F

From the State Conservationist ...

Conservation Accomplishments

Looking back at 2011, I could not be more proud 

of what the USDA family and the Connecticut 

Conservation Partnership has accomplished.

Through the effective delivery of the Farm Bill, 

$21 million of financial and technical assistance 

was provided to the state to protect natural

resources, promote sustainable farming practices, and protect the state’s 

agricultural heritage utilizing programs such as EQIP, WHIP, AMA, CSP, FRPP, WRP, 

and GRP. Through EWP, over $1.1 million in emergency assistance was provided 

for emergency damage caused by Hurricane Irene. 

To ensure accountability and improve efficiency, a statewide electronic format 

(called electronic review) has been created. Through this technology and support 

protocols program payments, contract applications, and contract modifications 

are now being processed faster while additional protocols and procedures have 

been implemented to ensure accountability for conservation dollars invested.

Through our public outreach initiative monthly newsletters, websites, bulk mail, brochures, 

publications, and public meetings were revitalized and improved to make sure word gets out about 

available conservation opportunities, how to apply, and the innovative ways producers have been

utilizing programs to improve the natural resources of Connecticut. A Marketing Committee was 

established to gain creative input and implement new ideas to get the conservation message out, 

including using social media strategies such as YouTube to reach a broader public audience.

We introduced six new conservation practices this year to address energy conservation and water 

quality, and invasive species control in aquaculture. We also successfully piloted mobile computing –

conservation planning performed in the field using computers to download and print maps and 

support information such as cost tables, engineering designs, and program contracting tools. All of 

this can be done prior to leaving a farm.

Twelve Conservation Partnership agreements were entered into which ensure a cooperating 

approach among the members to effectively deliver conservation programs, provide public outreach 

and training, and plan and implement conservation practices throughout 2012 and beyond.

These were just a few high points of our many achievements in 2011. Stay tuned ... 2012 will be even 

better!

Jay

What Do You Want to Be? .............................. 2

More Emergency Work in Bristol .................... 3

NRCS Provides Assistance to Academy ........... 4

Civil Rights/Cultural Resources Training .......... 5

February is Black History Month ..................... 6

News from the Partners ................................. 7

Do You Know an Outstanding Farmer? ........... 8

News You Can Use .......................................... 9

Look Who Retired in 2012 ............................... 10

Program Update .............................................. 12

Calendar of Events .......................................... 13

Years 75 A Legacy of Conservation

Helping People Help the Land

January 2012

USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Jay T. Mar

http://twitter.com/NRCS_CT
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [2]

What Do You Want to Be When 

You Grow Up? 

Soil Science Comes to the Forefront at an 

Elementary School Career Day Event

NRCS Soil Scientist Marissa Theve 

recently brought a not-oftenseen career choice to students at 

the Mohegan Elementary School. 

It happened at the schools 5th

Grade Career Day Event, held in 

Uncasville recently. 

Presenters explained to about 50 

students what is required to get 

into their respective fields and 

the general concepts behind 

their careers. Students rotated in 

small groups to each presenter 

for a brief talk followed by 

questions. Besides Theve, other

presenters included Chef Keith Caron, Hairstylist Missy Knowlton, Photographer Katie 

Kowal, and Coast Guard Commander Nunes.

The event was a highlight to a larger library science project in which students are 

expected to choose a career to research. Aspects include schooling/training requirements

and costs, expected pay levels following graduation, and the predicted job demand. The 

project will culminate in a PowerPoint presentation on how each student will achieve 

their dream job. The experience will no doubt better prepare students for decision 

making down the road when they begin thinking about college and other further 

education prospects. 

According to the school’s library staff and program coordinator’s Brenda Hankard and 

Susan Theve, many students have switched career topics since the beginning of the 

assignment after becoming aware of additional career paths that are not very obvious to 

children in the 5th grade. Not only is this experience helping students to expand their 

ability to carry out research, they are also becoming more aware of the world in which 

they live. For NRCS, this is a perfect chance to begin more extensive outreach – especially 

within underrepresented demographics. Hopefully, introducing young people in 

Connecticut to the idea of a career in the sciences will help to foster interest in future 

NRCS Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and Student Career Experience 

Program (SCEP) opportunities. 

Contact Marissa Theve 860.871.4018

(l to r) Chef Caron, Missy Knowlton, Marissa Theve, Katie Kowal, 

Commander Nunes.
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [3]

Additional Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) sites that were the result of Hurricane 

Irene have been identified in Bristol, and agreements made for assistance. The two projects 

were identified as exigencies due to the severe erosion and potential future loss of life 

and/or property. The first is located at Memorial Boulevard and Downs Street, the second 

on Broad Street. Both sites, located adjacent to the Pequabuck River, require stream bank 

restoration, sediment removal, and debris removal. Because these projects are exigencies, 

the time period for completion is very short (typically 10 days). 

NRCS provided the project design, as well as shared inspection coverage with the City of 

Bristol. Civil Engineer Dan DePietro and Construction Specialist Mike Rosado oversaw the 

projects from start to finish. These before and after photos tell the success story ...

More Emergency Work in Bristol

Contact Dan DePietro 860.871.4059 or Mike Rosado 860.871.4024 

 BEFORE AFTER

MEMORIAL BOULEVARD AND DOWNS STREET

BROAD STREET

BEFORE AFTER
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [4]

The December newsletter contained an article about the new Natural Resources 

Conservation Academy at the University of Connecticut (an exciting new summer 

program for high school students). 

Acting State Soil Scientist Margie Faber has been on the Academy’s Steering 

Committee for the past year and will be leading the soils activities next summer. 

Faber says the hope is that this opportunity will provide 20 high school sophomores 

and juniors from various parts of the state with diverse and varied environmental 

experiences. Students may be Envirothon veterans or kids who have barely been 

outdoors in a natural setting before. 

Should you want additional information, Faber says she has some copies of the 

program brochure available (and can get more if needed). 

Please feel free to either contact Margie with questions, or visit the Academy’s

website at www.nrca.uconn.edu/.

NRCS Provides Assistance to 

Conservation Academy 

Contact Margie Faber 860.871.4040 
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [5]

Connecticut NRCS employees met at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research 

Center in December for a day of Civil Rights/Cultural Resources training. Technical 

talks in the morning were followed by museum tours in the afternoon. 

Using historical pictures and the words of witnesses where available, Leah Hopkins, 

Renee Guerra, and Candyce Testa presented slide-talks on the lives of three women, 

providing a framework to outline the history of Native Americans in southern New 

England after the arrival of Europeans. Weetamoo, a Pocassett Wampanoag, was 

raised to be a sachem and was an influential leader whose life ended in 1676 during 

King Phillip’s War. Hannah Ocuish, child of a Pequot woman, was hanged at the age of 

12, in 1786, following a likely coerced confession. Writings from the time period 

portray the way in which Indians and people of mixed ancestry were viewed. Martha 

“Matt” Langevin, who taught many people during her lifetime, also was instrumental 

as one of three elderly women holding onto Pequot traditions on the tribal land during 

the 1960s when the State of Connecticut was thinking about turning the reservation 

into a state park. 

Pequot Archaeologist, Dr. Kevin McBride, gave a different view of Native American 

history looking at how modern archaeological techniques tell us about ways Pequot 

people interacted with the land (what they ate and where they lived) both pre- and 

post-European arrival.

During the afternoon, Museum Tour Guide Fran Plotnick modified her tour (normally 

for school children) to encompass the natural resource interests of her adult audience. 

The tour covered both historical and current components of Pequot lives. The program 

concluded with the traveling Smithsonian Exhibition titled, IndiVisible: African-Native 

American Lives in the Americas, 

introduced by Denise Page.

It was an information-packed 

day. The mixture of 

Connecticut cultural resources 

and the ways and lives of 

people of different races have 

intertwined in defining the 

history of Native Americans in 

Connecticut (and elsewhere) 

offered many different takehome messages. 

Employees Attend Civil Rights/ 

Cultural Resources Training

Contact Charlotte Pyle 860.871.4066 

State Conservationist Jay Mar presents a copy of the 2011 NRCS 

American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month poster to Kimberly 

Hatcher-White, Director of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, and 

Kathleen Knowles, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and tribal 

elder, of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. 
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [6]

When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926, 

he realized the importance of 

providing a theme to focus the 

attention of the public. The 

intention has never been to dictate 

or limit the exploration of the Black 

experience, but to bring to the 

public's attention important 

developments that merit emphasis. 

For those interested in the study of 

identity and ideology, an 

exploration of the Association for 

the Study of African American Life 

and History (ASALH) Black History 

themes is itself instructive. Over 

the years, the themes reflect 

changes in how people of African 

descent in the United States have 

viewed themselves, the influence of 

social movements on racial 

ideologies, and the aspirations of 

the black community.

Changes notwithstanding, the list 

reveals an overarching continuity in 

ASALH--our dedication to exploring 

historical issues of importance to 

people of African descent and race 

relations in America.

--Daryl Michael Scott, Howard University

February is Black History 

Month 

Contact Marissa Theve 860.871.4018 

2012 National Black History 

Theme:

Black Women in American 

Culture and History

Future Themes

2012 Black Women in American Culture and 

History

2013 The 150th Anniversary of the 

Emancipation Proclamation. We also 

commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 

March on Washington

2014 The Golden Jubilee of the Civil Rights Act

2015 A Century of Black Life, History and Culture
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [7]

Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Steven Reviczky recently announced $2 million 

in funding for farmland preservation through the Department of Agriculture’s new 

Community Farms Preservation Program. The pilot program, authorized by 

Connecticut General Statutes 22-26nn, allocates Community Investment Act funds for 

cooperative state-local farmland preservation projects in qualifying municipalities. 

Reviczky explained that the purpose of the program is to encourage locally supported 

farmland preservation. “One of the most exciting aspects of this is it’s an especially 

good fit for smaller farms that have excellent agricultural soils and contribute to local 

economic activity, but which may not be eligible for other protection programs. Now 

we are able to provide an opportunity for them to ensure their land is not converted 

to non-agricultural uses and for Connecticut to ensure its best agricultural soils remain 

available for production.” 

The program will be implemented in two phases: prequalification and application/ 

evaluation. During prequalification, interested municipalities must complete the 

following steps by May 31, 2012: 

1. Recognize farmland preservation in the plan of conservation and development 

or interim town plan for local farmland preservation

2. Establish an agricultural commission and/or program for farmland 

preservation

3. Inventory its local farmland resources 

4. Prioritize farms for preservation using a criteria scoring or ranking system

5. Designate a fund for farmland preservation; have a method of funding

6. Request identification of locally important farmland soils through USDA-NRCS 

Municipalities meeting the above eligibility criteria may enter into a cooperative 

agreement with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture no later than May 31, 

2012. 

Prequalified municipalities that have entered into such agreements must complete 

the application package and submit it to the commissioner on or before July 31, 2012. 

Continued on next page.

Commissioner of Agriculture 

Announces Pilot Program for 

Community Farms Preservation –

$2 million allocated for cooperative state/

municipal farmland preservation projects

News From the 

Partners ...
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [8]

DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDING 

FARMER?

The Connecticut Agricultural Information Council is accepting nominations for 

the 2012 Connecticut Outstanding Young Farmer. Nationally sponsored by the 

U.S. Jaycees, the purpose of the program is to bring about a greater interest in 

farming, foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of 

agriculture's challenges, develop an appreciation of the farmer’s contributions 

and achievements, and inform the agribusiness community of the growing 

urban awareness of the importance and impact on the American economy.

Applications must be postmarked by February 17, 2012.

The winner will be notified early March; the award will be presented at Ag Day 

at the Capitol, March 21, 2012. 

The application can be found on the Connecticut Agricultural Education 

Foundation website (www.ctaef.org).

The agency will review/evaluate applications using scoring criteria established with 

input from its Farmland Preservation Advisory Board. Preference will be given to foodproducing farms too small to qualify for the existing Farmland Preservation Program. 

“We put a great deal of care and consideration into developing the evaluation criteria 

after legislation enabling this program was passed,” said Commissioner Reviczky. “This 

program is something we see as a valuable component of the state’s long-term plan to 

cultivate sustainable agriculture and food production. As a result, we spent 

considerable time and effort on the details.” 

By October 1, 2012, the department expects to complete application evaluation and 

determine projects that will become part of the pilot program. 

The Community Farms Preservation Program is voluntary. Interested farmers and 

municipalities are encouraged to contact the Connecticut Department of Agriculture 

to discuss eligibility. For more information, contact Program Director Dippel or 

Property Agent Katherine Winslow at 860-713-2511 or in writing to: 

Connecticut Department of Agriculture 

Farmland Preservation Program 

165 Capitol Avenue, G8A 

Hartford, CT 06106

Commissioner of Agriculture Announces Pilot Program for Community 

Farms Preservation – $2 million allocated for cooperative state/municipal 

farmland preservation projects (continued)

 
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [9]

News You Can Use:

What’s going on ...

Acting State Soil Scientist

The retirement of Kip Kolesinskas has left the State Soil Scientist position 

vacant. Effective immediately, and until further notice, Marjorie Faber will 

be acting State Soil Scientist for Connecticut. Following is her contact 

information:

Marjorie Faber, Acting State Soil Scientist

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

344 Merrow Road, Suite A

Tolland, CT 06084-3917

(860) 871-4040

margie.faber.@ct.usda.gov

On January 12, 2012, Secretary Vilsack will 

recognize and celebrate Martin Luther 

King’s birthday by declaring a National 

Service Day for all USDA employees. All 

USDA employees are encouraged to spend 

time volunteering in their communities.

We believe that encouraging service to 

others is an important way to celebrate Dr. 

King’s lasting legacy for all Americans.

We are extending the invitation to all 

agencies, offices, and employees to 

participate in this event and volunteer for a 

community organization on the afternoon 

of Thursday, January 12, 2012. Volunteer 

as a group, office, division, or individually.

We encourage you to use this as an 

opportunity for both service and team 

building.

Get in touch with organizations in your 

community. Conservation organizations, 

food banks and pantries, social service 

organizations, and other non-profits are all

possibilities. To coordinate a volunteer 

activity for you and your colleagues, we 

strongly encourage you to contact 

prospective volunteer sites now to ensure 

they can accommodate your group.

National Headquarters employees are 

invited to attend a ceremony honoring Dr. 

King’s Birthday and the National Service 

Day. Prior to that event, other NRCS 

employees will receive a web link to watch 

the ceremony on their computers. 
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [10]

Members of the engineering staff bid Water Quality Specialist 

Joe Neafsey a final farewell as he heads through the doors to 

retirement. ...

Look Who

Retired in 2011

. .

State Soil Scientist Kip Kolesinskas displays the 

Oxyaquic UdiKipent soil cake made in his 

honor.

(l to r) State Conservationist Jay Mar, Joe Neafsey and his 

State Conservationist Jay Mar with wife, P.J.

Kip, wife Lesley, and son Ian.
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [11]

RC&D Coordinator Mark Cummings (right). Also pictured 

are Jay Mar, State Conservationist (left) and Mark’s wife, 

Debbie.

Soil Conservationist Tom Ladny addresses the 

group assembled for his retirement luncheon.

Mark Cummings

State Conservationist Jay Mar congratulates Tom on his

retirement.

Look Who Retired in

2011 (continued)

..
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [12]

NRCS 2012 Program Update 

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) –AMA provides payments to agricultural 

producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, and 

erosion control by incorporating conservation practices into their farming operations. 

Producers may construct or improve water management structures or irrigation 

structures, and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource 

conservation practices.

 

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - CRP reduces soil erosion and sedimentation in 

streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances 

forest and wetland resources. It encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland 

or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover such as tame or native 

grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filterstrips, or riparian buffers. Farmers receive an 

annual rental payment for the term of the multi-year contract. Cost sharing is provided 

to establish the vegetative cover practices. CRP is administered by the Farm Service 

Agency, with NRCS providing technical land eligibility determinations, conservation 

planning, and practice implementation.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) –A voluntary program that provides financial 

and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, 

air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on Tribal and private 

working lands. 

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) –EQIP is a voluntary program that 

provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to 

soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Through EQIP, NRCS 

provides financial incentives to producers to promote agricultural production and 

environmental quality as compatible goals, optimize environmental benefits, and help 

farmers and ranchers meet federal, state, Tribal, and local environmental regulations.

Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) –A voluntary program that helps 

farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. The program provides matching 

funds to state, tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations with 

existing farm and ranch land protection programs to purchase conservation easements.

Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) - A voluntary program for landowners and operators 

to protect, restore, and enhance grassland. The program emphasizes support for 

working grazing operations; enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity; and 

protection of grassland and land containing shrubs and forbs under threat of 

conversion. 

 

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) –A voluntary program that provides technical and 

financial assistance to private landowners to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in 

exchange for retiring eligible land from agriculture. Includes 30-year and permanent 

easement options and funding for restoration.

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) –WHIP is a voluntary program for private 

landowners to develop and improve high quality habitat that supports wildlife 

populations of national, state, Tribal, and local significance. 

Office Locations 

 

Danielson Field Office 

71 Westcott Road

Danielson, CT 06238

860.779.0557

Raymond Covino

District Conservationist

Norwich Field Office 

Yantic River Plaza

238 West Town St.

Norwich, CT 06360

860.887.3604

Javier Cruz

District Conservationist

Torrington Field Office 

1185 New Litchfield St.

Torrington, CT 06790

860.626.8258

Kathleen Johnson

District Conservationist

Hamden Field Office 

51 Mill Pond Road

Hamden, CT 06514-1703

(203) 287-8038

Diane Blais

District Conservationist

Windsor Field Office 

100 Northfield Dr. 4th Floor

Windsor, CT 06095

860.688.7725

James Hyde

District Conservationist

Tolland State Office 

344 Merrow Road, Suite A

Tolland, CT 06084

860.871.4011

Jay T. Mar

State Conservationist 

 
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [13]

Calendar of Events

January

 1 NEW YEARS DAY HIKE – Sleeping Giant State Park – Hamden – 1:30 PM – Group may break into two 

smaller groups – one walk will be shorter. Involves uneven, rocky terrain, possibly with a degree of rock 

scrambling. Hikers should be in good physical condition. Dress warmly and wear comfortable, supportive 

shoes with good traction. Bring snacks and water. Free/open to the public. Minors must be accompanied 

by adult and have signed permission slip. Contact Lori Lindquist 203.287.5658

 7 HISTORY OF NATIVE PEOPLE IN THE NAUGATUCK RIVER VALLEY – Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby –

12 Noon – 2 PM - Dr. Nick Bellantoni, State Archeologist, and Michael Bouchard will present a program 

for families on the cultural history of Native Tribes that once lived in the valley. Contact Donna Kingston 

203.734.2513

 7 TRACKS AND SIGNS INTERPRETIVE WALK - Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center, Hampton –

10 AM – 12 Noon - Goodwin Forest is home to a large variety of mammals, birds, and insects. Many of 

these organisms are still active even in the winter months. We will learn how to read the signs of winteractive wildlife. Even without snow, many tell-tale clues should be available. Contact Juan Sanchez at 

860.455.9534 

 9 BOOK DISCUSSION: KAYAKING IN AND AROUND THE NORWALK ISLANDS – Westport Public Library –

7:30 PM – Join Norwalk River Watershed Association board member and avid kayaker David Park for a 

book signing and discussion – includes information on kayaking between Westport and Darien. An 18-

foot sea kayak and gear will be on display. Free

 9 CONNECTICUT FARM ENERGY & ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP – UConn Extension, Tolland Ag Center, Vernon 

– 10 AM – 12 Noon - Topics include Connecticut Farm Energy Program; USDA-RD – REAP Grants; USDANRCS – EQIP Program; Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund; Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority; 

Connecticut Farm Bureau Association; Professional Energy Installers. Some workshops may not have 

presentations from each of the groups listed above, but information will be available about each 

program. Please register at least one week before workshop. Contact (860) 345-3977 or 

ctfarmenergy@aol.com

10-14 OUR NATURAL WORLD: 16TH ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST – Audubon Center, Glastonbury – Calling 

all amateur photographers to enter as many as three nature photographs. Photos must fit into one of 

seven categories: Plants, Animals, Birds, Butterflies and Bugs, Landscapes, Nature's Miracles, People in 

Relationship with Nature. Entry fee $15/photo for first two; $20 for third. Professional judges will choose 

winning photographs just prior to the reception on January 27, 2012 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. Photos will be 

on exhibit January 27 through March 3, 2012. Contact (860) 633-8402

11 CONNECTICUT FARM ENERGY & ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP – USDA Field Office, Hamden – 4-6 PM -

Topics include Connecticut Farm Energy Program; USDA-RD – REAP Grants; USDA-NRCS – EQIP Program; 

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund; Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority; Connecticut Farm 

Bureau Association; Professional Energy Installers. Some workshops may not have presentations from 

each of the groups listed above, but information will be available about each program. Please register at 

least one week before workshop. Contact (860) 345-3977 or ctfarmenergy@aol.com

21 SEAL SEARCH WALK –Meigs Point Nature Center, Madison – 1 PM - Stroll the beautiful trails of 

Hammonasset and see if you can spot the seals offshore! A guided walk for all skill levels. Contact Russ 

Miller 203.245.8743 or 860.462.9643

21 SATURDAY MORNING BIRDWALK – Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby – 9 AM - Come observe birds in 

the wild, sharpen your bird identification skills, or enjoy a morning hike through the grounds of the 

Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park. Contact Donna Kingston 203.734.2513 

22 TURKEY TRAILS & HORSES' HOOVES - Sessions Woods, Burlington – 1:30-3:00 PM - Join MWC Jack 

Nelson for an indoors and outdoors program focusing on fungi and their interesting natural 

history. Contact Laura Rogers-Castro 860.675.8130

28 GETTING STARTED IN ORGANIC FARMING – Connecticut Forest & Park Association, Rockfall – 8:30 AM –

4:00 PM – Speakers and topics include: Dina Brewster, The Hickories, Ridgefield: Planning for Profits –

The Basics of a Farm Business; Bryan O’Hara, Tobacco Road Farm, Lebanon: Soil Management 

Techniques; Duncan Cox, Baystate Organic Certifiers: Organic Certification; Shannon Raider, Common 

Ground High School: Greenhouses; Jiff Martin & Jennifer McTiernan, UConn Extension: Land Access and 

Leasing. $30/members; $40/non-members. Sponsored by CT NOFA, UConn, and RMA. Contact 

203.888.5146

29 WINTER TREK - Allanach-Wolf Woodlands, Windham - 1 PM (instruction for show-shoe novices begins at 

12:30) - Join naturalist Ken Metzler for an informative tour of the winter world. 

Space limited; registration required. Contact Richard Bunce 860.647.1455 
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [14]

February

TBD SNOWSHOE HIKE AT LAKE WINDWING – Ridgefield – Weather permitting. Check website for date. 

Contact NRWA 1.877.NRWA.INFO

 4 NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE WINTER FESTIVAL – Black Rock State Park, Watertown – 9 AM – 3 PM - Activities 

will include ice fishing, fish stocking, snowshoeing, marshmallow roasting and much more! Contact 

Rachael Sunny (860) 418-5981

 4 ICE FOR SALE – Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby – 10:30 AM – 12 Noon – Join Bob McClellan from 

the Great Burnside Ice Co. for a special look at the history of ice harvesting and trade in Connecticut. 

Contact Donna Kingston 203.734.2513

 4 WINTER TRAILS WORKSHOP – Connecticut Forest & Park, Rockfall – 9 AM – 3 PM - The workshop 

provides new trail maintainers and managers a comprehensive introduction to CFPA's trails program, trail 

techniques, signage and blazing, trail tools and volunteer management. Open to the public. Bring your 

own lunch. Space is limited – RSVP to tpeters@ctwoodlands.org.

 6 CONNECTICUT FARM ENERGY & ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP – Rural Development, Windsor – 2-4 PM -

Topics include Connecticut Farm Energy Program; USDA-RD – REAP Grants; USDA-NRCS – EQIP Program; 

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund; Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority; Connecticut Farm 

Bureau Association; Professional Energy Installers. Some workshops may not have presentations from 

each of the groups listed above, but information will be available about each program. Please register at 

least one week before workshop. Contact (860) 345-3977 or ctfarmenergy@aol.com

 8 CONNECTICUT FARM ENERGY & ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP – UConn Extension, Haddam – 6-8 PM - Topics

include Connecticut Farm Energy Program; USDA-RD – REAP Grants; USDA-NRCS – EQIP Program; 

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund; Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority; Connecticut Farm 

Bureau Association; Professional Energy Installers. Some workshops may not have presentations from 

each of the groups listed above, but information will be available about each program. Please register at 

least one week before workshop. Contact (860) 345-3977 or ctfarmenergy@aol.com

 9 EXPLORE EXPORTING: THE WORLD IS WAITING (a seminar on why to export) – Northeast Utilities, Berlin -

Have you considered exporting? Are you wondering if it's something your business should consider. Join 

us on February 9th for this free seminar to learn the benefits of exporting and the services available to 

assit you with the process. One-on-one meetings with services providers will be available after lunch 

to answer questions or help you determine if exporting is right for your business. Contact Jaime Smith 

860.713.2559 or jaime.smith@ct.gov

15-17, 21-

22 

snowdate 

23

THE ACCREDITATION COURSE IN ORGANIC LAND CARE – Connecticut Ag Experiment Station, New Haven 

– Course for professionals will provide the education needed for an understanding of organic land care 

design and maintenance. Based on NOFA’s Standards for Land Care: Practices for Design and 

Maintenance of Ecological Landscapes. Contact Deb Legge 203.888.5146 deb@ctnofa.org

18 HOW TO PLAN FOR A BOUNTIFUL VEGETABLE GARDEN – Common Ground High School, New Haven – 

10 AM – 1 PM – Basic principles of planning for organic vegetable and flower gardens. Choosing the site 

and style, soil testing, and improvements, choosing the right vegetables for the season, crop rotation, 

and companion planting will be covered. Sponsored by CT NOFA. $10/person. Contact 203.888.5146

18 SATURDAY MORNING BIRDWALK – Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby – 9 AM - Come observe birds in 

the wild, sharpen your bird identification skills, or enjoy a morning hike through the grounds of the 

Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park. Contact Donna Kingston 203.734.2513

23 BIRDS OF PREY – Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill – 1 PM - Sharon Audubon bird program featuring live 

Hawks and Owls. Contact Margaret Enkler at 860-529-5816 

25 BLUEBIRD PROGRAM AND HOUSE BUILDING – Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby – 10:30 AM – 12 

Noon - Learn the status of bluebirds and the ways you can help monitor not only them, but also fellow 

native cavity nesters. Bluebird natural history will be provided and followed by an opportunity to build a 

bluebird nest box. Contact Donna Kingston 203.734.2513

26 BLUEBIRDS WITH MASTER WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST FRED LOWMAN – Sessions Woods, Burlington –

1:30-2:30 PM - Join Fred Lowman for an informative discussion on bluebirds. Hear Fred's success stories 

on attracting bluebirds to his property. Contact Laura E. Rogers-Castro 860.675.8130

26-28 2013 HARVEST NEW ENGLAND AG MARKETING CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW - Sturbridge Host Hotel, 

Sturbridge, MA – Conference will focus on marketing your farm and farm products. Contact Jaime Smith 

860.713.2559 or jaime.smith@ct.gov; or visit www.harvestnewengland.org
www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov - [15]

March

TBD SPRING AMPHIBIAN WALK – St. Luke’s School, New Canaan – March is a magical time to search for 

frogs and salamanders! Dave Havens of Norwalk River Watershed Association will give a short 

introduction on amphibians and how to spot them; followed by a woodland walk to visit vernal ponds 

coming to life with salamanders, newts, frogs, and toads. Search for eggs, learn about seasonal habitats, 

life history, and some of the many species that live in the area. Check website for date. Contact 

1.877.NRWA.INFO

 1 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION ACADEMY – University of Connecticut – Application deadline for 

this week-long training in land use stewardship for sophomore and junior high school students in 

Connecticut. Contact Charlotte Rand 860.486.4917, nrca@uconn.edu, or visit www.nrca.uconn.edu 

 3 CONNECTICUT NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMER’S ASSOCIATION (NOFA) 30th ANNUAL WINTER 

CONFERENCE – Manchester Community College – 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM – Keynote speaker –

international bestselling author Jeffrey M. Smith. Contact 203.888.5146

 5 CONNECTICUT FARM ENERGY & ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP – UConn Extension, Torrington – 10 AM – 12 

Noon - Topics include Connecticut Farm Energy Program; USDA-RD – REAP Grants; USDA-NRCS – EQIP 

Program; Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund; Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority; Connecticut 

Farm Bureau Association; Professional Energy Installers. Some workshops may not have presentations 

from each of the groups listed above, but information will be available about each program. Please 

register at least one week before workshop. Contact (860) 345-3977 or ctfarmenergy@aol.com

 7 CONNECTICUT FARM ENERGY & ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP – RD Office, Norwich – 4-6 PM - Topics include 

Connecticut Farm Energy Program; USDA-RD – REAP Grants; USDA-NRCS – EQIP Program; Connecticut 

Energy Efficiency Fund; Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority; Connecticut Farm Bureau 

Association; Professional Energy Installers. Some workshops may not have presentations from each of 

the groups listed above, but information will be available about each program. Please register at least 

one week before workshop. Contact (860) 345-3977 or ctfarmenergy@aol.com

10 STARTING SEEDLINGS – Common Ground High School, New Haven – 10 AM – 12 PM – We invite you to 

learn about starting your own vegetables and flowers from seed. Demonstrations for both planting and 

transplanting, plus a list of which plants are set out by seedlings and which ones are directly sown by 

seed into the ground. Sponsored by CT NOFA. $10/person. Contact 203.888.5146

17 SOILS AND COMPOST WORKSHOP – Common Ground High School, New Haven – 10 AM – 1 PM – The 

basics of building great soil in gardens and in the compost pile. Demonstrations of composting skills, as 

well as great handouts will be available. Sponsored by CT NOFA. $10/person. Contact 203.888.5146

17 SATURDAY MORNING BIRDWALK – Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby – 8 AM - Come observe birds in 

the wild, sharpen your bird identification skills, or enjoy a morning hike through the grounds of the 

Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park. Contact Donna Kingston 203.734.2513 

April

12 BIRDS OF PREY – Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill – 1 PM - Massachusetts Birds of Prey program 

featuring live hawks, owls and an eagle. Contact Margaret Enkler at 860-529-5816

14 SATURDAY MORNING BIRDWALK – Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby – 8 AM - Come observe birds in 

the wild, sharpen your bird identification skills, or enjoy a morning hike through the grounds of the 

Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park. Contact Donna Kingston 203.734.2513 

19 LIVE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS SHOW – Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill – 11 AM – 12:30 PM - A

program with a variety of live reptiles and amphibians. Contact Margaret Enkler 860.529.5816

May 5 ORGANIC GARDENING WORKSHOP – Common Ground High School, New Haven – 10 A – 12 PM –

Instructions and seasonal tips on what can be planted in your garden now and what must wait for 

warmer weather. Learn how to prep your garden beds, plan your plantings, deal with early garden pests, 

and improve soil fertility using organic methods. Sponsored by CT NOFA. $10/person. Contact 

203.888.5146

June 9 SATURDAY MORNING BIRDWALK – Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby – 8 AM - Come observe birds in 

the wild, sharpen your bird identification skills, or enjoy a morning hike through the grounds of the 

Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park. Contact Donna Kingston 203.734.2513