York County Soil & Water Conservation District

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Catherine Gilmore
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1 York County Soil & Water Conservation District YCSWCD Spring 2007 Spring 2007 Our new contact information: Making the move... YCSWCD 21 Bradeen St, Suite 104 Springvale, Me Tel: (207) ext 214 Fax: (207) Office Hours: Monday Through Friday 9:00am 1:00pm Inside this issue: There have been many changes taking place over the last few months at our office. On March 1st we officially moved into a new office space in the Anderson Learning Center in Springvale. The move was accomplished with the help of several board members who did everything from packing, transportation and of coarse finding new places for all our stuff to live. As in the past you can still access aerial photos & soils maps from our new office. We have lots of brochures & are still dedicated to providing information & resources to landowners in York County. Another advantage to our new location is that we have access to a classroom & meeting spaces. This will give us more flexibility in offering learning opportunities to the public. There are also several new faces in the office. In the fall we said goodbye to District Manager Deb Mayo. That position has been filled by Melissa Brandt of Waterboro. Melissa has a degree in Environmental Science from Unity College & is excited about the opportunity to work for the district. Project Manager Heather Dionne, another Unity College New Office Graduate with a degree in Urban & community Forestry, is approaching her 1 year anniversary with us. She has great energy & love for the work she does. Our Board Chair Tony Carroll was elected the MACD President at the Winter Meeting. Congratulations! So stop by our office & say hello! Invasive Grant Report 2 Supervisor &Staff Shrub Sale has begun Project & District updates 3 5 Rain Gardens 6 Shrub Sale Plant List 7 Calendar 8 Shrub Sale order form Insert Our Annual Shrub Sale is now in full swing. We have concentrated on offering native plants but have added a few ornamentals for variety. The sale helps to support the work we do right here in York County. You will find a price list included with this newsletter or you print a copy off our website at This is a great way to get some top quality plants & support a worth while cause.. Order forms are due into our office by April 20th & the orders will be ready for pickup on May 5th & 6th at Giles Store in Alfred.

PAGE 2 YCSWCD SPRING 2007 York County Soil & Water Conservation District 2007 Directory Board of Supervisors Chair: Tony Carroll Vice Chair: Glenn Wildes Secretary: Patty Dolbec Treasurer: Carl Davis

2 PAGE 2 YCSWCD SPRING 2007 York County Soil & Water Conservation District 2007 Directory Board of Supervisors Chair: Tony Carroll Vice Chair: Glenn Wildes Secretary: Patty Dolbec Treasurer: Carl Davis Member: Rodney Hammond Associate Supervisors Sid Emery Alden Gile Jean Noon Bill Hutchins Wilfrid Cassette Ed Dolbec Jordan Pike Rodney Dyer, Jr Bob Mills Ken Wood Staff Melissa Brandt District Office Manager Heather Dionne Project Manager Forrest Bell Project Manager Ken Wood District Engineer Wayne Munroe District Conservationist (NRCS) Nancy Mills Bookkeeper Invasive Aquatic Species Project By: Laurie G. Callahan - Aquatic Biologist York County Soil & Water Conservation District (YCSWCD) and Laurie Callahan (an aquatic biologist) were awarded $4,000 in grant funds from Davis Conservation Foundation (DCF) to support the 2006 York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project (YCIASP). This funding enabled YCSWCD and Callahan to bring IAS technical assistance and outreach activities to groups (primarily lake and watershed associations) and individuals in York County. Goals of 2006 YCIASP were to (1) raise awareness about aquatic invasive species (IAS) concerns in York County, (2) inform people about what they can do to detect infestations early and help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species from one water body to another and (3) enable folks to develop skills in order to participate proactively in IAP prevention, early detection and infestation management activities. Three workshops were offered at the Alfred, ME town hall in June, August and October. Just over 50 attendees participated in the workshops where pressed and fresh native and invasive aquatic plant samples were provided at each of workshops for participants to gain practice using plant identification resources provided. Attendees at the field IAP screening surveys were able to practice aquatic plant identification techniques and become familiar with native species. 29 attendees participated in the 10 - IAP screening survey field sessions. During the 2006 project field season 3 visits were made to a cove of Lake Arrowhead off Enterprise Road in Limerick that is heavily infested with variable leaf milfoil. These visits were made in order for attendees to get a first-hand look at an extensive variable leaf milfoil infestation and some control strategies that are being used at the local level to address the infestation. Left: Association members participating in a York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project aquatic plant survey on Bauneg Beg Pond, September 9, 2006 with biologist, Laurie Callahan (center, paddle extended). (Photo by Mike Cannon) A very limited infestation of variable leaf milfoil was found at Great East Lake during the summer by members of the lake association s Weed Watchers team. The public boat launch cove where the variable milfoil was found is in a part of Great East Lake that is in ME, but other portions of the lake are also in NH. The variable milfoil growth found near the boat launch was removed by Weed Watchers. On September 21 Callahan visited 6 sites along the Little Ossipee River at the request of MCIAP. The sites chosen were easily accessed sites where roads/bridges crossed the river. These 6 Little Ossipee River sites checked were quick IAP screening checks, with the focus on variable leaf milfoil. The sites ranged from the outlet of Balch Lake at Acton Ridge Road to the Hardscrabble Rd. bridge (this is just before the convergence with the Saco River) in Limington. Milfoil growth that resembled variable leaf milfoil was observed at 3 sites on New Dam Road, at the Doles Ridge Road intersection with Rte 117 and at the Hardscrabble Road Crossing. Samples were collected from the New Dam Road and Doles Ridge Road sites. The samples collected were sent

3 YCSWCD SPRING to MCIAP and from there were sent for DNA analysis. DNA analysis identified the samples as variable milfoil. During the late summer 2006 a volunteer Invasive Plant Patroller spotted a plant he suspected of being variable milfoil in the Saco River above the Skelton Dam in Dayton. He sent the plant sample (which did not have a flowering structure) to MCIAP in Auburn. Staff at MCIAP sent it for DNA analysis. The results came back as variable milfoil. It is hoped that through the information and training provided by the 2006 York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project (YCIASP) many of the participants will begin, or continue with more confidence and enthusiasm, to monitor water bodies they are concerned about. Another hope is that the connections and networking that some of the participants established through the project will lead to more cooperative efforts related to aquatic invasive species and other water resource issues that watersheds in the county will likely face in the near and distant future. Project Updates PAGE 3 Thank you to all that assisted with and attended YCIASP activities in Everyone that participated contributed to an important effort and cause. Our efforts as individuals and local groups can make a difference! Mousam Lake Water Quality Improvement Project Project Manager Heather Dionne Mousam has now been removed from the Impaired Waters List, a huge milestone for all involved. This is such a big deal that the Environmental Protection Agency will be highlighting this project on their website at The Phase II grant project has now been completed. Between both the Mousam I & II (from ) grants an estimated 153 tons of sediment is now being kept out of the lake each year. That is the equivalent of 13 dump truck loads a year. Overall 155 technical assistance visits were conducted, 45 conservation sites were completed & 200 people attended the septic socials. In addition the 13th Street road association was formed & improvements were made to the road. The Acton-Shapleigh YCC also completed another 115 sites. We would like to thank the towns of Acton & Shapleigh, grant steering committees, the MLRA & Acton Shapleigh YCC for all their support & hard work. We would also like to recognize the homeowners that worked with us. Mousam Lake would not have come this far without their conservation efforts. A copy of the final brochure can be downloaded from our website Kennebunk Pond Watershed Improvement Project Project Manager Heather Dionne 20 additional sites will be completed summer 2007, mainly buffers & small residential shoreline projects. Volunteers will be needed to help with this project. If you are interested please contact us. Congratulations to KPA & especially Tom & Sandy Larned for all their work so far. KPA was awarded Volunteer of the year at our annual meeting. Foot Path on Kennebunk Pond

PAGE 4 YCSWCD SPRING Square Pond Watershed Survey Project Manager Heather Dionne The watershed survey is almost wrapped up & the final report will be submitted in April.

4 PAGE 4 YCSWCD SPRING Square Pond Watershed Survey Project Manager Heather Dionne The watershed survey is almost wrapped up & the final report will be submitted in April. The next step is to apply for grant money to implement the work. Site on Square Pond NFWF (National Fish & Wildlife Foundation) Southern Maine Community Invasives Control Project Project Manager Heather Dionne Currently in the process of drafting a cooperative weed management area plan, expanding the Purple Loosestrife biological control and working with the town of Sanford on the Goodall Brook for Japanese Knotweed control. Also working with Noble HS students to incorporate invasives into their science curriculum. Check out our website for more information on Terrestrial Invasives at Sid Emery Demo Forest Participants in a 2006 invasive aquatic plant ID workshop Great Works River Watershed & Little Ossipee Lake Improvement Projects Project Manager Forrest Bell I am currently working on two watershed improvement projects in York County. The Northern Great Works implementation project involves getting high priority/low cost projects on the ground. I am also helping to educate municipal staff in Sanford and North Berwick on stormwater management. A recent training session in Sanford was attended by 18 fire, police, parks and public works employees. The second project is the Little Ossipee Lake Improvement Project which involves improving camp roads and residences around the lake to reduce sediment that is flowing into the lake. Finally, I'll be directing a new project later this spring which will involve a very detailed assessment of an urban stream watershed (Goodall Brook) in Sanford.

5 YCSWCD SPRING 2007 PAGE 5 Other District Programs DEP Contractor Certification Program the District conducts the final inspections. Project reviews of stormwater, erosion & sediment control Bi-annual host of Southern Maine Regional Envrothon FrontRunner Training Management of the Sid Emery Demo Forest in Lyman Open Farm Day coordination Soils, topography, and aerial photography information provided Conservation Plans Development NRCS Update The USDA Service Center servicing Cumberland and York County producers is located at: 306 U.S. Route 1, Suite 1A Scarborough, ME Telephone (207) , ext. 3 Fax (207) We welcome the new service area & the many conservation delivery opportunities that will be available for York County customers, said Wayne Munroe, NRCS District Conservationist in Cumberland County. We will do everything we can to make this transition seamless for the people of York County. NRCS staff have also been assigned new service areas. Dave Chiappetta, Soil Conservationist Geoff Coombs, Resource Conservationist Linda Davenport, Program Technician John Mally, Earth Team Volunteer Annual Meeting Report We had a great evening of conversation with our guest speaker, John Piotti of the Maine Farmland Trust. In addition we honored our Volunteer(s) of the Year, Kennebunk Pond Association, with a plaque for all their continued work with the District. The 13th Street Road Association was also recognized by MDEP for all the hard work & for organizing themselves into a road association. We also recognized Jean Noon for all her dedication to the District. Jean has served in many positions on our board & is an invaluable resource for us. Thank you Jean!! Project Manager Heather Dionne was recognized by the 13th Street Road Association & Kennebunk Pond Association for her dedication to helping these 2 organizations achieve their goals. Thank you to everyone that attended.

PAGE 6 YCSWCD SPRING Rain Gardens By using native conservation plants to control soil erosion &

The water is soaked up by the soil helping to eliminate erosion & absorb pollutants.

6 PAGE 6 YCSWCD SPRING Rain Gardens By using native conservation plants to control soil erosion & increasing rain water filtration, every homeowner can contribute to the decrease in nonpoint source pollution. Rain gardens take advantage of native water loving plants to help capture & slowly filter rain water in a depression in the ground. They are mainly used to capture runoff from roofs, downspouts & parking lots. The water is soaked up by the soil helping to eliminate erosion & absorb pollutants. The best part is they are beautiful to look at! Our annual shrub sale offers many plants that are perfect for your rain garden. Just look for the W on the order form. For more information please call us at (207) or visit our web site at Fond memories from YCSWCD

7 YCSWCD SPRING Shrub Sale List See insert for order form PAGE 7 PERENNIALS P1. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias) Grows to 2 ; early/late summer bloom; full sun to partial shade P2. White Turtle-head (Chelone) Grows 2-3 ; late summer/early fall; fun sun to partial shade P3. Corydalis Grows 8-30 ; Full sun P4. Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium) Grows 4-6 ; late summer/early fall; full sun to part shade P5. Wild Geranium (Geranium) Grows 18 ; early/late spring; Sun to shade P6. Daylily (Hemerocallis) Grows ; early spring; full sun to part shade P7. Sea Lavender (Limonium) Grows 24 ; summer blooming; full sun P8. Lupine (Lupinus var) Grows 4 ; early summer; full sun to part shade P9. Solomon Seal (Polygonatum) Grows 2-3 ; early/late spring; Part shade P10. Spiderwort (Tradescantia) Grows 18 ; June-September; Part shade P11. Trillium Grows 24 ; early summer; shade P12. Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) Grows to 4 ; Spring: wetland plant full sun P13. Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) Grows 1-2 : Spring: wetland plant full to part shade P14. Astilbe Grows to 36 : mid to late summer: Full sun to part shade ORN48. Hosta - medium height: Part sun to part shade FERNS, GROUNDCOVERS G15. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) Grows 2-3 ; partial sun and moist soil. G16. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) Grows 3 ; partial shade and moist soil. G17. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) 6-12 ; evergreen groundcover; flowers May-June G18. European Ginger (Asarum europaeum) Grows 6-12, deciduous groundcover; shade G19. Creeping Winterberry (Gaultheria procumbens) 3-5 groundcover; full sun to shade G20. Mountain Cranberry (Vaccinium vitis idaea minus) 4-8 ; evergreen groundcover G21. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tric veitchii) fast growing vine; grows in full to part sun G22. Grape Vine (Vitis var.) deciduous vine with edible fruit. ORN49. Creeping Juniper 8-12 high: evergreen groundcover TREES, SHRUBS T23. Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) med growth rate; shade and moist sites, very fragrant T24. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) yellow-orange leaves in fall; needs sun, well-drained soils. T25. Cedar (Arborvitae) - up to 60ft tall: moist, rich soils, good for screens & hedges T26. Serviceberry (Amelanchier Canadensis) spring flowering upright shrub; red fall color. T27. Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia nana) low evergreen shrub. Full sun or part shade. T28. Swamp Azalea (Azalea viscosum) deciduous medium shrub; Sun to part shade. T29. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) large fast-growing tree; yellow leaves in fall; full sun T30. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) fast growing shrub; white flowers; part to full sun T31. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) small-med fragrant shrub; Shade to sun; wet areas T32. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) deciduous shrub; white flowers; Sun to shade. T33. Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) lg deciduous shrub w/fragrant yellow flowers; shade T34. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) deciduous shrub with red fruit; sun or shade; wet sites T35. Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustfolia) med shrub w/pink flower; full sun to part shade T36. Spicebush (Lindera Benzoin) med. Shrub w/yellow flowers in spring; part shade, moist T37. Northern Bayberry (Myrica pennsylvanica) deciduous shrub; shade or sun; poor soils T38. Beach Plum (Prunus martima) deciduous shrub; purple fruit; full sun T39. Rhodora (Rhodora canadense) deciduous shrub tolerates swampy areas; purple flowers T40. Highbush Blueberry full to part sun; moist soils T41. Red Tipped Willow (Salix eriocephala) found in wet meadows, streams and lakeshores T42. Meadowsweet (Spiraea latifolia) spreading shrub; wet sites, full sun; white/pink flowers T43. Lowbush Blueberry sandy soils; full sun T44. American Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) pt shade; moist; white flowers w/red berries T45. Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) deciduous shrub; prefers shade; moist soil T46. Witherod Viburnum (Viburnum cassinoides) bright red foliage in fall; white spring flowers T47. Blackberry - (Rubus) - medium shrub, up to 1 berries: plant 3-4 ft apart in good soil & full sun

York County Soil & Water Conservation District 21 Bradeen St, Suite 104 Springvale, ME 04083 Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid Alfred, ME Phone: (207) 324-0888 ext.

8 York County Soil & Water Conservation District 21 Bradeen St, Suite 104 Springvale, ME Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid Alfred, ME Phone: (207) ext. 214 Fax: (207) Permit #9 We re on the web! Mission Statement: The mission of the York County Soil & Water Conservation District is to provide technical, educational, and financial resources to land users in York County to promote a quality of life, stewardship, and wise use of our natural resources and ensure the viability of the agricultural sector. Calendar Of Events Please call (207) or visit our web site for more details Square Pond Steering Committee March 30 Front Runner Training April 14 Shrub Sale Orders Due April 20 Southern Region Envirothon in Falmouth May 1 Shrub Sale Pick up May 5 & 6 State Envirothon in Bradley, ME May 24 Winter Vacation Photo taken on Kennebunk Pond (submitted by Sandy Larned) Check our website for more upcoming events & information updates!

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