FARMINGTON – Woodchips, organic compost, hay and firewood are on the auction block this year for the annual Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District’s fundraising auction.

Planned for March 29, the auction has expanded tremendously over the past couple of years, said BJ Bangs of the FCSWCD office.

“We have incorporated environmental elements into the auction as well as services such as legal, dental, eye and chiropractic along with the gift certificates and nice items usually donated,” she said. “Now it’s an auction with a different twist.”

Knowing that there is a lot of competition for fundraising dollars and some businesses are asked to give on a regular basis, organizers for the district’s auction decided to expand and find new and different ways for support, she said.

Firewood was auctioned last year but now it has grown to include compost and hay and there is more than one donor for some items, she said. One person decided to donate hay then another one did and it started growing.

The auction starts at 6 p.m., viewing at 5:15, at Mt. Blue Middle School. Those who pre-register for a bid number by March 21 by calling the office will have their names entered into a special drawing. Made in Maine products will be featured for door prizes, she said. Admission to the auction is free.

Funds raised by the auction help with the district’s educational programming, environmental information and education on protecting the natural resources in Franklin County and beyond, she said.

This spring, the Western Regional Envirothon will be held in Wilton on May 15. High school students will explore recreational impacts on natural resources, she said.

A conservation field day will be held May 21 in the Carrabassett Valley area and the district sponsors Agricultural Day at Farmington Fair.

For more information on the auction or other FCSWCD programs, call 778-4279, e-mail [email protected] or log on to www.franklincswcd.org