On Saturday, Sept. 10, the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation Farm Tour will hit the road! This year's tour puts the spotlight on four fabulous farms in Lincoln County. Participants will see conservation practices in action, learn about the benefits of local foods and agricultural products, and enjoy the view as we travel through the beautiful Midcoast landscape in a climate-controlled luxury coach from Northeast Charter & Tour Co., winner of the 2014 Green Highway award.

The day’s itinerary includes the following MOFGA-certified organic farms, all of which have implemented a variety of conservation practices in cooperation with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service:

• Beau Chemin Preservation Farm in Waldoboro, a 150-acre homestead that has been a working farm for about 200 years. Here JoAnn and Wayne Myers preserve several breeds of endangered sheep, ducks and draft animals. The farm sells wool from the sheep, organic eggs from the ducks, and a range of organic produce and flowers, particularly “you-pick” raspberries and grapes.
• Eldertide Pharm in Dresden harvests and produces elderberries for medicinal purposes and, along with its sister company, Maine Medicinals, creates various herbal supplements. Owner Edie Johnston, who moved into the 150-year-old home and farm on the Eastern River in 2001, founded Eldertide in 2007 and operates the business with her son, Geo Johnston.
• Hamilton Farm and Barred Owl Creamery & Catering in Whitefield, where Patti and Chris Hamilton raise sheep and goats for the award-winning cheese Patti produces in her on-farm creamery, as well as vegetables and herbs for the catering part of the operation. Not to mention the pasture-raised pork, chicken, turkey and lamb; sheep and goat milk soap; wool pillows; and fleeces. In 2015, Knox-Lincoln SWCD selected Hamilton Farm as Conservation Farm of the Year.

Between stops, relax and take in the breathtaking landscapes of Lincoln County as Knox-Lincoln SWCD staff Hildy Ellis and Rebecca Jacobs provide insights and answer questions about ecology, conservation, and agricultural activities along the way. And, enjoy home-baked goodies, afternoon snacks, and a sumptuous fresh from the garden, farm to table lunch at Hamilton Farm, prepared by Barred Owl Catering.

Pre-registration is required and seats fill up quickly. Cost of the tour is only $45 per person and includes all food and travel from a central location (tbd). The bus will depart at 8 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. To request more information or to register for the tour, contact Hildy at 596-2040, hildy@knox-lincoln.org, or register online at www.knox-lincoln.org/conservation-tour/. Knox-Lincoln SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.