Teacher of the Year Sandy Wheeler ~ Boothbay Region Elementary School

Sandy Wheeler, a teacher at Boothbay Regional Elementary School was selected as the 2008 Conservation Teacher of the Year for Lincoln County. Sandy, who teaches 7th grade science was recognized for her innovative incorporation of natural resource conservation into her curriculum.

Sandy began teaching at Boothbay Regional Elementary School in 2001 and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of a unique educational program designed to teach students about conservation education. Her passion for teaching fosters a sense of respect and friendship with her students as she facilitates hands on learning experiences that encourage students to expand their knowledge and explore the environment around them.

EcoBeaker Maine Explorer allows students to conduct simulated experiments involving various conservation topics including species interactions, invasive species, nutrient flow and food webs. This unique program, currently available to all 7th and 8th grade teachers, encourages understanding of the interdependent relationship between how certain species interact within their environment by allowing individual students to chart their own investigations using specific criteria. One part of this curriculum "Keystone Predator" teaches a student how certain keystone species can be especially important, because when they disappear, the entire community collapses. "Runaway Runoff" highlights the connection between phosphorus level, algae growth rate, decomposition rate and oxygen depletion in an ecosystem. Sandy has committed 2 weeks, for the last 3 summers, working with 22 middle school teachers, Audubon teachers, and computer programmers to design engaging curriculum that explores ecological concepts with the framework of Systems and Models. These programs and related curriculum are now available on every MLTI computer and training sessions for all 7th and 8th grade teachers are available through MLTI. Sandy has spent several years developing a unit she titles "Water Ways." The unit now includes her work with the EcoBeaker unit and Runaway Runoff. Her interest in this area started several years ago when she worked with a DEP AmeriCorps volunteer on a project called Plant A Buffer. This project involved the use of a Watershed Table to model runoff and working with Boothbay Water District for 2 years to plant a buffer of trees around the Adams Pond Watershed.

In March, 2008, students participated in a "Green School Activity" through the Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP) called the "Vending Miser Challenge." Vending Misers contain a sensor that cuts back the amount of energy used by cold beverage machines. The challenge involved a hands-on experiment in which students used date to prove the device does in pact save energy. They gathered information, compared date for the electricity and fuel use from 2007 and compared it to 2008 and created graphs to depict the outcome. Based on their findings that shows great savings on fuel and lower electricity usage for most of the months compared, MEEP donated a Vending Miser sensor tot he school in recognition and appreciation for a job well done.

Sandy also incorporates natural resource preservation and education into her student's lives by actively involving her students inside the classroom and also with community projects.

2008 Student Conservation Fair

The 2008 Student Conservation Education Fair was more than a success... it was a triumph! Abundant sunshine and cooler temperatures greeted over 600 2nd and 3rd grade students as they arrived at the Union Fairgrounds on September 23rd for the 8th Annual Student Conservation Fair.

The purpose of the Conservation Fair is to expose Knox & Lincoln County elementary school age children to our natural resources; to educate students of the vital and extensive involvement natural resources play in each of our lives and to inspire them to become stewards of our earth, through hands-on activities presented by local experts.

Since it’s début in 2000, thousands of students have participated in this free, one-day event sponsored by the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District.

Unique educational experiences combined with the students’ natural curiosity about our environment provide the perfect environment to promote a greater awareness, understanding and comprehension of our natural resources. Presentations and on-going demonstrations throughout the day are dedicated to enhance the students’ knowledge about agriculture, soil and water quality, forestry and marine resources. A live owl presentation gave participants a unique educational experience that will last a lifetime.

Natalie Owre from Appleton Village School learned how to identify a carnivore, herbivore and an omnivore at the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife “Skins and Skulls” demonstration booth.

The Marine Animals Touch Tank allowed students to get a closer look at sea urchins, crabs and sand dollars, just to name a few.

This year's feature presenter, Jackson Gillman entertained the students with a stand up comedy routine “Riot in the Garden” that was interactive, educational and entertaining

A Special Thank You

The Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors and staff extend a tremendous thank you to area businesses and organizations in appreciation for their generous donations, contributions and assistance to help us create a memorable experience for everyone this year at the 2008 Student Conservation Fair.

In addition to our monetary and merchandise contributors, we want to acknowledge that our programs would not take place without the dedication and support from our volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to help out at the office with clerical work and phone calls or out in the field assisting with preparations, hard work and planning. Their enthusiasm and support helped make the 2008 Conservation Fair a reality.

2008 Conservation Teacher of the Year: Len Lewis ~ Prescott Memorial School

Len Lewis, a 4th grade teacher at Prescott Memorial School in Washington, Maine has been named the 2008 Knox County Conservation Teacher of the Year by the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District. Each year, the District recognizes outstanding teachers who have gone beyond traditional teaching methods to incorporate natural resource education in their curriculum. Lewis received overwhelming support for this year’s nomination from Principal Richard A. Blackman as well as from his teaching colleagues, school administrators and students.

At Prescott Memorial School, encouraging students to investigate the world around them is high on the list of priorities. Classroom activities are designed to help strengthen basic skills while fostering student’s awareness, knowledge and a strong commitment to make informed decisions.

Upon entering Lewis’ classroom, one realizes his obvious passion for teaching and the respect and genuine admiration he shares with his students. His dedication to combine education and excitement includes an innovative curriculum that inspires students to care about our environment and understand how their active participation will help to protect our natural resources for generations to come. When asked what he likes best about teaching 4th grade students, Lewis replied “This is one of the coolest times in a child's life. They’re at a transition point where they’re becoming quite capable academically, yet they’re still young enough to get really excited about learning. You can use their energy to drive their learning.”

The Hydroponic Lettuce Garden located in the corner of the classroom allows students not only to watch daily growth patterns but to also participate in monthly salad parties using the food produced right in the classroom. According to Lewis “It brings food production into their lives in a personal way. It's OUR garden. Plus the whole hydroponic aspect brings the coolness factor way up. No weeds! It also allows me to slip in some nutrition. Can't beet that! [Pun intended]

Lewis and his wife Cara reside at Snowy Hill Farm in Washington. Cara’s goal is to produce organically grown veggies, meats and dairy products for her family. In 2008 she sold veggies and crafts at the Washington Farmers Market and also organized a community sponsored agriculture [CSA] through which she fed fresh produce to several local families.

Knox County Welcomes 2008 Conservation Bus Tour

In early October, 2008 the Annual Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District’s Fall Bus Tour explored several locations within Knox County. Participants enjoyed breathtaking views along country roads where the leaves are especially breathtaking at this time of year during the peak of Maine’s legendary fall foliage season.

USDA/NRCS Conservationist Mary E. Thompson and Knox-Lincoln SWCD Office Manager Katherine Ward led the tour with expertise, providing information and answering questions about conservation and agricultural activities as they drove past local farms, lakes, mountains and blueberry fields.

At Aldermere Farm in Rockport Program Coordinator Sarah Post answered questions about upcoming events, programs and values promoted at the farm to help educate the community and encourage sustainable agriculture. Although rainy weather and cooler temperatures made walking around the farm slightly difficult, Sarah’s upbeat and positive attitude helped make the day a little more bearable allowing the group to laugh and poke fun at one another as they followed her through the muddy puddles in an effort to get a closer view of the farms famous Belted Galloways, also known as “Belties” or “Oreo Cows”.

At the State of Maine Cheese, Owner Cathe Morrill led a very informative tour of the production area and discussed the difference between curds and whey, the length of time required for cheese to age and name origins associated with different variations of cheese currently offered at the store. Participants were invited to sample a wide selection of cheese which included Caerphilly, Katahdin Cheddar and Kennebec Dill. This combination created the perfect blend of behind the scene information, enticing recipes to share with others and products available for purchase.

A homemade picnic style luncheon buffet was served at Camden Snow Bowl where participants were graciously greeted by Beth Ward who immediately helped to make everyone feel right at home. After lunch, members of the group took a leisurely walk around the grounds to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take photos to share with family and friends.

At Savage Oakes Vineyard & Winery in Union, owned by Elmer and Holly Savage, participants were able to get a better understanding of how wine is produced and the various stages of development. Participants were fascinated as they toured the vineyard with Elmer who explained the difference between grapes currently grown at the farm, how wine is produced, the various stages of development and what qualities he looks for in each. In the wine tasting room Holly discussed wine storage, future plans to expand the winery and family values. At harvest time, everyone in the Savage family helps out including Elmer’s sister Sandra, his mother: former Senator Christine Savage and their sons Caleb and Jacob.

The bus tour is sponsored by the Knox-Lincoln SWCD in partnership with the USDA/NRCS and the Knox-Lincoln Farm Bureau. For further information on other programs and activities sponsored by the District, please call 273-2005 ext 101 or email kathy.ward@me.nacdnet.net

District Day at the Legislature

Androscoggin Valley SWCD Office Manager Jane Heikkinen and Knox-Lincoln SWCD Office Manager Katherine Ward pictured at “District Day” at the Hall of Flags in Augusta

All of the Conservation Soil & Water Districts in Maine work together and are members of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts. However, each district is a little different and focuses on their own conservation efforts based upon their own Board of Supervisors. Conservation District Day at the Statehouse Hall of Flags in Augusta gave us an opportunity to speak directly with our Legislators who listened to our concerns. Elected Officials, school groups and visitors stopped by the display throughout the day to gain additional information and learned about conservation education and what natural resource technical assistance is provided by the District.

Leglislative Breakfast - 2007

Left to right: Lincoln County Commissioner Ken Honey – District I; K-L SWCD Secretary/Treasurer Mark F. Hedrich; FSA County Executive Director Trudy Soucy; K-l SWCD Board Supervisor Barrie Brusila; Rep. Wesley E. Richardson – District 49; Rep. Elizabeth S. Miller – District 52; K-L SWCD Chairman Barry J. Tibbetts; FSA Lead Program Technician Sandi Ballard; Rep. David Miramant – District 46; Sen. Christine R. Savage – District 22; USDA-NRCS District Conservationist Mary E. Thompson and ; K-L SWCD District Office Manager Katherine Ward.

In March, 2007, the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District invited Maine State Legislators and Knox and Lincoln County Commissioners to a homemade breakfast. This endeavor was arranged in an effort to exchange ideas on issues that are of interest to soil and water districts on a local level.