve, Cheshire County Conservation District, Cheshire Medical Center, Keene Housing Kids Collaborative, The Monadnock Conservancy, Monadnock Region Rail Trail Collaborative, the Southwest Region Planning Commission, Cheshire County and the Keene Public Library. Current Projects: The Outdoor Recreation Resource Map helps community members locate and access public recreation opportunities and resources available across the Monadnock Region. The map allows you to search for everything from trailheads to public parks, boat launches, XC ski trails and more! In 2022, Monadnock Outdoors collaborated with Antioch University’s Spatial Analysis Lab (ASAL) to create this resource. And in 2023, the map was updated with help from the New Hampshire Children's Foundation and Southwest Region Planning Commission to more comprehensively show parks and play spaces in our region. View the Outdoor Resource Map The Monadnock Gear Library gives all Cheshire County residents the ability to borrow outdoor recreation gear at no-cost! Gear includes camping supplies, fishing equipment, watercrafts, nature exploration tools and more. The gear library is located at and run by the Keene Public Librar y. View the full collection of items below! Check out the Gear Library The Monadnock Outdoors Adaptive Recreation Survey aims to identify adaptive outdoor recreation interests in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire to improve access and supports for people with adaptive recreation interests and their caregivers. Our goal is for community members of all abilities to feel welcome, and have the information they need to get more involved with Monadnock Outdoors. Through this work we hope to do the following: - Identify a list of adaptive recreation equipment that would suit the interests of our community, and what would be most universally helpful to prioritize purchasing. - Identify critical access points for outdoor recreation and what improvements need to be made to ensure they are suitable for adaptive recreation. - Identify ways to improve the region’s culture by supporting accessibility and adaptive recreation. What is Adaptive Recreation? Adaptive recreation, also known as inclusive recreation, supports people with disabilities to participate in recreational activities. It involves modifying equipment, teaching methods, and services to accommodate the interests of participants. What is a Gear Library? A gear library is a free community resource in which community members can borrow gear for their outdoor adventures! Gear can include trekking poles for hiking, camping equipment such as tents, fishing equipment, binoculars, and even kayaks! Monadnock Outdoors currently offers a free Gear Library program through a partnership with the Keene Public Library -- open for use among all Cheshire County community members! Utilizing the gear library is a great way to try something out, save on costs for your next adventure, etc.! Service providers in our region are encouraged to share this survey within the communities they work with! Access our outreach toolkit here! Please consider completing this survey at the link below, if you are an individual with adaptive outdoor recreation interests or if you are a caregiver of someone with adaptive outdoor recreation interests. For assistance in completing your survey please contact 603-904-3011 or info@cheshireconservation.org Complete the Survey Get Involved! Are you an organization or individual interested in getting involved? Contact info@cheshireconservation.org Monadnock Outdoors meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 10am via zoom. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS Bike-Walk Alliance of NH www.bwanh.org Amanda Gourgue, (603) 410-5848, amanda@bwanh.org Monadnock Interfaith Project www.mipnh.org Tom Julius, (603) 757-2366, tjulius54@gmail.com Keene Public Library www.keenepubliclibrary.org Marti Fiske, (603) 757-1842, mfiske@keenenh.gov Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail www.distanthill.org Michael Nerrie, (603) 756-4179, michael@distanthill.org Monadnock Worksource, Inc. www.monadnockwoksource.org Rob Gillis, rob@mworksource.org , (603) 924-3326 ext. 204

Forestry Resources The Cheshire County Conservation District supports forestland owners and managers in the conservation of their land by connecting them to educational resources, grant opportunities, and workshops. Learn more about statewide resources available below! Service Providers and Organizations: UNH Cooperative Extension County Foresters New England Forestry Foundation Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests NH Division of Forests and Lands NH Conservation Districts NH Association of Conservation Commissions NH Department of Environmental Services Educational Resources: UNH Extension Forests and Trees Resources NH Forest Action Plan Wildlands and Woodlands Forestry Report Harvard Forest Research Publications Yale Forestry Research Publications REDD+ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forests Management Resources: UNH Extension Forests and Trees Resources Crop Tree Management Invasive Management Directory of Licensed Foresters Woodlot Management Good Forestry in the Granite State NH Best Management Practices for Erosion Control on Timber Harvesting Operations Funding Opportunities (Deadlines Vary): National Fish and Wildlife Foundation USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Contour Lines Tree Planting Grant Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program USDA Forest Service The Cheshire County Conservation District and local partners are excited to offer a forestry workshop series this spring and summer, event details will be made available soon! View Upcoming Events Here

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. There are three more application deadlines throughout the year: March 31, 2024 June 30, 2024 September 30, 2024 Looking for more local info on ene rgy efficiency and solar? Check out a separate resource list here .* Webinars CCCD is offering webinars & workshops through Fall 2024 highlighting different energy practices on farms in our region. View recordings of our recent webinar offerings below! All events are free and open to the public, learn more here: https://www.cheshireconservation.org/events Energy Stipend Grants for Specialty Crop Producers Agricultural production consumes significant amounts of energy. After cotton and rice production, specialty crop production had the next highest average electricity expense ($11,814) among crop producers, due to the use of irrigated water and greenhouse heating. NH ranks sixth in the nation for average electricity costs (US Energy Information Administration). Through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD), is excited to offer stipends of $2,000 to farms to increase their energy efficiency and renewable energy options, with the goal of lowering operating costs, increasing viability, and increasing competitiveness. Applications for the second grant round are now open! Request for Proposals (RFP) 2024 Eligible applicants must be specialty crop producers in Cheshire County. Specialty crops are defined in law as, “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture". Read the full definition here. Eligible projects include but are not limited to: making energy efficiency improvements to farm infrastructure (e.g. coolers, lights, irrigation, electric tractors, etc), due diligence and paperwork needed in purchasing solar shares in net metering opportunities (e.g. Community Supported Solar for Farms in the Monadnock Region), and investing in appropriately scaled on-farm renewable energy projects (e.g. solar). New equipment purchases must be energy star rated to receive funding through the program. Stipends can be used to fund project costs, consulting with advisors, communicating with vendors and contractors, and farmer time. Stipends can NOT be used for construction-related costs or general purpose equipment (equipment not directly related to the energy efficiency/renewable energy goals). Applications are due May 10, 2024. Applications for 2024 are open! Ready to Apply? If you have reviewed the RFP above and confirmed that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, please complete an application: 2024 Application Form 2024 Application Questions (for drafting your application) 2024 Application Ranking Matrix Applications are due on May 10, 2024 Please submit completed applications via the google form. For Cheshire County producers looking for more information or to discuss project proposals, please contact Amanda: 603-756-2988 x4 / amanda@cheshireconservation.org 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 2024 Grant Round 1 Recipients and Projects: Abenaki Springs Farm (Walpole, NH) Bruce Bickford at Abenaki Springs Farm will add a second layer of plastic to their high tunnel. This second layer will increase the efficiency in their high tunnel and will result in lowered propane usage to heat their high tunnel during the growing season. Bonita Farms (Walpole, NH) Sam Senner of Bonita Farms will install solar panels to supply the farm with a renewable energy source. The solar panels will be affixed to the existing barn, and will supply the total property with it’s energy needs. Dog Days Farm (Fitzwilliam, NH) Jack Rixey of Dog Days Farm will utilize the stipend to support t he farms long term climate resiliency plan which is to expand their covered growing space. This project will address how the farm plans to absorb the costs associated with growing under cover, as well as strategies for reducing energy use in covered growing spaces. Dove Hill Farm (Walpole, NH) Bevin Mitchell of Dove Hill Farm will improve the efficiency of their cooler. This improvement will lower their energy costs, usage, as well as improve the storage of their crops. Flock and Clowder (Fitzwilliam, NH) James Sullivan of Flock and Clowder will design and install a rainwater catchment and solar-powered drip irrigation system that is more energy efficient than their garden hose sprinkler system. Foggy Hill Farm (Jaffrey, NH) Christine and Andy Pressman of Foggy Hill Farm will utilize the stipend to support their participation, research, and efforts in the Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar for Farms (CSS) projec t. The CSS project will lower their energy costs, as well as increase renewable energy usage and profitability on their farm. Gemmo Forest (Keene, NH) Lauren Hubele of Gemmo Forest will utilize the stipend to purchase an electric brush mower. This project will reduce the need for a gas-powered tractor. Gentle Women's Farm (Winchester, NH) Sue Vincent of Gentle Women's Farm will utilize the stipend to support their participation, research, and efforts in the Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar for Farms (CSS) projec t. The CSS project will lower their energy costs, as well as increase renewable energy usage and profitability on their farm. Hillside Springs Farm (Westmoreland, NH) Frank Hunter and Kim Peavey of Hillside Springs Farm will utilize the stipend to support their participation, research, and efforts in the Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar for Farms (CSS) projec t. The CSS project will lower their energy costs, as well as increase renewable energy usage and profitability on their farm. Lucky 13 Farm (Winchester, NH) Jake & Gerianne Fierro of Lucky 13 Farm will improve the efficiency of their farm store cooler. This improvement will lower their energy costs, usage, as well as improve the storage of their crops. Partners' Gardens (Nelson, NH) Jenna & Tyler Rich of Partners' Gardens will utilize the stipend to support their participation, research, and efforts in the Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar for Farms (CSS) projec t. The CSS project will lower their energy costs, as well as increase renewable energy usage and profitability on their farm. Picadilly Farm (Winchester, NH) Jenny & Bruce Wooster of Picadilly Farm will utilize the stipend to support their participation and efforts in the Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar for Farms (CSS) projec t. The CSS project will lower their energy costs, as well as increase renewable energy usage on their farm. Sun Moon Farm (Rindge, NH ) Craig & Megan Jensen of Sun Moon Farm will utilize the stipend to support their participation, research, and efforts in the Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar for Farms (CSS) projec t. The CSS project will lower their energy costs, as well as increase renewable energy usage and profitability on their farm. Sun Moon Farm hosts the solar array for the CSS project. Vera Flora Farm (Gilsum, NH) Sarah Barkhouse of Vera Flora Farm will improve the efficiency of their heated seed propagation greenhouse. This project will result in the ability to grow more plants and increase farm profitability, while using less energy per unit produced. Whittaker's Homestead (Alstead, NH) Lizz Whittaker of Whittaker's Homestead will install a walk-in cooler in their wash pack station. This improvement will lower their energy costs, usage, as well as improve the storage of their crops. This grant program is made possible through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.

Our Vision and Values The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) represents the conservation interests and priorities of the county, for the county. As such, the conservation district is fully vested in the preservation and enhancement of agriculture and its role in our community. Mission: To promote the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Vision: Encouraging stewardship for healthy soils, productive ecologically sound farms, diverse wildlife, productive sustainable forests, healthy watersheds and clean water to ensure those resources are available for future generations. Values: The following values will guide the daily activities and development of the CCCD: Offer leadership for landowners, land managers, and farmers. Collaborate efficiently and effectively with communities, agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals as well as participate in state, regional, and national Conservation District activities. Provide high quality service to promote strong stewardship practices. Use the best science and technology available to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Develop a diverse, innovative, and well-trained team to achieve our goals. Show respect for the dignity of the individual and celebrate continual improvement, personal renewal, and professional achievement. We value our role in providing public outreach and education to the community, focusing on environmental concerns in a manner that encourages appreciation and stewardship of natural assets for the benefit of future generations. CCCD programming is divided into four categories: Soil, Water, Wildlife, & Farm Viability

Granite State Market Match The Granite State Market Match program allows SNAP recipients to double the value of their benefits when shopping at participating farmers markets, CSAs, and farm stands in NH. For example, spend $10 in SNAP benefits at a farmers market and receive an additional $10 to spend of fresh, locally-grown vegetables and fruit! Not only does Granite State Market Match provide access to affordable, local food for SNAP participants, it also provides economic benefits to the participating vendors, farmers and host communities. Market Match benefits farmers by expanding their client base and benefits community members by making healthy food more affordable. The Cheshire County Conservation District is the regional lead for offering Granite State Market Match in Cheshire County, NH. If you have a farm stand, farmers market, or CSA and would like to begin accepting SNAP benefits and offering Granite State Market Match, please contact us: info@cheshireconservation.org , 603-756-2988 ext.4 Participating CSA Farm in Cheshire County: Weekly CSA vegetable shares are 50% off when you purchase with your SNAP/EBT Hillside Springs Farm CSA is located in Westmoreland, NH. If you are interested in purchasing a CSA share from Hillside Springs Farm at 50% off with your EBT card please contact the farm directly! Click the link for more information on CSA pricing and additional information about this CSA farm. Participating Farmers' Markets in Cheshire County: $1-for$1 match! Every SNAP dollar spent at these markets receives an extra dollar for fruits & vegetables! The Farmers' Market of Keene is located on Gilbo Ave in Keene, NH (across from Lindy's Diner). Saturdays 9am-1pm. The TEAM Jaffrey Farmers' Market is located on the Town Common on Main St. in Jaffrey, NH. Open Fridays 4-6pm. The Winchester Farmers' Market is located on Main St. in Winchester, NH. Open Saturdays from 9am-1pm. Participating Farm Stores/Stands in Cheshire County: All fruits & vegetables are automatically 50% when you buy with your SNAP/EBT! Pete's Stand is located on Rte. 12 in Walpole, NH. They are open daily from 9am-6pm. Click the link to visit their Facebook page for more information. Open for the 2023 season. Green Wagon Farm Stand is location next to 7-11 on Court Street in Keene. They are open Tuesday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, and Sundays 10am-2pm. Click the link to visit their Facebook page for more information. Picadilly Farm is located in Winchester, NH. They will be offering occasional pop-up markets where SNAP recipients can earn 50% off fruits and vegetables! Click the link for more information on the farm and pop-ups for 2023! Thank you to our Partners! This program is made possible through support from The Center for Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center to increase community member's access to healthy foods and advance the priority areas of the Healthy Monadnock Alliance . Expansion of the Granite State Market Match program within Cheshire County is a partnership between the Cheshire County Conservation District and the NH Food Bank, Wholesome Wave, and the Healthy Monadnock Alliance.

Acerca de Thank You for Your Support! Thank you for your generous support of the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD)! Your donation will help us continue to promote the responsible stewardship of the natural and agricultural resources of this beautiful region which we call home! Your receipt from PayPal will be emailed to the email address you provided. Please keep it for your records! We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events! Event Calendar If you have questions about our programs, events, or ways to further your impact, please reach out to CCCD District Manager, Benee Hershon at 802-518-0993 or benee @cheshireconservation.org

Farm Business Planning Resources The Cheshire County Conservation District, the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, and National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) partnered in 2021, to host a free 7-week-long business planning course for specialty crop producers in New Hampshire. Resources for business planning are available below! This course will be offered in future years as well, learn more about the course and future application cycles, here! Basic Accounting Guidance for Beginning Farmers Good bookkeeping is critical to financial well-being for any business. It allows the business owner (the farmer) to see whether the business is profitable, set and monitor progress toward goals, and, above all, plan for the financial stability of the farm. The purpose of this publication is to make basic accounting approachable for people with little or no accounting experience and encourage new farmers to develop good record keeping habits at the outset. Learn More Crop Insurance Options for Specialty, Diversified, and Organic Farmers This publication reviews federally subsidized crop insurance, with special attention to options available to specialty, diversified, and organic farmers. Generally, the greater the diversity or specialization of the crops and livestock farmers grow, the more difficult it can be for them to obtain insurance that fully covers the value and risks of their production. This publication gives several examples of using alternative crop-insurance policies that can offer some degree of protection from significant market-price changes and the multiple perils of farming that can impact yield. It gives special attention to understanding whole-farm revenue insurance options, which may be of particular interest to growers of diverse specialty and organic crops and livestock. Learn More Evaluating a Farming Enterprise Determining what to grow and how to sell it are the first steps in starting a farm-based business. This publication will help the reader take these important first steps. Learn More Farm Branding: Selling Your Products Through Story If you are farming to be profitable, you need to be more than a farmer. You need to be the executive director of your farm business. Moving product to a paying customer, a.k.a. marketing, is the core of that business. And we have learned that product moves based on the meanings that we associate with it. Consumers buy from farm stands, for example, because they want to support local businesses, eat fresher, or know their farmer. In other words, consumers are buying the story of your farm as much as they are buying your physical farm products. This publication helps you take control of your farm story and develop a farm brand that will connect with your customers. Learn More Farm Business Start-Up Checksheet Before starting a new farm business, you need to consider many things. What rules and regulations apply to your business? Which levels of government (city, county, state, federal) are responsible for which regulations? What permits will you need? What are the business structure options for your farm? What are your tax liabilities? This checksheet provides a list of some of the types of rules, regulations, and other things you should be aware of prior to starting your farm business. Learn More Tips About Farm Business Structures Choosing the legal structure for your farm is an important decision for beginning farmers. The farm business structure will affect the legal and tax liability of your farm. This is a short introduction to the major business structures, including the pros and cons of each. Learn More Financing Your Farm: Guidance for Beginning Farmers This publication lays out several financing options available to beginning farmers to start a farm, and to illuminate the step-by-step process of applying for a loan. Small- and medium-scale sustainable farmers and those new to the world of finance are the target audience for this publication. The intention is to help these readers consider a range of options for raising capital and reducing expenses involved in starting a farm, with a bank or government loan as just one tool, albeit an important one, in a whole toolkit of creative possibilities. Learn More Food Hubs: A Producers Guide Small and medium-sized farms are often challenged with finding new markets that support their ability to increase production and help meet increasing demands for fresh and locally raised food. Local and regional food hubs are improving market access for farmers and ranchers by operating aggregation, storage, processing, distribution, and marketing services for local producers. This publication focuses on providing producers with information, resources, and case studies specific to understanding how food hubs can provide new marketing outlets.. Learn More Guide for Organic Crop Producers New farmers, and farmers experienced in conventional agriculture, often find that obtaining organic certification for their crops is quite challenging. This guide is intended to help lead farmers through the organic certification process. Chapters 1 through 4 explain the National Organic Program (NOP) and describe the process of organic certification. Later chapters explain specific USDA organic regulations that apply to planting, soil fertility, pest management, and other farm practices. In addition to interpreting the regulations, this guide explains the practices and materials that are allowed for organic production. Learn More Legal Guide for New Hampshire Agricultural Producers – UNH New Hampshire guide focusing on common laws and regulations with which agricultural producers need to comply. Learn More NCAT Marketing Tip Sheet Series This publication contains 13 tip sheets, each of which describes a particular marketing channel and notes some of the considerations associated with that approach to marketing. Each tip sheet also provides additional resources about that marketing channel. Learn More Planning for Profit in Sustainable Farming While the basic concept of profit is very simple, assuring profitability in a sustainable farming business requires careful planning. Simply put, profit is a situation where income is greater than expenses over time. While careful planning will not absolutely assure that you will operate at a profit in your farming business, it certainly increases your chances. This publication provides an introduction to assessing and planning for farm profitability and includes additional resources that can provide further assistance. Learn More Scaling Up Your Vegetable Farm for Regional Markets This publication helps farmers decide if they are ready to expand their operations to serve wholesale markets or produce more for direct markets. It describes how organization and planning can help a producer meet the challenges involved in scaling up, and addresses important considerations such as land, labor, food safety, marketing, and insurance. Learn More Understanding Organic Pricing and Costs of Production This publication provides resources to compare organic and non-organic agricultural prices, discusses organic production costs, and offers tips on how to set organic crop prices. Case studies summarize insights gained from organic farmers and ranchers. Learn More Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Preparing for Disaster and Finding Disaster Assistance for Your Farm or Ranch Planning for the worst means being ready in the event that disaster strikes. This publication explains disaster declarations and briefly discusses federal disaster-assistance programs. It describes how record keeping, risk management, and insurance can help farmers be prepared for disasters, and it explores how environmental, social, and financial resilience can help agricultural producers mitigate and survive disasters. Learn More Funding for this program is provided in part by the New Hampshire Department Of Agriculture and the Markets & Food USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Acerca de Internships & Job Postings The CCCD provides internship opportunities that give undergraduate and graduate students practical, hands-on experience in conservation, agriculture, local food systems, and more. Past CCCD internships have focused on: Soil Health Water Quality Wildlife Farm Viability Resource conservation & planning Education Evaluation & Outreach Event planning & management At this moment, we do not have any available internships. District internships will be posted as needed, but we also welcome new ideas. If you have an internship idea you believe will serve your educational goals and objectives while also supporting the programs and mission of CCCD, we would love to discuss! Contact us!

Each September, the Cheshire County Conservation District partners with local farmers' markets to celebrate Cheshire County Veterans! Each weekend in September, Cheshire County Veterans can receive one $20 voucher to purchase food items from participating farmers' markets. Veteran Appreciation Month Cheshire County Veterans receive a $20 each weekend at a farmers' market of their choice! The goal of this program is to show our gratitude and appreciation to service members for protecting our freedoms, and to expand markets for farmers. What better way to show appreciation than through the gift of fresh, healthy food!? This program in Cheshire County is not based on need, but rather serves as a way for our community to say “Thank you” to our local service members for protecting our freedoms. This program also serves to boost the local farm economy by bringing more business to our local markets – a win/win for the Veteran and the farmer! How does it work? It's simple! Vouchers are distributed each week at the market Veterans Booth and may be used to purchase food items only. Vouchers have no cash value, are non-transferable, and must be used by the end of September. To get your voucher each week, simply bring proof of your Cheshire County residency and a valid form of Veteran ID. Valid forms of ID include: Copy of DD214 Veteran Healthcare card "Choose VA" Veterans ID card NH Driver's license with a Veterans designation Retired military ID card Veterans from these Cheshire County towns are eligible to participate: Alstead, Chesterfield, Dublin, Fitzwilliam, Gilsum, Harrisville, Hinsdale, Jaffrey, Keene, Marlborough, Marlow, Nelson, Richmond, Rindge, Roxbury, Stoddard, Sullivan, Surry, Swanzey, Troy, Walpole, Westmoreland, and Winchester Participating Markets for 2025: Keene Farmers' Market Saturdays 9am-1pm Commercial Street Parking Lot off of Gilbo Ave. Keene, NH Hinsdale Farmers' Market Saturday s 9am-1pm Riverside Park on Main St. Hinsdale, NH Winchester Farmer's Market Saturdays 9am-1pm 1 Richmond Rd. Winchester, NH TEAM Jaffrey Farmer's Market Fridays 3pm-6pm Library Lawn on Main St Jaffrey, NH Veterans are invited to visit their favorite market every weekend in September or try a new one each time! Limit 1 market/week Vouchers are available while supplies last Interested in spreading the word? Download a flyer or request printed copies for your organization by contacting info@cheshireconservation.org ! Program Impact Navigate our interactive story map by clicking the button below to learn more about this programs impact. Click on photos and maps to enlarge! Learn More Here Thank you to our donors! This program would not be possible without the support of our community! Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and make a difference! Donate directly to the program utilizing the form below, or learn more about ways to contribute here! Become a Sponsor! CCCD offers several sponsorship opportunities at different giving levels for the Veteran Appreciation Month Program. Sponsorships are an exciting opportunity to promote your business or organization, while supporting a good cause! Learn more here! Thank you to our Funder! This program is made possible through support from The Center for Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center to increase community member's access to healthy foods and advance the priority areas of the Healthy Monadnock Alliance .

Newsletter Sign Up Stay up to date with us! Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date on news, events, and grant opportunities in our county and beyond!