Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District

11/02/2026

Big news for our regional waters: an $8.1 million federal grant has been awarded to protect the Sebago Lake watershed! 💧

Portland Water District
Read more: https://www.mainepublic.org/environment-and-outdoors/2026-10-28/usda-grants-8m-to-portland-water-district-to-sustain-water-quality-in-sebago-lake

10/30/2026

SPOOKY BOTONY FACT 🌹💀: The creepy growth on the end of this multiflora rose is actually a result of rose rosette disease-- which is a kind of "witches broom" often seen in the canopies of firs and pines.

Multiflora rose is also a vector of spread for rose rosette, and it's especially damaging within the proximity of anyone who keeps ornamental rose gardens. And to make matters spookier, gardeners can contract a blood disease called "sporotrichosis" aka Rose Gardener's Disease when pricked by the thorns too many times and exposed to the pathogen.

10/30/2026

USDA Emergency Loans Now Available to Help Local Farms Recover from Drought 🌾

If your farm or agricultural operation experienced setbacks during the recent dry spell, support is available. A natural disaster designation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened up emergency credit opportunities through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for producers across Maine, including right here in Cumberland County.

If your farm or agricultural operation experienced setbacks during the recent dry spell, support is available. A natural disaster designation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened up emergency credit opportunities through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for producers acros

10/29/2026

Understanding the Fish Consumption Advisory on the Presumpscot River 🎣

Today, we’re sharing an important update regarding a section of the Presumpscot River near the Keddy Mill Superfund Site in Windham.

In August 2026, the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention (ME CDC) updated its fish and seafood consumption guidelines to include a "do not eat any fish from these waters" advisory for the segment of the Presumpscot River spanning from Little Falls Dam to Mallison Falls Dam.

Find out what you need to know on the CCSWCD blog.

10/29/2026

Prepare to be horrified…
Dog waste contains harmful bacteria, pathogens, and lots of nutrients. Bacteria and other pathogens like parasites can move from dog waste into the surrounding soil and survive for over a year! The high nutrients can also burn nearby plants and should not be used as fertilizer.

10/29/2026

Did you know?
Firewood isn’t dead – a NH study found an average of 35 insects per piece of confiscated out-of-state firewood. Help stop the spread of invasive pests by getting firewood at your destination. Find local sources of firewood at firewoodscout.org/resources/ME.

10/28/2026

At Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, our work is driven by you—our local community. Our Board of Supervisors is made up of dedicated volunteers who serve without pay to help protect and steward our local soil and water resources.

This year, we are holding an election for a Supervisor position to serve a three-year term starting January 1, 2027. Cumberland County residents can cast a vote.

Details here: www.cumberlandswcd.org/news/voting-elections-join-our-board

At Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, our work is driven by you—our local community. Our Board of Supervisors is made up of dedicated volunteers who serve without pay to help protect and steward our local soil and water resources. This year, we are holding an election for

10/27/2026

Coming up! Cape Elizabeth Household Hazardous Waste Day is November 7th.🚯

Properly disposing of hazardous household materials prevents toxic chemicals from washing into local storm drains, protecting our groundwater, rivers, and coastal waters from pollution.

10/27/2026

COMING SOON: Shoreline Planting Guide
Living in Maine means being surrounded by incredible waterways—from quiet, clear lakes and meandering streams to rugged coastal bluffs. But protecting these delicate shorelines takes intentional care.

To help property owners nurture resilient waterfronts, the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), along with key community partners, is putting together a Shoreline Planting Guide designed specifically for Maine’s unique ecosystems.🌊

www.cumberlandswcd.org/news/shoreline-planting-guide

10/27/2026

🌿 TONIGHT in South Portland! Ready to transform your lawn into a low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscape? Join us for our free YardScaping workshop to learn sustainable lawn care tips, soil health basics, and native plant ideas.

📍 Where: South Portland
⏰ When: Tonight!
👉 Bring your questions and leave with actionable steps for a healthier yard!