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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://massacd.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240601
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240701
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240611T030153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T030421Z
UID:10000145-1717200000-1719791999@massacd.org
SUMMARY:MA Pollinator Network Pollinator Art Show
DESCRIPTION:The Mass Pollinator Network is delighted to announce our newest project: pollinators as art! \nAnnouncing the MAPN Pollinator Art Show\, featuring works by Daisy Hebb and John Barnett. Art on display during library hours through June 30th. \nOur two featured artists work with entirely different media but both show the utter beauty of plant and pollinator life. Please spread the word. We hope to make this a traveling show. \n  \n 
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/ma-pollinator-network-pollinator-art-show/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massacd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-10-at-11.03.59 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240603T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240603T183000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240508T005054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240508T005054Z
UID:10000135-1717430400-1717439400@massacd.org
SUMMARY:Off The Shelf Farm: Scaling Pastured Poultry on Leased Land
DESCRIPTION:Off the Shelf Farm started in 2018 with 750 hens\, 150 broiler chickens and 13 lambs with a hand shake lease for 30 acres and no infrastructure. In 2024 the farm will support 2800 laying hens\, 4500 broiler chickens and 30 lambs all rotationally grazed on pasture. It will for the first time have a legal\, long-term lease on 80 acres and will be implementing a $500k grant-supported project to build winter chicken housing\, egg processing and cold storage space. We will talk about our process of scaling our business and “making it work” despite not owning a farm or having any long-term security.
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/off-the-shelf-farm-scaling-pastured-poultry-on-leased-land/
LOCATION:Off the Shelf Farm\, 200 North Plain Road\, Great Barrington\, MA
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240605T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240605T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240508T011023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240508T011023Z
UID:10000138-1717588800-1717592400@massacd.org
SUMMARY:Mass Pollinator Network Brown Bag Lunch
DESCRIPTION:This drop in zoom event will happen on the first Wednesday of each month from noon to 1pm.\n\nPlease stop by to meet other pollinator advocates\, ask questions of our experts\, learn about projects happening across the state\, talk about your own activities\, and more! Stay for the entire meeting or just pop in for what you can.\n\nTo receive the zoom link\, please register here. And share this with others who might be interested.
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/mass-pollinator-network-brown-bag-lunch-2/
LOCATION:online
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240613T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240613T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240611T022807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T022950Z
UID:10000142-1718272800-1718287200@massacd.org
SUMMARY:Tools of the Trade: On-Farm Microscopy & Soil Management Practices (Microbes Series)
DESCRIPTION:Get your hands dirty in this hands-on\, on-farm event\, where we put theory into practice. In this engaging session\, we’ll introduce you to a variety of biological tools used to assess soil biology\, building upon the knowledge from our first virtual event in this Microbes series. Discover the tools used in soil analysis\, including microscopes and microbiometers\, and learn how they can help you gain valuable insights into your soil’s health. Also\, bring a sample of your own soil\, and our experts will evaluate it right on the spot. After the analyses\, join us for a group discussion\, where we’ll interpret the results and provide insights into soil management practices that can make a real difference on your farm. \nAgenda: \n10:00 AM – Welcome and Introduction \n11:30 AM – Microbial Assessment tools \n12:00 PM – Break (BYO Lunch\, light refreshments provided) \n12:45 PM – Soil Health Assessment Demonstration \n1:30pm – Questions & Answers \n2:00pm – Wrap Up & Thank You \nMore details. \nRegister here.
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/tools-of-the-trade-on-farm-microscopy-soil-management-practices-microbes-series/
LOCATION:Nature’s Way Farm\, 24 Hillsville Rd.\, North Brookfield\, MA\, 01535
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240613T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240613T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240603T023624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240603T220600Z
UID:10000141-1718290800-1718292600@massacd.org
SUMMARY:NACD Conservation Coffee
DESCRIPTION:NACD now does bi-monthly Conservation Coffees\, short\, 30-minute learning and networking sessions on various topics relevant to districts\, state associations\, and our partners. \nJoin NACD leadership\, including our President Kim LaFleur and CEO Jeremy Peters\, and staff for a mid-year Membership Update. Learn about the latest NACD and partner activities\, current advocacy efforts\, and reminders of how to take advantage of your NACD benefits. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the organization for existing district board and staff members\, but also a chance for individuals new to the organization to learn more about how NACD serves our membership. \nRegistration is free and available online: https://nacdnet.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nacdnet/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2160&  \nPlease share widely\, and feel free to reach out to me at any time with any questions about your membership or to present on a future Conservation Coffee! All past sessions are recorded and available on NACD’s YouTube\, along with multiple other learning resources! \n 
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/nacd-conservation-coffee/
LOCATION:Zoom / Online
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240615T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240615T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240611T023352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T023523Z
UID:10000143-1718452800-1718463600@massacd.org
SUMMARY:Farm Celebration and Farmer Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:Come celebrate the opening of the 2024 season at Hannan Healthy Foods with NOFA/Mass! We’ll have food\, fun\, and an engaging conversation about Mohammad Hannan’s farm and his experience with organic certification as a Farmer of a Color.
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/farm-celebration-and-farmer-meet-up/
LOCATION:Hannan Healthy Foods\, 270 S Great Rd.\, Lincoln\, MA\, 01773
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240617T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240617T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240508T010024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240508T010024Z
UID:10000136-1718640000-1718650800@massacd.org
SUMMARY:Cricket Creek Farm: Dairy Production\, Grazing\, and Processing
DESCRIPTION:Cricket Creek is a grass-based dairy farm managed by a small team of collaborators.  The entire farm is comprised of about 500 acres\, about 150 of which is hay fields\, just over 100 is pasture\, and the rest is wooded.  We are one of the oldest dairy farms in the region\, but infused with new life and energy.  Our primary activity is raising dairy cows for their good milk.  Our milking herd ranges between 35 and 40 lactating animals\, depending on the time of yea\,r and the entire dairy herd is about 80 animals including the dry cows and young stock.  We sell raw milk from our farm and the rest of our milk we make into artisanal cheese in our farmstead creamery; in 2017 we made about 47\,000 lbs of cheese.  We raise grass-fed beef and whey-fed pork.  We sell our goods through our farm store\, at local farmers markets\, and through various regional cheese shops\, food co-ops\, restaurants\, and other establishments.  Our mission is to produce nourishing food that honors our animals\, respects the land and feeds our community\, and to exemplify a sustainable model for small-farm viability. \nOur workshop will be an overview of running a small diversified dairy farm.  We will discuss rotational grazing\, dairy cow health issues\, our nurse cow system\, milking schedules\, farmstead cheese production\, raw milk and cheese marketing and sales.  We will talk about our systems for integrating other enterprises on the dairy farm.  We will share the challenges and successes financially turning around an old dairy farm and what it means to run a sustainable dairy operation.  Our current iteration of Cricket Creek is fairly new and we are relatively young farmers; we can give the perspective of a start-up business including the intricacies of getting well established and grounded with careful planning and record keeping. \nhttps://craftfarmapprentice.com
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/cricket-creek-farm-dairy-production-grazing-and-processing/
LOCATION:Cricket Creek Farm\, 1255 Oblong Rd.\, Williamstown\, MA\, 01267
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240620T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240620T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240613T032407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240613T032407Z
UID:10000149-1718906400-1718917200@massacd.org
SUMMARY:Hitchcock Center’s Battle of the Botanicals 2024
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of botanically inspired cocktail & food pairings – our fifth Battle of the Botanicals! \nBATTLE IS BACK! This year we are inviting eight of our region’s top bartender/chef teams to profile their talents and help us raise funds for the Hitchcock Center for the Environment’s environmental justice programs. This event is 21+. \nHeld on Thursday\, June 20 from 6 – 9 p.m. this ticketed fundraiser is expected to draw 300+ people. Each restaurant team will present a tasting station with an appetizer and cocktail sample that highlight a signature botanical feature. The three top-voted bartenders will then take the stage for a live cocktail mix-off! \nA panel of local celebrity judges\, including Massachusetts State Representative Mindy Domb\, Hope and Olive’s Jim Zaccara\, and New England Public Media radio hosts Monte Belmonte and Kaliis Smith\, will name a winner. \nRegular Tickets — $120 after June 8th \nBuy tickets here \nMore details here
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/hitchcock-centers-battle-of-the-botanicals-2024/
LOCATION:The Powerhouse at Amherst College
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240621T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240621T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240611T032245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240613T135632Z
UID:10000147-1718974800-1718978400@massacd.org
SUMMARY:FIELD Network - Monthly Networking Session - From Incubator to Direct Farm Service
DESCRIPTION:Join our Monthly Networking Session and connect with staff of land-based farm incubator and apprenticeship training programs! \nShare challenges faced by land-based training programs supporting a diversity of beginning farmers and brainstorm ideas\, solutions\, and shared resources.  Network in breakout groups to mix and mingle with other incubator farm program staff and apprenticeship staff across the country to connect and share project updates! \nThis month’s networking topic is:  From Farm Incubator to Direct Farm Service – How do we best support farmers with business technical assistance?  Running a farm incubator program can be challenging; balancing multiple producers’ production systems\, sharing equipment\, maintaining “the commons\,” and building community can keep incubator programs busy enough.  How do we also then provide quality business technical assistance?  How do we find time to support farmers with on-the-ground production logistics and setting personal\, financial\, and business goals and a clear strategy to reach them?  How do we support farmers with a solid land access plan and transition strategy?  How can we best balance all the various growth stages and needs of the many different farmers we  support?  Come learn about the various approaches taken over the years from the Intervale Center and ask questions about their programmatic decisions and future programming opportunities. \nWe meet via Zoom. More information and register here. \n 
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/field-network-monthly-networking-session-from-incubator-to-direct-farm-service/
LOCATION:On Zoom
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240625T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240625T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240611T025045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T025045Z
UID:10000144-1719331200-1719342000@massacd.org
SUMMARY:Transition to Organic Partnership Program: Brookfield Farm Field Walk
DESCRIPTION:Join Brookfield Farm\, the UMass Extension Vegetable Program and NOFA/Mass for a twilight meeting! \n\nKerry and Max Taylor from Brookfield Farm will describe the new well they installed last year that includes a solar pump. The well was installed with support from NRCS.\nSue Scheufele\, UMass Extension Vegetable IPM Specialist\, will lead a field walk and pest scouting demonstration.\nMaria Gannett\, UMass Extension Weed Specialist\, will lead a weed walk and discuss weed ID\, organic weed management\, and the relationship between weeds and soil health.\n\nPresentations 4-6 pm\, followed by a light supper. \n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\nContact:\n\nLisa McKeag\n\n\n\n\nlmckeag@umass.edu\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event will be recorded.
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/transition-to-organic-partnership-program-brookfield-farm-field-walk/
LOCATION:Brookfield Farm\, 24 Hulst Rd.\, Amherst\, MA\, 01002
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240627T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240627T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T055421
CREATED:20240516T165901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240516T170159Z
UID:10000140-1719482400-1719496800@massacd.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Farmer Soil Health Training 3-Part Series Continues
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\n\n\n\nNOFA Mass’s free training series\, continues exploring the world of soil health\, uncovering foundational principles to rich\, productive soil\, and highlighting the various ways to tend the physical\, chemical\, and biological properties of our growing spaces. Each part of the series will take place in both central and western Massachusetts. \nPhysical Vitality: Building Robust Foundations for Crop Success \nJune 27\, 2024 at Farming is Life\, Winchendon MA – Register here \nJuly 21 2024 at Woven Roots Farm\, Tyringham MA – Register here \nBiological Diversity: Fostering Thriving Ecosystems Below Ground \nOctober 3\, 2024 at Farming is Life\, Winchendon MA (microbial collections techniques) – Registration opening soon \nSeptember 29\, 2024 – Woven Roots Farm\, Tyringham MA (paper chromatography evaluation tools) – Registration opening soon
URL:https://massacd.org/massacdevent/beginning-farmer-soil-health-training-3-part-series-continues/
LOCATION:Farming is Life\, Winchendon\, Massachusetts
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