upcoming events

Digging Near Our Shorelines: A Hands-on Workshop

 Are you a contractor, landscaper, engineer, or site worker who moves dirt on our lakeshores? Join us for a hands-on workshop on the best management practices (BMPs) for shorelands. Learn about the BMPs for restoring eroding shorelines including techniques for erosion control, stormwater management, and wildlife habitat protection. And participate in the installation of a bioengineering project going in at Crystal Lake.

To register for the workshop, please contact Bevin: bevin.barber-campbell@vt.nacdnet.net or 802.624.7024

Lakeshore owners often rely on professional contractors, landscapers, engineers or other site workers to give advice and help them manage their property for preserving water quality. These advanced techniques for preventing erosion have become more commonly known to lakeshore property owners. Additionally, there is grant funding available for clean water initiatives like shoreland restoration. Conservation groups and property owners are looking for contractors that have these skills.

Attendance can fulfill your recertification requirement for the VTDEC Natural Erosion Control Certification Course* (recertification is required every 3 years). 

*The VTDEC Natural Erosion Control Certification course is another option for learning this content. It is offered each year by the VT Dept of Environmental Conservation. The next course will be offered in Jan 2025. To learn more about the course, go to: https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/lakeshores-lake-wise/nsecc 

Find Your Funding Workshop: Learn about Cost Share Programs for Land Stewards in Vermont

Learn about the many cost share and funding programs in Vermont. Orleans County NRCD can help you with program navigation and introduce you to the “Guide for Assistance for Agricultural Producers in Vermont.” The objectives of the workshop are to increase your understanding of all the available resources and how to access them, and to help you launch your research process by familiarizing participants with the grant guide. RSVP requested or for meeting link to Sarah at: sarah.damsell@vt.nacdnet.net or 802.334.6090 x7008

 You can find the guide here or pick up a copy at our workshop: www.franklincountynrcd.org/agproducersguide

WE ARE HIRING! 

Business Operations Manager – POSITION FILLED

Orleans County NRCD seeks a Agricultural Resource Program Specialist
Are you passionate about the agrarian way of life who has both field and administrative skills and who can build community in this dynamic position. Our ideal candidate will be driven by relationship building, conservation science, high quality service, highly motivated, organized, detail oriented, able to work independently and collaboratively and will aim to support the enhancement of local natural resources. They will possess technical knowledge and/or work experience in agronomic and natural resources management to provide support to landowners in addressing and meeting their conservation goals.  

With room for creativity and growth, responsibilities include:
1. Assist agricultural producer clients with the development and maintenance of nutrient management plans and soil health practices including providing technical assistance for the VAAFM Pay for Performance program
2. Overseeing our conservation equipment rentals
3. Responding to requests for technical assistance
4. Providing program navigation services including working with farms in our Farm Teams program.

To learn more, find the position description here.

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Ideal candidates can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the organization, brings a local community network, a shared passion for stewardship of natural resources, and has knowledge and/or practical working landscape experiences. 
These positions will be based out of our office in Newport VT in a hybrid, shared workspace. Bachelor’s degrees are desired but not required with a least 2 -3 years of work experience in a related field.

Orleans County NRCD offers staff a supportive work environment with a goal of meeting our clients’ needs as well as the wellbeing of our staff.

All applications submitted before August 26th will be considered, with later applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Position is open until filled.

To apply please send your cover letter and resume as one PDF to sarah.damsell@vt.nacdnet.net.

Our organIZATION IS GROWING! wELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS

First, we bid a fond farewell to two members of our Board of Supervisors, Pat Sagui and Tim Buzzell. We thank them for their contributions, totaling over nine year of service! We will miss their valuable insights and support.

And we are thrilled to pass the torch to FIVE new members: David Fox, Alyssa Conn, Chris Steel, Emily Dehoff, and Bruce Urie. Not only are they fascinating people, but they also bring a passion for conservation and a suite of skills that is sure to be deeply impactful. You can read  their bios in our Spring and Summer Newsletters and on our “meet the board and staff” page.

Orleans county farMers doing good conservation work

The Farm at Wheeler Mountain — owned and operated by Orleans County NRCD board chair, Joanna Lidback — has been focusing on conservation efforts since 2017. They have been implementing BMPs with assistance from OCNRCD staff and with technical and financial support through the USDA NRCS Memphremagog RCPP program. Check out the farms accomplishments in this one pager.

Water Quality Reports & Resources

• VTDEC Lake Memphremagog Basin Plan – September 2023
• Lake Memphremagog Water Quality Reports
• Watch this YouTube video on Vermont’s Tactical Basin Planning Initiative – Past, Present, and Future

Conservation Success Stories!

Orleans County NRCD highlights local farmers who reduced their nonpoint source pollution by installing best management practices that have measured phosphorous runoff reductions in Orleans County watersheds!

Click here to read the Jones Farm conservation practice adoption success story.

Click here to read the Morin Farm over 85% phosphorus reduction success story.

Click here to read the McCormick Farm 50% phosphorus reduction success story.