The Biology - Conservation Link

Macroinvertebrates—small, spineless aquatic organisms like dragonfly larvae, snails, and aquatic worms—serve as key indicators of water quality. By collecting and classifying these pond samples back in the classroom, the students identified over 20 different species, gaining hands-on insight into local watershed health.

District Staff Joined the Fun

Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District team members Abby Olszewski (Project Administrator) and Kristie Munson (District Educator) were on hand to assist with the field research and help students connect with nature.

The Watershed Managers Roundtable is a premier annual event hosted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It brings together key conservation partners across the state—including representatives from local municipalities, state and federal agencies, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, local watershed associations, and private-sector environmental consultants—to exchange insights and collaborate on fresh strategies for protecting Maine’s water resources.

Highlighting Clean Water Act Projects and Local Impact

At this year's roundtable, Heather will highlight key lessons, field successes, and innovative techniques from our recent watershed restoration and planning efforts across Cumberland County, specifically Nature-Based Strategies.

Heather’s expertise in managing complex erosion control, water quality monitoring, and community-driven watershed management projects makes her perspective invaluable to colleagues across Maine working to tackle similar environmental challenges.

District Staff Joining the Conversation

Heather won't be attending alone! A contingent of staff members from the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District will be joining the roundtable to participate and learn from colleagues across the state.

Events like the Watershed Managers Roundtable ensure our team stays on the cutting edge of watershed science and policy while continuing to build strong regional networks. We look forward to bringing back new insights, strengthened partnerships, and actionable strategies to continue preserving Cumberland County's land and water resources!

Sending organic material like pumpkins to a landfill creates potent methane gas and contributes to nutrient-rich runoff, which can harm our local streams, ponds, and lakes. Tossing them into your compost bin—or dropping them off at a community drop-off site—is an easy way to protect our environment right from your backyard.

How Composting Pumpkins Protects Water Quality

It might seem like a small action, but keeping pumpkins out of the trash plays a role in keeping Cumberland County’s waterways clean:

• It Creates Soil That acts Like a Sponge: When you turn organic material into compost, it improves the structure of our soil. Compost-rich soil absorbs rainwater much better than compacted ground, significantly reducing stormwater runoff and topsoil erosion during heavy fall rains.

• It Filters Out Pollutants: Reduced stormwater runoff means fewer pollutants, petroleum products, and lawn fertilizers get washed off streets and yards into our local watersheds.

• It Recycles Local Nutrients: Pumpkins are over 90% water and packed with nitrogen and potassium. Composting returns those vital nutrients safely back into the ground, reducing the need for synthetic, chemical fertilizers that can cause algal blooms in nearby lakes and rivers.

3 Quick Steps to Prep Your Pumpkin for the Pile

Ready to turn your orange goo into garden gold? Follow these easy steps before composting:

1. Clean It Up: Remove any candles, wax, glitter, stickers, paint, or plastic decorations. Only natural, unpainted gourds belong in the pile!

2. Smash It Up: Break your pumpkin into smaller chunks. Breaking it up speeds up decomposition and makes for a fun afternoon activity for kids!

3. Mix It Up: Balance out all that pumpkin moisture by tossing in dry autumn leaves, straw, or shredded cardboard.

No backyard compost pile? Check with your local transfer station, municipal drop-off sites, or regional composting services to see if they offer post-Halloween pumpkin collection!

Got questions about soil health, YardScaping, or water protection in Cumberland County? Reach out to our team at CCSWCD!

That is why we are thrilled to share big news for our regional waters: an $8.1 million federal grant has been awarded to protect the Sebago Lake watershed!

Awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), this federal funding is bolstered by an additional $10 million in partner contributions. That brings the total investment in our watershed to more than $18 million.

What This Investment Means Locally

This new round of funding builds on the momentum of a successful 2020 grant that conserved 12,000 acres of forest and reconnected 42 miles of local rivers and streams. Over the next five years, partners across the watershed—spanning from Bethel to Standish—will focus on three core pillars of conservation:

• Restoring Stream Habitats: Outdated culverts and deteriorating stream crossings disrupt fish migration and heighten local flooding risks. About half of the project's on-the-ground funding will directly support aquatic habitat restoration—upgrading infrastructure to reconnect 30 miles of stream habitat.

• Permanently Conserving Forestland: Healthy forests act as nature's filtration system for our lakes. The initiative aims to permanently protect another 2,000 acres of essential woodland.

• Empowering Private Landowners: Land stewardship starts in our own backyards and woodlots. Technical and financial support will be extended to private landowners across more than 6,000 acres to adopt best management practices for healthier, resilient forests.

Collective Efforts for Clean Water

Protecting a watershed of this scale requires strong regional collaboration. Led by the Portland Water District, this initiative relies on dedicated partners across the region, including the Lakes Environmental Association, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, and Trout Unlimited.

As Colin Holme, Executive Director of the Lakes Environmental Association, framed it: "Our lakes and streams don't exist in isolation; they depend on healthy tributaries and well-managed forests surrounding them."

At the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), we see every day how sustainable land practices, stream connectivity, and community stewardship directly safeguard local water quality. Investments like this safeguard public drinking water at the source while ensuring that the woods and waters of Maine remain thriving habitats for generations to come.

Get Involved

Stewardship doesn't just happen on a regional scale—it happens right on your property. Whether you are a forest landowner, a waterfront homeowner, or a resident passionate about local conservation:

• Explore Technical Assistance: Learn how CCSWCD can assist you with soil management, erosion control, and watershed protection practices on your property.

• Protect Local Streams: If you manage private roads or stream crossings on your property, reach out to explore best management practice (BMP) resources and grant opportunities.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for the CCSWCD newsletter to receive updates on upcoming conservation workshops, landowner resources, and regional volunteer events.

Together, we can keep Cumberland County’s soil healthy and its waters clean.

If your farm or agricultural operation experienced setbacks during the recent dry spell, support is available. A natural disaster designation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened up emergency credit opportunities through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for producers across Maine, including right here in Cumberland County.

Whether you need to replace essential livestock, repair equipment, adapt your farm's structure, or refinance specific operational debts, these emergency loans are designed to give local growers the financial flexibility needed to rebound strong.

Is Your County Eligible?

To qualify under this designation, areas must have experienced severe drought conditions (D2 level for eight or more consecutive weeks) or extreme/exceptional drought (D3/D4 level) during the growing season.

• Primary Eligible Counties: Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Waldo.

• Contiguous Eligible Counties: Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Penobscot, Somerset, Washington, and York.

Applications for this disaster recovery funding are open now through June 21, 2027.

How Emergency Loans Work

The FSA reviews all emergency loan applications on an individual basis, evaluating:

• The extent of losses suffered due to the drought

• Security available for the loan

• Your operation's projected repayment capacity

Helpful Resources & Next Steps

Navigating disaster relief options can feel overwhelming, but several digital tools can help you figure out the best fit for your farm before applying:

• Farmers.gov Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool: Walk through a few simple questions to find relief programs tailored to your specific situation.

• Loan Assistance Tool: Explore eligibility criteria, terms, and application requirements step by step.

• Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance Fact Sheet: Get a quick overview of available federal recovery programs.

If you need to file a Notice of Loss or have questions about eligibility, reach out directly to your local USDA Service Center. If you need assistance connecting with local agricultural services or soil and water conservation support, feel free to contact the CCSWCD team anytime!

In August 2026, the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention (ME CDC) updated its fish and seafood consumption guidelines to include a "do not eat any fish from these waters" advisory for the segment of the Presumpscot River spanning from Little Falls Dam to Mallison Falls Dam.

Here is what you need to know about this advisory and the ongoing cleanup efforts:

• What Prompted the Advisory? Historical industrial activities at the abandoned 7-acre Keddy Mill site ( located at 7 Depot Street) have resulted in soil, sediment, groundwater, and fish tissue contamination. Key contaminants of concern include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons.

• Does This Limit Recreational Fishing? No. The advisory does not restrict recreational fishing, meaning catch-and-release fishing is still fully permitted. It is strictly a restriction against consuming fish caught in this specific stretch of water.

• What is Being Done? Under EPA’s cleanup plan selected in September 2023, PCB-contaminated sediment will be removed from a segment of the river. Land and water use restrictions—like this consumption advisory—will remain in place to protect public health while cleanup efforts are underway. EPA and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) will continue monitoring fish tissue to track progress over time.

For full guidelines and details on Maine fish advisories, you can visit the ME CDC Fish and Seafood Guidelines. To learn more about the cleanup project history and progress, check out the EPA Keddy Mill Superfund Site page.

Key Contacts for the Keddy Mill Site:

• Jeffry Saunders (Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPA): 617-918-1352 | saunders.jeffry@epa.gov

• Aaron Shaheen (Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA): 617-918-1071 | shaheen.aaron@epa.gov

• Rylan Bytnar (Project Manager, ME DEP): 207-995-0510 | rylan.bytnar@maine.gov

At Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, our work is driven by you—our local community. Our Board of Supervisors is made up of dedicated volunteers who serve without pay to help protect and steward our local soil and water resources.

This year, we are holding an election for a Supervisor position to serve a three-year term starting January 1, 2027.

Meet the Candidate: Dr. Kyle J. Zieba

We're excited to introduce Kyle Zieba of Westbrook, who is running for election this year!

Kyle grew up right here in Maine (born in Brunswick, raised in Raymond, and a graduate of Westbrook High School). After 26 years of public service with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—where she worked on clean water enforcement, watershed restoration, and sustainable farming initiatives—Kyle returned home to Maine in 2020.

Now retired from federal service, she brings a wealth of expertise in environmental leadership, corporate sustainability, and community problem-solving to help our local communities thrive. Beyond conservation, Kyle serves on the Board of Directors for GrowSmart Maine and even hosts live pub trivia in the greater Portland area!

How to Vote

Your voice matters in guiding our district's mission. To cast your vote, please follow these steps carefully:

1. Email Abby Olszewski with your preference of voting in-person at our District office or having your ballot mailed to you.

2. Mark your candidate choice on your ballot.

3. Place your ballot inside the envelope marked "BALLOT".

4. Insert the "BALLOT" envelope into the return-addressed envelope.

5. Write your name and address on the return envelope, and sign where indicated.

Important Deadline: All completed ballots must be received at the District Office by 5:00 p.m. on November 18, 2026.

Thank you for being an active partner in protecting Cumberland County's natural resources! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@cumberlandswcd.org.

Spotlight on South Portland: The Willard Beach Demonstration Project

Steps away from Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and a municipal sewage pump house, back-to-back winter storms battered the coastline, eroding fragile bluffs and forcing the closure of a popular walking path.

To protect the site without smothering the beach under rigid granite seawalls—which often reflect wave energy downward and scoop out sand—the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) is using federal grants to develop a $800,000 to $1 million hybrid solution:

• Sloped Bluff Reshaping: Relocating the closed walking path a few hundred feet inland behind the campus science building creates room to replace the steep, failing bank with a gentler sloped bluff that dissipates wave energy.

• Heavy Vegetated Riprap: Embedded stone paired with deep-rooted native plants binds the slope while allowing nature to take over structural stabilization over time.

• Engineered Sand Dune: Anchored with coir logs and native vegetation, a reconstructed dune system at the base provides a buffer without encroaching on the sandy public beach.

"Rocks don't have roots. Plants have roots, deep roots that can help stabilize from the top of the bluff to the dunes to the beach... Over time, plants will take over and do a lot of our work for us."

— Nathan Robbins, Climate Change Specialist, Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Why Vegetated Buffers & Living Shorelines Matter

Whether managing a coastal bluff on Casco Bay or an inland lakefront lot, establishing vegetative buffers creates a multi-layered defense system:

• Root Stabilization: Deep, interlocking root systems from native trees, shrubs, and perennial grasses hold soil in place far more effectively than turf lawn or unanchored stone.

• Runoff & Water Quality Protection: Multi-tiered vegetation slows storm runoff, filtering out sediment and excess nutrients before they reach Maine’s lakes and ocean waters.

• Energy Dissipation: Sloped, plant-anchored banks absorb wave impact rather than deflecting forces onto neighboring properties.

• Habitat Resilience: Native buffer plantings provide essential wildlife corridors and naturally thrive in local soil conditions without requiring synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

Key Takeaways for Shoreline Projects

1. Acknowledge High-Energy Dynamics: High-impact coastal environments often require a hybrid approach. Pairing structural elements (like stone or coir logs) with deep-rooted native plants provides immediate stability while vegetation establishes over two to three growing seasons.

2. Plant in Multi-Tiered Layers: Combine canopy trees, mid-height shrubs, and native groundcovers or dune grasses to build a dense, living root network.

3. Plan for Long-Term Adaptation: As state scientists and geologists note, living shorelines help slow erosion and build resilience, giving communities the crucial time needed to adapt to long-term climate trends.

Learn More & Get Involved

Projects like Willard Beach demonstrate how nature-based practices protect infrastructure while preserving the ecology and beauty of Maine's shorelines.

For technical assistance, native plant guidance, or site consultation resources, explore our Water Protection & Conservation Programs or contact the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District team today.

Living in Maine means being surrounded by incredible waterways—from quiet, clear lakes and meandering streams to rugged coastal bluffs. But protecting these delicate shorelines takes intentional care.

To help property owners nurture resilient waterfronts, the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) has put together a Shoreline Planting Guide designed specifically for Maine’s unique ecosystems.

Whether you are managing a freshwater pond, a lakefront lot, or a coastal bank, here is how working with nature can protect your property and Maine's waters for years to come.

Why Vegetated Shorelines Matter

A manicured green lawn right up to the water’s edge might offer clear views, but shallow turf roots do very little to hold soil in place during heavy rains or high water. Establishing a vegetative buffer strip creates a multi-layered barrier:

• Erosion Control: Deep, interlocking root systems from native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers anchor the soil.

• Water Quality Protection: Multi-tiered vegetation slows storm runoff, filtering out sediment, excess nutrients, and pollutants before they reach the water.

• Wildlife Habitat: Native buffer plantings supply food, shelter, and travel corridors for birds, pollinators, and aquatic species.

• Low-Maintenance Resilience: Native plants thrive in local soils and weather conditions, drastically reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, or constant watering once established.

Key Principles of Shoreline Planting in Maine

1. Aim for Five Layers of Vegetation

A healthy shoreline mimics a natural ecosystem with diverse layers:

1. Canopy Trees: Large native trees (like Red Maple or Eastern White Pine) intercept heavy rain droplets.

2. Understory Trees & Large Shrubs: Mid-height growth (like Serviceberry) adds vertical structure.

3. Small to Medium Shrubs: Dense shrubs (like Sweet Gale or Winterberry) stabilize the middle ground.

4. Groundcover Layer: Native perennials, ferns, and grasses cover bare soil to prevent washing away.

5. Duff Layer: Leaves, pine needles, and natural organic mulch protect soil moisture and absorb impact.

2. Choose Native, Site-Adapted Species

Select plants matched to your specific site conditions—accounting for sun exposure, soil depth, moisture level, and salt exposure (if planting along coastal bluffs).

• Moist Lake & Stream Banks: Buttonbush, Dogwoods, Sweet Gale, and Cinnamon Fern.

• Exposed or Coastal Sites: Bayberry, Beach Plum, Rugosa-substitutes, and native coastal grasses.

3. Planting Technique Tips for Success

• Dig Wide, Not Deep: Make your planting hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball, keeping the plant slightly above grade.

• Skip Extra Amendments: Avoid heavy compost or fertilizer in the first season; native plants adapt best when backfilled with native soil.

• Water Deeply: Water thoroughly once a week during the first growing season to encourage deep root growth.

Protecting Cumberland County’s Waters Together

Creating a living shoreline isn't about blocking your water views—it’s about thoughtfully designing a landscape that protects property from erosion while supporting the ecosystems we love.

For site consultations, native plant lists, and local conservation events, connect with the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District.

As the crisp autumn air rolls through Cumberland County and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, it’s easy to think our yard work is winding down. But autumn isn't just about pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters—it’s actually the most critical season for building healthy soil, protecting our local watersheds, and prepping a low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly landscape for spring!

Adopting YardScaping practices in the fall means working with nature rather than against it. By shifting a few routine habits, you can save time and money while keeping pesticides and excess nutrients out of local lakes, streams, and Casco Bay.

Here are four simple, high-impact fall YardScaping practices to try right now.

1. "Leave the Leaves" (Or At Least Put Them to Work!)

Before you spend hours raking, bagging, and hauling every fallen leaf off your property, take a breather! Fallen leaves are nature’s free, high-quality fertilizer and mulch.

• Mulch Your Lawn: Run your lawnmower over thin layers of leaves directly on your grass. The shredded leaves will break down over winter, adding organic matter and nutrients right back into the soil.  

• Protect Garden Beds: Scoop up fallen leaves and spread a 2- to 3-inch layer over your garden beds. This insulates plant roots against Maine’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles and creates crucial overwintering habitat for beneficial pollinators like Luna moths and native bees.  

2. Test and Topdress Your Soil

Autumn is the single best time of year to improve soil health. Healthy, deep topsoil holds more water and nutrients, which prevents erosion and reduces the need for frequent watering or chemical inputs.  

• Get a Soil Test First: Don't guess what your soil needs! Grab a soil test kit from the District office or UMaine Cooperative Extension. Testing reveals your soil’s exact pH and nutrient levels, ensuring you only add what’s necessary.  

• Topdress with Compost: Spread a thin layer (about ¼ inch) of quality compost over your lawn or garden. Aerating beforehand helps the organic matter sink deep into the root zone, encouraging strong root growth all winter long.

3. Plant Native Perennials, Trees, and Shrubs

Late summer through early autumn is the ultimate planting window in Maine. The air is cooler, but the soil is still warm, giving young roots time to establish without the stress of summer heat.

• Choose Native Species: Native plants—like Joe Pye weed, red maples, asters, and dogwoods—are naturally adapted to local soil and climate conditions. Once established, they require minimal watering and zero chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

• Feed the Wildlife: Fall-planted native species provide nectar for migrating butterflies and vital seeds or shelter for birds surviving the winter.  

4. Rethink Your Fall "Clean-Up"

Traditional landscaping preaches cutting everything down to bare ground in October, but a tidy garden isn't always a healthy garden for the local ecosystem.  

• Keep Seed Heads Standing: Leave dried seed heads on native flowers like coneflowers and asters. They act as natural winter bird feeders when food becomes scarce.  

• Save Hollow Stems: Many beneficial insects hibernating through the winter nest inside hollow plant stalks. Wait until late spring—after temperatures consistently stay above 50°F—to trim them back.  

Ready to Turn Your Yard Into a Conservation Haven?

Small changes in our own backyards add up to big improvements for our soil and water quality.

Want personalized recommendations for your property? Learn more about our technical assistance programs, request a free site visit, or check out our YardScaping demonstration sites at the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District. Happy planting!  

It was a classic early autumn day—crisp air, golden sunlight, and the first hints of foliage beginning to turn. But while many were out enjoying the trails, a dedicated crew from the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), Maine Conservation Corps, and Inland Fish & Wildlife was out in a quiet stretch of woodland in Biddeford, rolled up in work gloves and laser-focused on the forest floor.

Our target? Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum).

Why Stiltgrass Is a Big Deal in Maine

To the untrained eye, Japanese stiltgrass might look like an innocent, delicate forest grass. But don't let its humble appearance fool you. Stiltgrass is an exceptionally fast-moving invasive species that threatens to rewrite the story of Maine’s forest floors.

Thriving in shaded, damp woodlands, stiltgrass forms dense, tangled mats that blanket the ground. As it spreads, it smothers native wildflowers, crowds out tree saplings, and prevents the natural regeneration of the forest understory. Even worse, it alters soil chemistry, disrupts local insect and wildlife habitat, and dries out late in the season to create a significant fire hazard.

Because stiltgrass is still a relatively recent intruder in Maine compared to southern New England, early detection and swift response in places like Biddeford are our absolute best line of defense.

Friday’s Work: Boots on the Ground

Armed with weed whackers and a lot of determination, our team set to work mapping and hand-pulling an infestation tucked along stormwater BMPs and streams on the edges of the forest.

The good news? Stiltgrass has very shallow root systems, making it surprisingly easy to pull up by the root.

The tricky news? Timing is everything. Late summer and early autumn are critical windows for stiltgrass control. By pulling the plants right now—before they fully drop their seed heads—we can eliminate millions of potential seeds from entering the soil seed bank for next spring.

After hours of carefully clearing the area, we bagged up every last stem for proper disposal (composting it is a big no-no, as seeds can survive!) and scrubbed our boots clean to make sure we didn't accidentally transport stray seeds to our next field site.

How You Can Spot (and Stop) Stiltgrass

Stopping the spread of invasive species takes a village—and your eyes on the trail make a huge difference! Here’s what to look out for on your next hike or bike:

• The Silver Stripe: Look for lime-green, lance-shaped leaves with a distinctive, shiny silvery stripe running down the middle off-center.

• Bamboo-Like Stems: Stiltgrass stems resemble tiny, delicate bamboo stalks and can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 feet tall.

• Shallow Roots: Unlike many native grasses, stiltgrass pulls out of the damp ground with almost zero resistance.

What To Do If You Find It

1. Snap a photo: Take clear, close-up photos of the leaves, stem, and overall patch.

2. Report it: Upload your sighting to iMapInvasives or email local conservation authorities so land managers can log the infestation site.

3. Play Clean Go: Always brush off your hiking boots, dog paws, and gear before leaving a trail to prevent hitchhiking seeds from spreading to new forests!

A huge thank you to everyone working behind the scenes and in the field to protect our local ecosystems. Every bag of invasives removed gives our native species room to breathe, grow, and thrive for seasons to come.

Interested in joining a volunteer work party or learning more about soil and water conservation in our region? Reach out to the CCSWCD team or visit our website to get involved!

From deep-dive technical sessions to bustling networking breaks, the energy in the room was contagious. This year’s theme, "Stormwater BMPs: The Real World," challenged us all to look beyond conceptual designs and explore what actually happens when stormwater regulations, innovative engineering, and real-world implementation meet the ground.

If you couldn't make it—or if you're just looking to relive the highlights—here is a quick recap of what made this year’s event our best one yet!

Big Ideas & Actionable Insights

Over the course of September 3rd and 4th, attendees dove into packed tracks exploring everything from cutting-edge retrofit designs to stretching municipal stormwater dollars.

• Real-World BMP Solutions: Speakers shared honest, practical lessons learned from the field—focusing on long-term maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and what it takes to make green infrastructure thrive after installation.

• Habitat & Waterbody Protection: Presenters highlighted high-impact restoration projects safeguarding Maine's lakes, rivers, and coastal waters against increasingly intense weather events.

• Policy & Ordinance Innovation: Discussions ranged from updated MS4 standards to practical municipal planning tools designed to keep local communities resilient.

Community, Connection, and Collaboration

Beyond the presentations, the conference lived up to its promise of being the place to connect with the local clean water community.

Between session tracks, the exhibit hall was humming with activity as participants explored innovative stormwater technologies, exchanged notes on regional projects, and reconnected with colleagues across Vacationland. To top it off, kicking off Labor Day weekend right by the Portland waterfront was the perfect backdrop for building new partnerships.

Huge Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners!

An event of this scale couldn't happen without our incredible network of supporters.

A massive thank you to all of our event sponsors and all of our dedicated exhibitors. Your commitment to protecting Maine's natural resources makes critical educational gatherings like this possible.

We also extend a heartfelt thanks to our volunteer committee, presenters, and every single attendee who brought their knowledge, curiosity, and passion to Portland.

What’s Next?

The conference may be over, but the work to protect Maine's soil and water never stops!

• Presentation Slides: Keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll be sharing presenter slides and key takeaways with registered attendees soon.

• Get Involved: Want to stay engaged with local water quality initiatives? Check out our District Events Calendar for upcoming workshops, Interlocal Stormwater Working Group (ISWG) meetings, and community training sessions.

Thank you for making the 2026 Maine Stormwater Conference an overwhelming success. Together, we’re putting real-world clean water solutions into practice across Cumberland County and beyond! 🌊💙

Summer is officially in full swing here at the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, and with it comes an exciting burst of new energy. We are thrilled to welcome our newest cohort of summer interns to the team!

Every year, our interns bring fresh perspectives, passion for the environment, and a readiness to roll up their sleeves. Over the next few months, you’ll spot them out in the field and around the community doing some incredible work, including:

• Protecting Local Watersheds: Assisting with water quality monitoring and stream assessments.

• Community Engagement: Helping out at our upcoming summer events and educational workshops.

• Conservation in Action: Working side-by-side with our project managers on soil health and invasive species management.

We are so grateful to have these talented individuals spending their summer helping us protect and conserve Cumberland County's natural resources. If you see them out by the streams or at our next workshop, be sure to give them a warm welcome!

Dive Into Our Upcoming Summer Workshops & Events!

Whether you want to protect your shoreline, transition to eco-friendly landscaping, or connect with local conservation professionals, we have some fantastic opportunities lined up for you this season.

Here’s what’s coming up at the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD):

🛠️ Maine DEP Inland Shoreline Stabilization Practices

• When: Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Where: CCSWCD Office, 35 Main Street, Windham

• Cost: $30.00 (Includes snacks & drinks)

• What to expect: Learn how land use affects our shorelines, understand state permitting standards, and explore how to use vegetation and natural processes to prevent erosion without harming fish and wildlife habitats.

• Bonus: This 4-hour class qualifies for 4 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by the Maine DEP.

🌿 Ongoing YardScaping & Resilient Yards

Our signature YardScaping programs are in full swing! If you missed our early June workshops, don't worry—you can still dive into our resources online or reach out to request a personalized site visit. Learn how to swap out high-maintenance lawns for beautiful native pollinator gardens, edible landscapes, and wildflower meadows that work with nature instead of against it.

📅 Save the Date: 2026 Maine Stormwater Conference

• When: Thursday, September 3rd & Friday, September 4th, 2026

• Where: Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, ME

• Theme:"Stormwater BMP: The Real World"

• This is our premier event looking at what happens when stormwater designs leave the drawing board and get implemented. Keep an eye out for agenda updates and registration details coming soon!

How to Get Involved

Space is limited for our hands-on workshops, so head over to our Workshops Page to secure your spot today.

Let's make this summer a season of growth and protection for Cumberland County's beautiful ecosystems!

If you care about ensuring clean water, healthy soils, and a thriving local ecosystem for generations to come, we have the perfect opportunity for you.

The Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District is officially looking for passionate new leaders to join our Board! As a Board candidate, you’ll get to help guide on-the-ground conservation efforts where they matter most: in our community’s lakes, streams, farms, and neighborhood yards.

What’s involved?

We know you're busy, so we keep things streamlined and impactful:

• The Commitment: We meet just once a month (every third Wednesday evening) for a 1-to-2-hour session to make key financial and programmatic decisions that support our amazing District staff.

• Go Deeper (Optional!): Want to roll up your sleeves even more? You can volunteer on one of our dynamic subcommittees, including:

  • Strategic Planning

  • Maine Stormwater Conference

  • Youth Education

  • Parking Lot Demonstration Garden

The Golden Rule: To join us, you just need to be a current resident of Cumberland County and bring a passion for protecting our local environment!

Could you be our next Board member?

Let's chat! Drop us a line and introduce yourself—we’d love to hear from you.

📧 Get in touch:cbrewer@cumberlandswcd.org

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Join the Long Creek Watershed Management District, Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine Department of Transportation, local municipalities, and commercial winter maintenance companies to meet with Phill Sexton, developer of the Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM) program, to improve winter maintenance contract language, reduce insurance liability, strategically invest in equipment, and provide a safe and efficient level of service to customers. The SWiM program has safely reduced road salt applications by up to 50% on state, municipal, and commercial spaces throughout the country.

Following Phill’s presentation, attendees will share their strategies, salt reduction methods, equipment recommendations, and data.

8:00-8:30 AM | Breakfast & Caffeine
8:30-9:15 AM | Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM) Program
9:15-10:00 AM | Facilitated Discussion & Management Strategies
*10:00-10:30 AM | Truck and Equipment Shop Tour

*The Interlocal Stormwater Working Group meeting will continue inside from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.