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Turtle Resources Of the 356 species of turtles worldwide, approximately 61% are threatened or already extinct. The Southwestern Region of New Hampshire, specifically Cheshire County, is habitat to a wide range of turtle species, from stable populations to turtle populations at-risk, at-risk species include: Spotted, Blanding, and Wood turtles. Local turtle populations are at risk in our region due to loss of habitat from development, mortalities from road crossings, and climate related impacts on wetland habitats, nesting sites, and migratory corridors. CCCD, along with partners at NH Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC), the Harris Center for Conservation Education, the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the NH Department of Environmental Services, and Moosewood Ecological have created a regional turtle conservation initiative that seeks to support research identified strategies for supporting turtle populations and by increasing turtle literacy throughout our region and beyond. Learn more about how you can support this iniative and help conserve local turtle populations at the resources listed below: Service Providers and Management Resources: Northeast Blanding's Turtle Working Group Design Guidance for Wetland-Road Crossings to Reduce Blanding’s Turtle Mortality Risk USDA NRCS Northeast Turtles New Hampshire Turtle Rescue (NHTR) Educational Resources: Status Assessment and Conservation Plan for the Spotted Turtle in the Eastern United States UNH Blanding's Turtle in New Hampshire (brochure ) New Hampshire Turtle Rescue (NHTR) NHTR - What to do: I found a turtle NHTR - Helping turtles cross the road NHTR - Helping snapping turtles cross the road NHTR - A turtle is nesting in my yard Ways to Get Involved and Community Science: Reporting NH Reptile and Amphibian Sightings (RAARP) The Cheshire County Conservation District and local partners are excited to offer a turtle workshops, event details will be made available as they are planned! View Upcoming Events Here In Partnership with: The New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC) , the Harris Center for Conservation Education , the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department , the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service , the NH Department of Environmental Services , and Moosewood Ecological .

News & Events The Cheshire County Conservation District offers a variety of event opportunities, and opportunities to stay up to date on the latest news! View the following pages to learn more! Events News Press Releases Blog Newsletter Signup Contact us for assistance in registering for an event, assistance in newsletter signup, or for a media inquiry!

Integrated Pest Management Apply now to have an Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site on your farm! Are you a producer considering implementing integrated pest management practices on your farm? Have you considered installing an on-farm weather station for increased accessibility to detailed weather data and pest/disease modeling tools? How about exclusion netting for spotted wing drosophila? The New Hampshire Conservation Districts in partnership with UNH Cooperative Extension and the Xerces Society are offering a cost share program to implement these practices! Applications Accepted for: Exclusion Netting for spotted wing drosophila fruit flies Weather Stations to increase pest control precision Farmers will have the opportunity purchase and install SWD exclusion netting and/or weather stations linked to the Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) and receive technical assistance for the installation and utilization of the equipment. Selection of farmers to receive reimbursement will be based on funding availability, the farmer’s interest/commitment to Integrated Pest Management, and ensuring a variety of farm types and geographic locations receive the opportunity. Application period has now closed, but stay tuned for a second application round pending funding availability. Grant funding pays 75% of the cost of equipment & the farmer will be responsible for 25%. Click here to Apply Now! Click here to print an application Please also review theses contracts: Weather Station Contract SWD Netting Contract Approved SWD Netting Vendor List This funding opportunity is provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant, and The New Hampshire State Conservation Committee Conservation Grant Program through the purchase of Conservation License Plates, known as “Moose Plates”. This program is a partnership between the Rockingham, Strafford, and Cheshire County Conservation Districts, UNH Cooperative Extension, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Learn more about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in action across farms throughout New Hampshire! USDA NRCS Spotlighted this initiative in an article focused on the success of IPM projects made possible between partnerships with NRCS and statewide partners, including Conservation Districts, read more below! Read Here

Acerca de Contact Us General Inquiries: 603-904-3011 info@cheshireconservation.org 11 Industrial Park Drive Walpole, NH 03608 Donations and Planned Giving: Contact Benee Hershon, here! 802-518-0993 Sponsorships: Contact Benee Hershon, here! 802-518-0993 CCCD Program and Grant Opportunities: Contact Benee Hershon, here! 802-518-0993 Communications, Newsletter Submissions and Press: Contact Benee Hershon, here! 802-518-0993

Acerca de USDA NRCS Partnership The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) works in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the lead conservation agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The primary role of NRCS is to administer the Farm Bill Programs mandated by congress and to provide conservation technical assistance. NRCS is a non-regulatory agency that provides services upon request on a voluntary basis. The cornerstone of the success of NRCS is Conservation Planning assistance. The Conservation District and NRCS work together in Cheshire County to help set conservation goals, work with people on the land, and provide services--such as workshops to landowners--in our county. History NRCS was established in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service in response to the Dust Bowl. In 1937, the first county Conservation District was formed to link federal agency resources with the local farmers. Since then, nearly 3000 Conservation Districts have been organized, including the ten county Conservation Districts we have in New Hampshire. Working Together The Conservation District and NRCS partnership recognizes that local conservation concerns and innovative projects are often beyond the means of a single landowner and, therefore, require cooperation and public support. Working together, the CCCD and NRCS team help local landowners and county residents put conservation into practice. While NRCS is a technical agency that provides trained soil conservationists, technicians, soil scientists, agronomists, engineers, economists, biologists, foresters and other experts to help landowners and land users with conservation, the Conservation District serves as the local link to connect land owners and users to the services NRCS provides. NRCS services include: Conservation Problem Solving Find out how to get conservation assistance for your farm or forest Conservation Planning Technical Assistance and Resources Conservation Programs Ecosystem Restoration Conservation Engineering NRCS Technical Standards and Specifications Conservation Methods and Evaluations Collecting and Assessing Natural Resources Data Soils Information National Resources Inventory (NRI) Conservation Methods and Evaluations Providing Natural Resource Information and Education NRCS Technical Standards and Specifications Conservation Education Conservation Methods and Evaluations Visit the NRCS website for more information about the conservation programs they provide.

Farm Equipment Rentals The Cheshire County Conservation District provides low-cost farm equipment rentals each year in and around Cheshire County. Learn More Find a Local Farm When you purchase directly from the farm, you’re buying foods that are exceptionally fresh, nutritious, flavorful, economical and sustainable. Learn More Historical Aerial Photography Historical aerial photographs are available for public viewing at the Conservation District office. Learn More Plant, Seed & Mushroom Sales Each year we sell conservation plants and seeds to raise funds that support our services and programming. Learn More Farmer Business Planning Course Soil Potential Index & Surveys In 2021, CCCD hosted a farmer business planning course in collaboration with The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship and NCAT Northeast. Materials and resources are available for free and public use. The Conservation District uses USDA Natural Conservation Resources Service soil mapping data to compute SPI for each field, parcel or tract of land. Learn More Learn More 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. 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 Learn More Renewable Energy & 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. Learn More The Cheshire County Conservation District offers a variety of services for all residents of Cheshire County. View the service pages to to learn more about what we offer in the way of: Farm Equipment Rental Find a Farm Grant Programs Soil Potential Index & Soil Surveys Historic Aerial Photography Monadnock Grows Together Conservation Plant & Seed Sales Farm Business Planning Resources Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Resources Forestry Resources Contact us and tell us about what unmet conservation needs you have. We are always looking for more ways to serve Cheshire County residents and we're happy to point you in the right direction of another organization that already provides the service you need. Services

Find a Local Farm Map Legend: Green - Farm Red - Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Yellow - Pick Your Own (PYO) Blue - Farm Stand Light Purple - Farmers' Market Dark Purple - Farm Stay Brown - Winery Grey - Garden Center Enjoy Shopping at a Local Farmers' Market in Cheshire County: Keene Farmers’ Market – Tuesday and Saturday 9am-1pm (May – October) on Gilbo Ave, Keene, NH - SNAP Accepted and Market Match offered! https://www.facebook.com/keenefarmers Jaffrey – Monday 3-6pm (June – September) Downtown Jaffrey, NH - SNAP Accepted and Market Match offered! Rindge – Thursday 3-6pm (May– October) Intersection of Route 202/Bradford Street, Rindge, NH Winchester - Saturday 10am-2pm at the Winchester Town Hall (winter) and Main St, Winchester NH (summer) - SNAP Accepted and Market Match offered! Chesterfield Farmers Market every Saturday 9:00 AM - Noon. Route 63 Chesterfield NH. Buying locally grown and produced food is a terrific idea. Local vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy are loaded with benefits for you and your family. When you purchase directly from the farm, you’re buying foods that are exceptionally fresh, nutritious, flavorful, economical and sustainable. There are lots of farms in Cheshire County. In fact, there are well over 100 Cheshire County farms of varying size that grow a diverse array of foods and sell directly to consumers. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Help Us Update Our Local Farm Map! Now more than ever, folks straying away from grocery stores and looking to local farms for fresh food, milk, eggs, bread, etc. Help us ensure that folks know about your farm's offerings, hours, location, & more as we update our Find a Local Farm Map! How to Update or Add your farm's info: Step 1: Use the map to locate your farm Step 2: Review your farm's listed information Step 3: Email us with any necessary updates Email to: info@cheshireconservation.org Subject line: "Farm Map: "Your Farm Name" This project is made possible through grant funds awarded to the Cheshire County Conservation District from the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program and administered by the County of Cheshire.

Stream Improvement Projects CCCD works with partner organizations and volunteers to improve streams for the benefit of wildlife habitat and water quality. Learn more about our latest stream improvement projects below! Falls Brook Aquatic Organism Passage Project In 2016, an undersized culvert at Hale Hill Road in Swanzey was replaced with a new, flood-resilient and wildlife-friendly open-bottom arch crossing, reconnecting more than 20 miles of stream habitat in Falls Brook and the Ashuelot River for wild brook trout, dace, and other wildlife. After the construction was completed, volunteers came together to revegetate the shoreline with native, edible plants, which were grown nearby in the Keene State College greenhouse. Click here to read a full length article about this project by Nature Groupie Or, click here to view tons of photos of this project! Thank you to our Volunteers! This project would not have been possible without the the support of our partners at the NH State Conservation Committee, NHDES Aquatic Resources Mitigation Fund, NHF&G, the Town of Swanzey, USDA NRCS, & Keene State College. Thompson Brook Restoration Project Wild brook trout now have more room to roam thanks to this recent stream restoration project on Thompson Brook in Surry, NH. This exciting project eliminated a severe barrier to fish passage under Route 12A, restoring access to two and a half miles of prime, cold-water spawning and summer refuge habitat for brook trout and other native fish. This site was identified as the third highest priority site for restoration for aquatic organism passage in the Ashuelot River watershed. Click here to read a short article further detailing this project Funding for this project was provided by the NH Department of Environmental Services through the Aquatic Resources Mitigation Fund, USDA NRCS, Connecticut River Conservancy, and the NH Association of Conservation Districts. Partners included Trout Unlimited, NH Fish and Game, Surry Conservation Commission, NH Department of Transportation, USDA NRCS, Harris Center for Conservation Education, and the Ashuelot River Local Advisory Committee.

Grant Programs CCCD offers a wide range of grant programs to support conservation in our region! From more information on the programs listed below, contact info@cheshireconservation.org ! Conservation Opportunity Fund The mission of the Conservation Opportunity Fund is to provide funding for owners of small tracts of land who are interested in improving the wildlife habitat on their property. This program is an annual opportunity to support environmental stewardship and the ecological integrity of Cheshire County, NH. Learn More Here 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 and wholesale sales to contribute to a thriving local farm economy. This local grant opportunity is a partnership between the Cheshire County Conservation District and the Monadnock Food Co-op . Learn More Here NH 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. Learn More Here NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant Program The NH County Conservation Districts have 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. Learn More Here

CCCD In the News March 2 2026 Join Us for the Next Birding on the Farm Workshop at Miller Farm! Read More Here February 24 2026 Forest Stewardship Workshop: Tree and Shrub Winter Identification Workshop Read More Here February 12 2026 Cheshire County Conservation District Urges Support for Climate Resilience Funding for Farms Read More Here February 3 2026 CCCD Birding on the Farm Workshop - Cheshire County Farm Read More Here January 31 2026 CCCD forest stewardship workshop - Timber Harvest Tour Read More Here January 29 2026 Monadnock Farm Share Program to help limited-income residents take part in a CSA Read More Here January 17 2026 Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship Now Accepting Applications Read More Here November 28 2025 CCCD Launches 2026 Round of the Conservation Opportunity Fund Read More Here November 15 2025 Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund accepting applications Read More Here November 6 2025 NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant Read More Here October 12 2025 Cheshire County Conservation District recognizes educator, farm Read More Here September 26 2025 9th Annual Conservation Commission Potluck Read More Here September 21, 2025 Cheshire County Conservation District to celebrate 80 years of conservation Read More Here September 2, 2025 Tour A Fantastic Farm In Cheshire County Sept. 10 Read More Here August 28, 2025 Farmers market vouchers to be available for Cheshire County veterans Read More Here August 11, 2025 Forest stewardship workshop Read More Here August 4, 2025 Summer Farm Tour Series: Lee's Bees Read More Here July 18, 2025 CCCD accepting orders for fall bulk seed sale Read More Here June 23, 2025 Granite State Market Match Season Has Begun Read More Here June 17, 2025 2025 Climate Resilience Grant Program Awardees Read More Here June 7, 2025 Hershon brings love of conservation and this region to leadership role Read More Here May 28, 2025 Birding on the Farm Workshop Series Continues in June! Read More Here May 27, 2025 17 Local Youth Awarded Scholarships to Attend Summer Camp Read More Here May 1, 2025 Birding on the Farm Read More Here April 18, 2025 New leadership at Cheshire County Conservation District marks milestone year Read More Here April 11, 2025 Regional Turtle Conservation Initiative Seeks to Support Statewide Research and Education Read More Here April 4, 2025 BCS Tractor Training for Small Scale Gardeners & Farmers Read More Here April 3, 2025 Monadnock Food Co-op & CCCD Announce 2025 Farm Fund Recipients Read More Here April 1, 2025 CCCD Announces New Equipment Offerings and Equipment Field Day Read More Here March 20, 2025 Conservation leader to leave local conservation district after 18 years Read More Here March 30, 2025 CCCD Announces Conservation Opportunity Fund Recipients Read More Here March 13, 2025 'Resilience’ is key for New Hampshire farms — but state support of grant program is in doubt Read More Here March 4, 2025 Cheshire County Conservation District accepting orders for Spring Seed Sale Read More Here February 28, 2025 Local Conservation Resolutions Elevated to National Policy Read More Here February 26, 2025 NH Farm Future Fund Announces a Sixth Year of Funding Read More Here February 20, 2025 2025 Local Work Group Meeting Announced Read More Here February 17, 2025 Join CCCD for Coffee & Conversation! Read More Here February 11, 2025 2025 Local Work Group Meeting Date Announced Read More Here February 11, 2025 Cheshire County Conservation District seeks 'Educator of the Year' award nominations Read More Here February 10, 2025 Monadnock Outdoors Adaptive Recreation Survey Read More Here January 21, 2025 NH Conservation Districts Announce New Interactive Resource Read More Here January 16, 2025 Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Camp Scholarship Now Accepting Applications for 2025! Read More Here January 6, 2025 Apply by February 1st: NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant Read More Here January 2, 2025 Birding on the Farm Workshop Series Continues in 2025! Read More Here December 3, 2024 NH Association of Conservation Districts Recognizes Outstanding Contributions Read More Here November 11, 2024 CCCD Conservation Opportunity Fund Grant Program Read More Here November 9, 2024 9 Years of the Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund Read More Here November 5, 2024 CCCD Launches 2025 Round of The Conservation Opportunity Fund Read More Here November 2, 2024 NH Conservation Districts announce fourth round of 'NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant' Read More Here October 29, 2024 Farmer Appreciation Night Celebration! Read More Here October 2, 2024 Cheshire County Conservation District Honors Britton Farm Read More Here October 1, 2024 Persistence and Partnerships Both Key to Land Access for New and Beginning Farmers Read More Here September 28, 2024 Roxbury resident's passion for wildlife bears fruit in the Monadnock Region Read More Here September 29, 2024 Chesterfield Teacher Recognized for Conservation Ethic Read More Here September 25, 2024 CCCD Honors Laura White as the 2024 Educator of the Year Read More Here September 24, 2024 Britton Farm Recognized as 2024 Cooperator of the Year Read More Here September 24, 2024 CCCD Honors Britton Farm as the 2024 Cooperator of the Year Read More Here September 23, 2024 In Photos: River Cleanup Read More Here September 16, 2024 Volunteers Sought for Major River Cleanup in Keene and Swanzey Read More Here September 15, 2024 Cheshire County Conservation District to Hold Annual Celebration Read More Here September 12, 2024 Cheshire County celebrates veterans with farmers' market vouchers this month Read More Here September 5, 2024 Forest Stewardship Series Continues this Fall! Read More Here September 4, 2024 Keene Equipment Library Helps Residents Gear Up for Outdoors Fun Read More Here September 3, 2024 Join the CCCD in Celebrating 79 Years of Conservation at Our Annual Celebration! Read More Here September 2, 2024 Birding on the Farm Workshop Series to Continue in September Read More Here August 28, 2024 Thanking our Veterans at Farmer's Markets Read More Here August 18, 2024 Thanking our Veterans at Farmer's Markets Every Week in September! Read More Here August 18, 2024 Cheshire County Veterans Can Get Free Farmers Market Vouchers in September Read More Here June 2, 2024 Pollinator Palooza to Be Held at Ashuelot Park Read More Here May 23, 2024 Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Camp Scholarship Given to 20 Local Youth Read More Here May 21, 2024 CCCD Invites You to Celebrate National Pollinator Week at the 2024 Pollinator Palooza! Read More Here May 16, 2024 Granite State Market Match Season Has Begun Read More Here May 14, 2024 Recipients Announced for the Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Camp Scholarship Read More Here May 9, 2024 Grants help farmers implement systems to fight climate change Read More Here May 6, 2024 2024 Birding on the Farm Workshop Series Continues in June! Read More Here April 29, 2024 NH Conservation Districts Announce 2024 Climate Resilience Grant Program Awardees Read More Here April 9, 2024 Monadnock Food Co-op & CCCD Announce 2024 Farm Fund Recipients Read More Here April 3, 2024 2024 Birding on the Farm Workshop Series Kicks Off in May! Read More Here April 1, 2024 CCCD Announces Energy Stipend Grants Recipients and Additional Funding Read More Here March 28, 2024 CCCD Announces 2024 Conservation Opportunity Fund Recipients Read More Here March 22, 2024 Seedling Workshop for Local Growers Set in Keene Read More Here March 9, 2024 BCS Tractor Training for Small Scale Gardeners & Farmers Read More Here March 5, 2024 Monadnock Farm Share Program set to return for sixth year Read More Here March 5, 2024 CCCD's 2024 Farm Equipment Field Day & Spring Seed Sale Read More Here March 4, 2024 Seedling Workshop to Be Held in Keene for Local Growers Read More Here February 28, 2024 NH Farm Future Fund Announces a Fifth Year of Funding Read More Here February 14, 2024 REAP 101: Farm Funding for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Projects Read More Here February 7, 2024 A Pleasant, Peculiar People Read More Here February 5, 2024 CCCD Announces Second Year of SNAP Farm Share Program Read More Here January 21, 2024 Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Camp Scholarship Now Accepting Applications for 2024 Read More Here January 18, 2024 NH Conservation Districts Seeking Proposals from Videographers Read More Here January 15, 2024 2024 NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant Program Read More Here January 4, 2024 Winter Bird Walk at Hillside Springs Farm Read More Here December 18, 2023 The Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund Awards $20,000 for Emergency Disaster Relief Read More Here December 12, 2023 Three Land Trusts and Five Local Farms Named NH Farm Future Fund Recipients Read More Here December 6, 2023 CCCD Launches 2024 Round of the Conservation Opportunity Fund Read More Here November 1, 2023 NH Conservation Districts Announce 2024 Round of Climate Resilience Grant Program Read More Here November 1, 2023 Grant to Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change Available to Farms Read More Here October 24, 2023 Susie Spikol Named Educator of the Year Read More Here October 23, 2023 Creating and Stewarding Pollinator Habitat Workshop Read More Here October 15, 2023 CCCD Honors Pete's Stand in Walpole as 2023 Cooperator of the Year Read More Here October 9, 2023 Monadnock Food Co-Op Farm Funds Accepting Applications Read More Here September 28, 2023 Picking Up Old Mattresses, Creepy Dolls, and More Trash at the Ashuelot River Clean Up Read More Here September 25, 2023 CCCD to Celebrate 78 Years of Conservation Read More Here September 18, 2023 Conservation Commission Potluck to Be Held at Stonewall Farm Read More Here September 16, 2023 Local Fund Program to Provide Relief to Flood-Affected Farmers Read More Here September 10, 2023 Energy Independence on Small Farms Read More Here September 2, 2023 Keene Sentinel: Radically Rural Summit and Land & Community Sessions Read More Here August 24, 2023 Economic Well-Being of Small Towns Linked to Healthy Natural Resources Read More Here August 23, 2023 NHPR: Climate Stress on Farmers and Resilience Support Read More Here August 7, 2023 The Perfect Match: TEAM Jaffrey's Farmers' Market and Community SNAP Programs Read More Here July 25, 2023 Evening Community Stroll to Offer Casual Exploration of Keene Park Read More Here July 20, 2023 Manure Management with Bedded Pack Facilities Read More Here June 20, 2023 New Hampshire Abuzz for National Pollinator Week Read More Here June 12, 2023 Event at Keene Park to Celebrate Pollinators Read More Here March 21, 2023 Spring Workshop Series Read More Here March 13, 2023 Cheshire Co. NH Farm Bureau continues support of scholarship Read More Here March 9, 2023 CCCD's Farm Equipment Rental Program and Equipment Field Day Read More Here March 9, 2023 Birding on the Farm Workshop Read More Here February 28, 2023 Monadnock Farm Share Program Read More Here February 16, 2023 Equipment Rental Roundtable Read More Here February 10, 2023 High and dry: Area farmers feel effects of inflation, drought Read More Here February 7, 2023 Equipment Rental Roundtable Discussion, March 9th Read More Here February 2, 2023 Partners Help Pest Management Interest Soar in NH in 2022 Read More Here January 23, 2023 Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Camp Scholarship accepting applications for 2023 Read More Here January 22, 2023 Monadnock Grows Together announces workshop series for urban growers Read More Here January 17, 2023 Soil Steamer Virtual Workshop to Be Held on Feb. 6th, 2023 at 11:00AM Read More Here January 18, 2023 Soil Steamer Virtual Workshop Read More Here January 17, 2023 Soil Steamer Virtual Workshop to Be Held on Feb. 6th, 2023 at 11:00AM Read More Here January 7, 2023 Birding on the Farm Workshop Read More Here December 20, 2022 Supporting a Climate-Resilient Future for Granite State Farmers Read More Here December 14, 2022 Local Farms Improve Climate Resilience with Grant Dollars Read More Here November 21, 2022 New Hampshire Farms get grants to prepare for climate change Read More Here November 17, 2022 First round of Climate Resilience Grant Program awardees announced Read More Here November 13, 2022 Monadnock Farm Fund Accepting Applications Read More Here November 1, 2022 Seven Years of the Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund Read More Here October 5, 2022 New Hampshire Specialty Crop Producers Free Business Planning Course Read More Here October 4, 2022 Antioch University New England Named Cooperator of the Year Read More Here September 15, 2022 Cheshire County Conservation District Honors Jeff Littleton as 2022 Educator of the Year Read More Here September 4, 2022 Cheshire County Conservation District receives urban ag conservation grant Read More Here August 11, 2022 Radically Rural Session Connects Land Use To Community Well-Being Read More Here August 11, 2022 Radically Rural Launches Fifth Summit Read More Here August 8, 2022 Conservation Potluck to be hosted at Stonewall Farm Read More Here July 7, 2022 Monadnock Grows Together Read More Here July 5, 2022 Specialty Producers to discuss ag tool sharing program Read More Here June 14, 2022 Cheshire County National Pollinator Week Read More Here June 12, 2022 CCCD celebrates National Pollinator Week Read More Here June 7, 2022 CCCD Invites You to Celebrate National Pollinator Week June 20-26 Read More Here June 6, 2022 Habitat workshop series to be Held at Distant Hill Gardens Read More Here May 31, 2022 30 Local Youth Receive Scholarship to Attend Summer Camp Read More Here May 13, 2022 CCCD to Offer Workshop Series on Birding on the Farm Read More Here May 9, 2022 CCCD Announces 2022 Conservation Opportunity Fund Recipients Read More Here May 9, 2022 Birding on the Farm Workshop Read More Here April 21, 2022 Local Fiber... Locally Dressed! Read More Here April 14, 2022 Learning the Business Side of Farming Read More Here April 8, 2022 With solar project, new chapter dawning for area farms Read More Here March 10, 2022 A Pollinator Garden is Born... Read More Here February 7, 2022 Monadnock Community Steps In to Help Farms Go Solar Read More Here February 3, 2022 Partners' Gardens in Nelson is propagating great food for you! Read More Here January 31, 2022 Food Connects Employees Support the Monadnock Localvores Farm Scholarship Read More Here January 5, 2022 Grant Offers Growth Opportunity for Cheshire County Farmers Read More Here December 30, 2021 Plan Now for Spring Planting! Read More Here December 27, 2021 CCCD's 2022 Conservation Plant Sale Read More Here November 13, 2021 Caterpillar Lab founder honored by Cheshire County Conservation District Read More Here November 2, 2021 Rindge farmers honored for commitment to land, community Read More Here

< Back Wendy Ward District Conservationist wendy.ward@usda.gov (603)904-3010 I am a 3rd generation New Hamshireite (is that what we call ourselves?) Native to Keene. My work with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service in Walpole is to help landowners conserve the natural resources on their land - mainly water quality and soil erosion in the woodlands, wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration and invasive plant control. I have two grown daughters and a significant other who are my biggest fans and most tolerant of my obsessions with all things plant like and tiny. In my spare time when I am not cleaning my house, I love to garden -both veggies and flowers and read. If I actually get away from my own place, I like to hike and look for birds, insects and wildlife in general. My passion is native plants and insects and I love to find new places with unique plants I have never seen before.

< Back Richard Mellor Associate Board Member

< Back Amy Bodwell Vice Chair Amy Bodwell who moved to New Hampshire from the Chicago area in 2007 to be closer to nature and wildness. She enjoys being outside, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, watching birds, bugs and other critters, working on her 200 acres and golf. Her past work as a registered nurse included working in intensive care units and as head nurse of a spinal cord unit. After a big career change, she worked in zoos in Atlanta, Belize, Central America and Chicago mainly as an environmental educator and in local conservation. In addition to CCCD she volunteers for Healthy Monadnock 2020, United Way, and is Chairperson of the Roxbury, NH Planning Board.

< Back John Treat Associate Board Member

< Back Sparky Von Plinsky Board Member Sparky is a fairly recent New England transplant. He moved up to Amherst, Massachusetts to get his Masters in Landscape Architecture from UMASS in 2010. After falling in love with the area he, along with his wife Brenda and their two girls, moved to Keene in 2013. He is a stay-at-home Dad whose girls are quickly aging him out of a job, forcing him to follow his passions in his growing free time. Chief amongst these passions would be attempting to save the world through varying levels of service to the planet. He is a soon-to-be former NH State Representative and the current chair of Keene’s Conservation Commission. Any time not spent with family or world saving is usually spent working in the yard, hiking, traveling or trying to figure out an excuse to play golf.

< Back Frank Hunter Associate Board Member Frank Hunter lives and farms in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. Hillside Springs Farm is a small horse-powered farm growing 3 acres and over 100 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, using only sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming methods. Frank grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and majored in Environmental Studies at Prescott College in Arizona. After interning on several CSA and draft horse farms in the Northeast, Frank and his spouse Kim Peavey were two years CSA farming on rented land near Ithaca, NY, before moving to Hillside Springs Farm in 2002. Frank is Chair of the Westmoreland Agricultural Advisory Committee, and a member of Farmers Helping Farmers, a regional group of farmers working to support one another and local, small-scale agriculture. Frank’s interests include live music, seed-saving, heirloom tomatoes, driving horses, and travel (when he can get it!). Please see www.hillsidesprings farm.com for more information.