On Thursday, Sept. 9, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District will hold our Conservation Tour after a few years hiatus. We are excited to highlight four properties that participate in conservation practices in both Knox & Lincoln counties. Due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and to ensure everyone’s safety, we decided to offer this tour on a self-guided basis between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on September 9th. This year's tour puts the spotlight on one nature center and three farms. Participants will see conservation practices in action, learn about mitigation of invasive plant species, experience working farms and enjoy local agricultural products. The self-guided tour allows for flexibility in scheduling your visits of Merryspring Nature Center in Camden, Herbal Revolution Farm in Union, Wanderwood in Nobleboro, and Seacolors Yarnery at Meadowcroft Farm in Washington. We will have speakers at scheduled times at each location to explain their approach.

At Merryspring Nature Center, Maine Conservation Corps member Louisa Crane has been leading efforts on phase two of the invasive plant management plan. Invasive plant identification and techniques for the effective management of each species will be discussed. Farmer, author, and herbalist Katheryn Langelier at Herbal Revolution Farm will lead walks at 10 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Herbal Revolution Farm will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will offer a pop-up shop with herbal products for sale. Wanderwood is a working farm and event center nestled into the woods of Nobleboro that provides an idyllic setting for family gatherings, weddings, farm dinners and more. You will see the results first-hand of their conservation practices. Sustainability, bioregionalism, sheep and yarn are the highlights at Seacolors Yarnery at Meadowcroft Farm open 2 to 5 p.m. Farmer and business owner, Nanne Kennedy will lead tours 3, 4 and 5 p.m.

Pre-registration is greatly appreciated! Once registered, you will receive a schedule, map and descriptions of each location. Cost of the tour is only $25 mail-in registration / $26 online per person. A bagged lunch is optional at an additional $15 mail-in and $16 online. To request more information or to register for the tour, contact Rebecca or Julie at 596-2040, info@knox-lincoln.org, or register online at https://www.knox-lincoln.org/conservation-tour. Knox-Lincoln SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.