Hampden-Hampshire Conservation District (HHCD) is one of thirteen conservation districts in Massachusetts. A conservation district is a non-regulatory agency – meaning we do not create or enforce rules. We are simply here to help!
Protect Future Harvests
The mission of HHCD is to provide educational outreach, technical assistance, and financial support to communities and landowners to protect the soil, air, forests, and water resources on which we all depend. The District brings together community members, agencies, and organizations, to work collaboratively on preserving the ecological integrity and economic vitality of the Hampden-Hampshire region for many generations to come.
Districts help the community conserve and steward natural resources, such as soil, water, air, and forests, by connecting farmers and other landowners to funding, education, equipment, and other forms of assistance.
What is a Conservation District?
Our History
Conservation Districts were established in the 1930’s in response to the menace of soil erosion and severe drought that caused the Dust Bowl. Congress created state soil Conservation Districts and the Soil Conservation Service (now called NRCS) to provide landowners with techniques to conserve and protect their resources. The first Conservation District in Massachusetts was founded in 1945. There are currently 13 Conservation Districts in the State, corresponding with 14 counties. Each District is governed by a board of locally elected citizens who volunteer their time and leadership. The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) gives one voice to the districts.
In 2023, we launched our Healthy Soil Program, which has four main components: Equipment rentals, soil analysis, no-till mentorships, and composting assistance! Thanks to grant funding we have continued to develop our program and expand our offerings to best suit our communities needs!
In 2023, we launched our Healthy Soils Program, and we offer equipment rentals, soil analysis, and no-till mentorships. We continue to update our fleet of equipment. This is made possible by grants from the Mass Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Fairs and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).
Our Programs
Hampden-Hampshire Conservation District partners with landowners and towns in the region to convert lawns and other managed landscapes into native plant gardens and meadows. By adding native plants back into the landscape, we can begin to reverse the effects of the great pollinator decline experienced in areas across our region.
Free Soil Samples 2025
Acres Managed with our Equipment 2025
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