Register now for Sept, 9 farm tour of Knox County

Sun, 08/13/2017 - 7:15am

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation Farm Tour will hit the road! This year's tour puts the spotlight on four fabulous farms in Knox 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 farms, all of which have implemented a variety of conservation practices in cooperation with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service:

  • Dooryard Farm in Camden (the former Rokes Egg Farm on Mechanic St), where Cooper and Marina Funk sell a diverse variety of organic vegetables right from their 34-acre “Forever Farm” that has a trail down to the Goose River.
  • Terra Optima Farm in Appleton is Cheryl Denz’s educational farm and farmstand that is home to cows, chickens, silvapastured pigs – and an apple orchard for delicious hand-pressed cider.
  • Pleasantville Farm in Warren is one of the few remaining dairy farms in Knox County. Scott and Martha Monroe milk 28 cows (and have about as many young stock) on this Cabot Coop family farm.
  • Breakwater Vineyards in Owls Head overlooking Rockland Harbor, where Jeanne and Bill Johnson’s vineyard have planted >3000 grapevines, keep a small herd of dairy goats, and generate their own electricity. Optional wine tasting after tour.

Between stops, relax and take in the breathtaking landscapes of Knox 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, farm to table lunch prepared especially for us by Deer Foot Farm Cafe in Appleton.

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 the District office in Rockport. The bus will depart at 8:30 a.m. and return at 4:00 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.