Hancock County ME Soil & Water Conservation District

05/13/2026

🐟🌿Join us for a day of fish, wildlife, and watershed celebration in the heart of Orland! 🐟🌿

The Narramissic–Orland River Watershed Migratory Fish Celebration takes place Saturday, May 23 from 10 AM–2 PM in Orland Village along Fish Point Road/Castine Road. Held in conjunction with World Fish Migration Day, this free community event celebrates the return of alewife and blueback herring and the vital role they play in our rivers, ecosystems, and coastal communities.

Enjoy:
🔹 Watching herring migrate up the Orland fish ladder
🔹 Birdwatching opportunities as water birds hunt along the river
🔹 Learning about migratory fish ecology & watershed stewardship
🔹 Connecting with local conservation partners and community members
🔹This year, kids can enjoy a new children's activity area

Hosted by the Town of Orland in partnership with the Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District and Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Hope to see you there!!

05/13/2026

The Union River Watershed Summit & Race returns May 15–17, a community gathering focused on the future of one of our region’s most important rivers.

Join local experts, Indigenous leaders, and community members as we explore the Union River’s environmental, cultural, and economic significance and what it will take to protect and restore it for the long term. Together, we’ll take a closer look at the challenges facing the watershed and the real opportunities ahead.

Why does this matter?
The Union River is the largest river in Maine without effective fish passage. The decisions made now will shape not only the health of the river, but also the future of the communities connected to it.

This free, hybrid event (in-person and via Zoom) is organized by Ellsworth Green Plan Union River Watershed Action Team, with support from partners including Downeast Salmon Federation, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Hancock County ME Soil & Water Conservation District.

View the full summit schedule here: https://www.greenellsworth.org/community-events

Register here:
https://uregina-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/azvZm9DUTjWZY9B9iRRYNA #/registration

📷: Nikolai Fox

05/01/2026

🌿It's that time - our 2026 Annual Native Plant Sale!!🌿

Come on down to our plant sale - pick up your pre-order, or browse the for sale plants at $8 each. Each plant is a native tree or shrub. Hope to see you here at 474 Bucksport Road in Ellsworth.

🌱Friday 8-4
🌱Saturday 8-2

Annual Native Plant Sale: Pick Up Your Bare Root Seedlings This Week - May 1st (8am-4pm) and 2nd (8am-2pm) are Pick-Up Days

04/30/2026

Media Monday: In the Spotlight 📰🎥

Ankit Singh, assistant Extension professor, was recently featured in a Martha Stewart article discussing the benefits of removing tree stumps from your landscape.

“Old stumps often create a tripping hazard, get in the way of mowing and planting, and take up valuable space you may use for new flowers, shrubs, or landscaping features,” Singh shared.

It’s great to see Extension expertise highlighted on a national stage! 🌿

👉 Read more: umaine.edu/news/2026/04/martha-stewart-interviews-singh-on-removing-a-tree-stump/

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

🌿Plant Sale - Pick-Up Times🌿

It's that time, folks! Pick up your pre-ordered native bare root tree and shrub seedlings THIS Friday and Saturday:

Friday, May 1st: 8am-4pm
Saturday, May 2nd: 8am-2pm
Location: Outside our office at 474 Bucksport Road, Ellsworth

There will be some extras for folks to purchase for $8 each, while supplies last.

Hope to see you there!

Call 667-8663 with any questions.

For complete information, including how to plant and care for native bare root seedlings, please visit our website:
https://www.hancockcountyswcd.org/news-learning/native-plant-sale-2024-choose-from-25-trees-amp-shrubs

Annual Native Plant Sale: Pick Up Your Bare Root Seedlings This Week - May 1st (8am-4pm) and 2nd (8am-2pm) are Pick-Up Days

04/30/2026

Join the Maine Forest Service for a free webinar about Maine’s Tree Growth Tax Law on May 11 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. We’ll cover the purpose of Tree Growth, program eligibility, common challenges, and available resources.

For more information and to register: www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/tree_growth_tax_law_info.html

Please share widely. All are invited, and registration closes May 8.

04/30/2026

The shade from trees, if properly placed, can save an average household up to $250 a year in energy costs. Keep an eye out for the Emerald Ash Borer which threatens our urban trees. https://portlandmaine.gov/1485/Emerald-Ash-Borer

02/02/2026

Maine Woodland Owners’ membership fees make up a significant portion of our revenue budget and are the most reliable form of financial support that we receive. In return, members get the following:
· Our 20-page monthly newsletter - to view articles from past issues, go to
https://www.mainewoodlandowners.org/newsletter
· Direct access to our professional staff ready to help with your forest stewardship and management needs.
· Representation before the legislature and government agencies on issues important to woodland owners and forest stewards.
· Notification about workshops in your area and throughout the state during the year, including chapter events and our Annual Meeting.
· Access to resources only available to members, like our newsletter archive, occasional product discounts, and videos.
· Your business will be listed on our Business Member page (for business members).

Join now! Visit Maine Woodland Owners website:
https://www.mainewoodlandowners.org/membership