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