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X-WR-CALNAME:Hampden Hampshire Conservation District
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Hampden Hampshire Conservation District
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260403T163000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260403T183000
DTSTAMP:20260305T155539Z
CREATED:20260223T171314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T155539Z
UID:4626-1775233800-1775241000@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:Local Working Group
DESCRIPTION:Registration Required – Register Here \nThe Hampden-Hampshire Conservation District (HHCD) is hosting a Local Working Group – because no one understands the challenges facing our land and natural resources better than the people who live and work here. Farmers\, foresters\, landowners\, conservation partners\, and community members all see firsthand how issues like flooding\, drought\, erosion\, extreme heat\, and habitat loss affect our region and communities. This meeting is an opportunity to bring those voices together and talk openly about what’s happening on the ground—and what should be prioritized moving forward. \nA Local Working Group is simply a community conversation with a purpose. The feedback gathered helps guide conservation programs offered through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and your local Conservation District – HHCD! The group identifies the most pressing natural resource concerns in our area and provides recommendations on conservation priorities and funding focus. The Local Working Group process helps to ensure that the programs and services offered by NRCS and HHCD reflect real local needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.  \nIn short\, this is your chance to help shape how conservation happens in Hampden and Hampshire Counties. Whether you’re actively managing land or just care about the health of our soils\, water\, farms\, forests\, and wildlife\, your perspective matters. The more diverse the input\, the stronger and more effective our local conservation efforts will be. \nFood and refreshments will be provided. Attendance is free\, but donations to support event costs are greatly appreciated!  \nIf you are unable to attend this session\, we are hosting a second Local Working Group in Hampden county in the Fall of 2026. Stay tuned for more details! 
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/local-working-group/
LOCATION:Hadley Pulic Library\, 50 Middle St\, Hadley\, MA\, 01035\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="HHCD":MAILTO:hampdenhampshireconservation@gmail.com
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260516T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260516T160000
DTSTAMP:20260504T160832Z
CREATED:20260504T160755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T160832Z
UID:4734-1778922000-1778947200@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:NOFA Complete Approaches to Fertility: Soil to Foliar
DESCRIPTION: NOFA/Mass Registration Required – Register Here \nYour farm’s fertility plan doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With the right tools and approach\, it can be grounded\, methodical\, informed and even fun. \nIn this full-day\, hands-on workshop\, we’ll explore practical ways to assess soil health and develop effective fertility strategies\, with a focus on agroforestry systems. The morning will center on building a clear\, functional understanding of soil health through biological\, physical\, and chemical lenses. Participants will practice simple\, field-based assessments to better understand compaction\, soil structure\, and nutrient dynamics\, and discuss amendment and management strategies that support soil function over time\, especially in degraded or transitioning landscapes. \nAfter lunch\, we’ll shift our focus to foliar sprays: liquid nutrient and biological applications applied directly to plant leaves. Foliar sprays can be a powerful tool on any farm\, and particularly in agroforestry systems\, where perennial crops\, young trees\, and compromised soils often benefit from targeted\, responsive nutrition. Used thoughtfully\, they can help support plant health\, improve nutrient uptake\, and reduce stress while longer-term soil improvements take hold. Participants will learn how to choose appropriate foliar strategies\, mix and apply sprays\, and evaluate their effectiveness in the field. \nThroughout the day\, we’ll: \nAssess key soil health indicators such as compaction and nutrient needsUnderstand Big River Chestnuts’ approach to soil remediation and supporting young tree establishmentEnjoy a delicious\, locally sourced lunchCompare different foliar spray methodologies and determine which are appropriate for your operationMix and apply a foliar spray in a hands-on demonstrationUse application equipment and a refractometer to measure results in the field
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/nofa-complete-approaches-to-fertility-soil-to-foliar/
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260520T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260520T193000
DTSTAMP:20260506T145452Z
CREATED:20260506T145452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T145452Z
UID:4739-1779301800-1779305400@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:NOFA/Mass Soil Health in Organic Systems Monthly Calls Getting Soils To Hum Early: Transplanting & Spring Conditions
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nMay in the Northeast brings a mix of warming days and sometimes stubbornly cool\, wet soils. In this one-hour call\, we’ll focus on transplanting into variable spring conditions\, priming soils with biology\, and practical bed prep strategies. We’ll also cover spring amendments\, inoculations & preps\, with an eye toward how temperature\, moisture & pH influence what actually responds early in the season. Bring your experience and discussion points\, and have your questions ready!
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/nofa-mass-soil-health-in-organic-systems-monthly-calls-getting-soils-to-hum-early-transplanting-spring-conditions/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260527T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260527T180000
DTSTAMP:20260512T152340Z
CREATED:20260512T151656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T152340Z
UID:4786-1779897600-1779904800@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:CISA Designing and optimizing irrigation systems for drought resiliency\, water efficiency and crop quality
DESCRIPTION:Location: Pioneer Gardens Farm\, 425 Greenfield Rd\, Deerfield\, MA 01342 \nRegister here \nThis workshop at Pioneer Gardens in South Deerfield\, MA will bring farmers and irrigation system designers together to look at emerging irrigation practices that increase water efficiency. The workshop will highlight the use of soil moisture sensors as a key component of irrigation planning and water usage. \nThe event will include opportunities for farmers to share their own approaches to irrigation\, including discussion of labor efficiency and decision-making during droughts. We will also provide information on grants and other funding sources for irrigation and related infrastructure. \nFollowing the workshop there will be a networking session with a light meal. \nThis work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2025-70027-45395\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/designing-and-optimizing-irrigation-systems-for-drought-resiliency-water-efficiency-and-crop-quality/
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260527T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260527T190000
DTSTAMP:20260506T151030Z
CREATED:20260506T150727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T151030Z
UID:4749-1779897600-1779908400@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:NOFA/Mass Working Towards Better Soil: Farmer Exchange & Networking Event
DESCRIPTION:Register and Learn More Here \nJoin Just Roots and NOFA/Mass for a farmer-to-farmer field walk exploring how soil health practices can take shape on a small\, diversified production farm. We’re coming together to share practical knowledge and experience. This is an opportunity to share real-world experience—what’s working\, what isn’t\, and what we’re all still figuring out. \nTogether\, we’ll walk the farm and look closely at a few of our current experiments & systems\, including: \n\nNo-till beds within a mixed till/no-till production system\nNative pollinator plantings as part of a soil-building strategy\nPerennial hedgerow strips (apple\, dogwood\, beach plum)integrated into annual fields\nTrial-and-error lessons from running a high-value small farm while building soil\n\nThis is a casual\, farmer-led exchange. Come with questions\, ideas\, and your own experiences to share. After the tour\, we’ll gather for a light dinner & a conversation about how this work connects to the Healthy Soils Action Plan.
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/nofa-mass-working-towards-better-soil-farmer-exchange-networking-event/
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260529T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260529T160000
DTSTAMP:20260506T161926Z
CREATED:20260506T161925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T161926Z
UID:4755-1780048800-1780070400@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:NOFA/Mass Physical Soil Health: Our Critical Soil Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nJoin us for this full-day workshop about the physical component of soil health where we’ll explore the essential principles that shape soil structure and vitality. This intensive will mix classroom-based learning with hands-on demonstrations and activities assessing soil structure. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of soil physical properties\, including texture\, structure\, porosity\, and compaction. \nEquipped with tools such as penetrometers\, shovels\, and infiltration rings\, attendees will learn how to assess and evaluate these critical aspects of soil health directly on the farm. We will also explore the synergies between the physical component of soil health and the chemical and biological components. Whether you’re a seasoned agricultural professional or a curious novice\, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical skills to enhance your understanding of soil and optimize farm management practices. \nThroughout the day\, you’ll learn: \n\nSoil compaction mitigation and remediation strategies\nThe importance of soil physical properties for water and gas management\nThe inherent and dynamic properties of soils\nHow to use tools for evaluating soil structure\nThe impact of different forms of soil disturbance on soil physical properties\nThe role of organic matter in soil structure\nHow to use cover crops to improve soil structure
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/nofa-mass-physical-soil-health-our-critical-soil-infrastructure/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260611T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260611T160000
DTSTAMP:20260506T165457Z
CREATED:20260506T165135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T165457Z
UID:4760-1781172000-1781193600@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:Scale & Strategy: Building a Viable\, Healthy Farm
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nManaging a farm at the right scale is essential to finding your place within the broader network of Massachusetts growers. If you’re considering expanding your operation— or questioning whether scaling up is the right move— join us for a day-long workshop grounded in practical experience\, reflection\, and peer learning. \nHosted at Upswing Farm\, this workshop will explore the real-world decisions that shape a farm’s growth over time. We’ll learn from Upswing’s journey on the land: how they’ve approached soil stewardship in a certified-organic system\, their approach to infrastructure and equipment\, and strategic choices they’ve made to support long-term viability. Through a mix of tours\, discussions and on-farm demonstrations\, participants will engage with both the opportunities and trade-offs that come with operating at different scales. \nWe’ll dig into both the day-to-day realities and the bigger-picture considerations of scaling a certified organic farm\, from crew management and workflow logistics\, to financial planning and risk\, all within the framework of organic certification requirements. \nThroughout the day\, we’ll: \n\nExplore how to determine the “right” farm scale for individualized goals within a certified organic system\nDiscuss labor structures\, crew management\, and daily operational flow\nReview equipment decisions\, including tools for cover cropping and compost production\nLearn about Upswing Farm’s approach to producing certified-organic compost\, including a close-up look through a microscope\nExamine financial decision-making\, including borrowing\, risk tolerance\, and long-term planning\nDiscuss funding opportunities\, such as grants and programs through NRCS and AMA\nReflect on how business decisions and ecological stewardship intersect in certified-organic production\nBy the end of the day\, you’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what scaling means for your own operation\, along with practical insights from a certified organic farm navigating those decisions in real time. We’ll also share a locally sourced lunch and create space for informal conversation and connection.
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/scale-strategy-building-a-viable-healthy-farm/
LOCATION:Upswing Farm\, 65 Brookline St\, Pepperell\, MA
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260713T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260713T190000
DTSTAMP:20260512T153819Z
CREATED:20260512T153801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T153819Z
UID:4794-1783962000-1783969200@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:CISA Preparing and planning for new & increased pest and disease risks in a warmer New England
DESCRIPTION:Location: Good Bunch Farm\, 221 N River Rd\, Shelburne Falls\, MA 01370 \nRegister here \nAs the number of growing days increases and temperature and precipitation extremes are more frequent\, producers are faced with more challenges related to pest and disease pressure. Existing pests and diseases are becoming more persistent\, and new threats are emerging due to weather variability. Farmers are also faced with crop loss\, reduced crop quality\, and increased costs due to more frequent applications of treatments or preventative controls. \nIn this event\, the presenter will share a practical framework for assessing\, prioritizing\, and planning responses to farm risks\, using pest and disease pressure as an example in the context of a changing climate. The host farmer will then describe how these planning tools have informed decisions on the farm\, the new practices that have been implemented\, and lessons learned through on-farm experience. \nThe discussion and farm tour will be followed by some networking time and a light meal. \nPresenter: \nStevie Schafenacker works with small food and farm businesses across New England\, helping clients with financial record-keeping\, grant writing\, budgeting\, and enterprise planning. Stevie integrates holistic decision-making and really likes talking to farmers about how to manage risk. Stevie previously worked at CISA\, where she excelled at creating engaging\, content-rich workshops geared to the needs of the target audience. \nThis work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2025-70027-45395\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/cisa-preparing-and-planning-for-new-increased-pest-and-disease-risks-in-a-warmer-new-england/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260817T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260817T180000
DTSTAMP:20260512T155849Z
CREATED:20260512T155836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T155849Z
UID:4800-1786982400-1786989600@hampdenhampshireconservation.org
SUMMARY:CISA Managing pasture and livestock watering for flooding\, drought and extreme heat events
DESCRIPTION:Location: Chase Hill Farm\, 74 Chase Hill Rd\, Warwick\, MA 01378 \nRegister here \nThis workshop will focus on livestock and pasture management in heat\, drought\, and flood\, including practices for managing and capturing water\, managing forage crops for water extremes\, and efficient methods of providing access to drinking water for livestock. The presenters work with American Farmland Trust’s Thriving Farms and Ranches Livestock Team and can provide risk assessment and planning tools for farms and help them access services from NRCS and will explain the process for accessing this support. Presenters and CISA staff will facilitate discussion of farm-specific challenges and potential solutions.  \nPresenters:   \nMax Breiteneicher is an Apprentice Farm Conservation Planner at American Farmland Trust\, serving on the Thriving Farms and Ranches Livestock Team. In this role\, he helps farmers prepare conservation plans for implementation on their farms and for eligibility to participate in USDA-NRCS programs. Max also owns and operates a grass-based cheesemaking farm in Cummington\, Massachusetts.    \nCaleb Smith is a Livestock and Agronomy Specialist at American Farmland Trust (AFT) and a commercial farmer. He was a professional dairyman for 13 years before joining AFT and continues to be a professional livestock producer on 350 acres. Caleb has had a career-long relationship with Vermont NRCS\, with vast experience using their conservation programs to improve the profitability and sustainability of his own farm. At AFT\, he works to help farmers maximize the profit and environmental potential of their NRCS contracts. \nThis work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2025-70027-45395\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 
URL:https://hampdenhampshireconservation.org/event/cisa-managing-pasture-and-livestock-watering-for-flooding-drought-and-extreme-heat-events/
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