Winter Gatherings

February is a busy month here in York County. Our office is busy writing grant proposals, finishing reports & preparing for the upcoming field season. Although we are in the dead of winter, or sort of winter, with another 6 weeks to go (thanks to P. Phil!) this is not the time to hibernate in your dens. Instead, there are many opportunities for you to learn & explore. So grab your coat & scarf & head out to some of these great events.

Three Rivers Land Trust is hosting their annual meeting on Wednesday February 8th at 6pm in the lower level of the Springvale Library. The featured speaker (& I don't want to ruffle any feathers here) is an Owl, well actually the Center for Wildlife will be showing off some of their residents & teaching us about how Owls live in Maine. This is a great chance to see an Owl up close. It'll be a hootin' good time!

On Thursday February 16th, the York County Soil & Water Conservation District will be hosting it's Annual Meeting in the Heritage room (lower level) of the Anderson Learning Center (21 Bradeen St. Springvale). Join us for our social hour at 6pm, including a silent auction & refreshments. The business meeting will start at 7pm & will include presentation of awards to landowners in York County (I can't tell you who - it's suppose to be a surprise!). Come learn more about us & the work we are doing in York County.

Salmon Falls: Forestry sign up workshop will be held on Wednesday February 22nd at 6pm at the Acton Town Hall. This is a great opportunity to learn more about forest management & conservation plans from local, State & Federal organizations. Landowners will be able to work directly with staff to fill out the applications to particpate in many of the cost share programs available to Maine landowners. Although this is geared towards forestry, any landowner with interest in Farm Bill & conservation programs are encouraged to attend.
Here are some other great outdoor events:

Winter Wildlife Day - at Wells Reserve - February 23 http://www.wellsreserve.org/visit/calendar/401-winter_wildlife_day

Heart of Maine’s  10th Annual Soils Quality Conference   Feb. 28-29, 2012  Bangor Motor Inn

And in March....

Farm Business Skills Weekend Retreat

Friday evening, March 9^th thru Sunday noon, March 11^th  www.mesas.org

The Alfred Conservation Commission will be hosting a multimedia presentation about the Alaskan wilderness next week on Thursday, February 16th at 6:30 at the Alfred Town Hall.
 All ages are encouraged to attend.