Did you know that the Worcester County Conservation District (WCCD) was created to help land stewards in preserving natural resources in our community? Whether you rent or own a home with a garden or have a farm that helps feed and support your community, WCCD can assist with resources to ensure that your land is healthy and environmentally safe. This survey is intended to educate our community about the many services we offer and to learn from each of you about how WCCD can support your environmental goals. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a minute or...
Our Annual Spring Seedling Sale is closed for the 2025 season. Thank you all for your support! Plants can be picked up Saturday, May 3rd 9am – 12pm Pick up locations- Please refer to your confirmation email to see which location you chose for pickup. LEOMINSTER: Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant Street NORTHBOROUGH: Davidian Brothers Farm, 500 Church Street ROCHDALE: Cooper’s Hilltop Farm, 515 Henshaw Street, Rochdale RUTLAND: Jordan Dairy Farm, 51 Muschopauge Road DOUGLAS: Douglas Orchard and Farm, 36 Locust Street PHILLIPSTON: Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Avenue For any questions, please email plantsales@worcesterconservation.org
Thank you to all our applicants! We’re delighted and overwhelmed with the number of applications we received. Our Board will be reviewing the submissions and will make a decision in the near future. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please email jennifer.mason@worcesterconservation.org
For Pollinators’ Sakes, Don’t Spring into Garden Cleanup Too Soon! We’re sharing this informative article on Spring garden cleanup, from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Don’t Spring into Garden Cleanup Too Soon! (Photo credit: Vicki DeLoach CC-BY-NC-ND)
Join WCCD’s own Bethany Nichols on a discussion surrounding soil health and best practices, followed by Jen Burt and the story of how they resurrected the Worcester Mammoth Horticultural Bean! Date: Thursday, May 8th Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm Location: Regional Environmental Council- 42 Lagrange Street, Worcester, MA This event is free, however registration is required. Please register here: Eventbrite Details: We will dive into soils, including feeling, smelling, and observing different soils as we discuss how to maintain a healthy soil and soil food web. Focusing on greener lawn alternatives and conversions to include pollinator and native plant gardens as...
There is a strong connection between the soils beneath us and a resilient Massachusetts. Soils determine the health and productivity of our farms, forests, wetlands and open spaces. The Healthy Soils Action Plan was developed over the past three years under the direction of the Commission for Conservation of Soil, Water & Related Resources with crucial input from a steering committee with expertise in soils across five land use categories: farms, forests, wetlands, lawns and other developed open spaces, and impervious areas (buildings, roads, and parking lots). Massachusetts is the first state to complete a healthy soils plan for...
We’re excited to welcome Bethany Nichols, as our Program Manager for our Healthy Soils Action Plan. Bethany is a Massachusetts-born environmental educator who loves working outdoors and connecting people with nature. She has a Master of Science degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education from Alaska Pacific University. After years of working and living abroad as well as in Alaska, she returned to Massachusetts to be closer to family. She loves going on adventures with her dog, reading about them with her cat, and exploring with her loved ones.
We’re thrilled to host Anne Gobi, Rural Affairs Director for Massachusetts at our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Lilac Hedge Farm. Read more about Anne’s accomplishments and goals here
We’re happy that Tamara Beland with Overlook FARM will be there to join us for our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Lilac Hedge Farm. Tamara is native to Central Massachusetts and after a stint back in Austin, Texas where she was a Manager for the Long Center, focused on programming live music and arts, she came back to Mass in 2023. Her diverse background has primarily centered on non-profit operations in the arts and human services including NEADS World Class Service Dogs in Princeton and the Austin Children’s Shelter. Specializing in marketing, fundraising and events, her passion...
We’re excited to welcome the Executive Director of Central Mass Grown, David Reed, as a speaker at our annual meeting, taking place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Central Mass Grown is a non-profit organization made up of farmers, buy-local advocates, and community leaders dedicated to raising consumer awareness and increasing the profitability of regional farms. Our mission is to promote the purchase of local agricultural products and to foster education about its benefits to health, community, economy, and the environment.
