It’s not too late to sign up for the Saturday, Aug. 9 Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation Tour, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's tour puts the spotlight on four fascinating destinations in Lincoln County, where farmers and foresters will give us tours of their current projects and practices:

• Uncas Farms in Whitefield, a certified organic farm that uses season-extending high tunnels, micro-irrigation and cover-cropping and has its own general store with café and free Wi-Fi;
• Goranson Farm in Dresden, where they produce everything from maple syrup to potatoes to veggies (all organically certified) and practice conservation tillage to improve soil health and prevent erosion;
• Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson, 2014 Maine and Northeast Region Outstanding Tree Farm with 1,000 acres of woodland (and a kettle hole bog) managed for sustainability, education and recreation; and
• NEWAIM Farm and Fiber Mill in Waldoboro, leading the way in alternative energy technology including solar hot water and grid-tied photovoltaics.
  

Enjoy a coffee break with homemade goodies, a delicious picnic lunch, learn about the benefits of conservation, local foods and farm and forest preservation, and enjoy the view as we travel through the beautiful Midcoast landscape.

Extras include updates on the recent watershed survey by Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association, goings on at Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, and a chance to shop for local goods at all of our stops! Knox-Lincoln SWCD staff Hildy Ellis and Rebecca Jacobs will provide insights and answer questions about geology, ecology and agricultural activities during the drive past farms, lakes and blueberry fields.

Preregistration is required and there are still some seats available. Cost of the tour is only $40 per person and includes all food and travel from Waldoboro. (Optional carpooling to Waldoboro from District office on Route 90 in Rockport). For more information, or to register for the tour, call Hildy at 207-596-2040, email hildy@knox-lincoln.org, or visit www.knox-lincoln.org/conservation-tour.