Reservation deadline is April 7

PARIS — The public is invited to attend the annual meeting of the Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District on Saturday, April 12, at the First Congregational Church. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a time for visiting and renewing old acquaintances, followed by dinner, entertainment, awards and a ticket auction.

The keynote speaker will be Don Perkins, “The Barn Guy,” and author of “The Barns of Maine, Our History, Our Stories.” Perkins has worked as a carpenter and woodworker, and is a member of the Timber Framers Guild.

He considers himself a “barnologist,” and his interest in joinery has led him to travel the length and breadth of Maine in his exploration of the history of barns. He has written for the Portland Press Herald, and for a year and a half he penned a barn column which appeared in the Advertiser Democrat. Signed copies of his book will be available for sale at the event.

Those being honored with awards at this year’s meeting are as follows:

Conservation Farm of the Year, C & C Farm of Norway: C&C Farm LLC is a small business, made up of Jerry and Linda Cleveland and Mike and Sandra Cullinan. They operate many hay fields around the county, for a total of more than 160 acres. The farm raises beef, chickens, hogs, turkeys and ducks. They opened a storefront in downtown Norway and there is also a site for the winter farmer’s market.

Forestry Conservation, Arlan and Eleanor Jodrey of Bethel: In 2002, the Jodreys were recognized with the Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year award. They have implemented sound forest practices throughout their woodlots. They prefer to work with species that are naturally native to Maine and have worked hard at natural regeneration of white pine through artificial ground scarification with their homemade drag. They have generously opened their land for recreational and educational purposes and as a training drop zone for the 10th Special Forces Group and the Airborne 1st Special Forces.

Land Conservation, Robert Hughes of Hiram: Hughes owns land adjacent to one of the district’s most significant properties, the Tenmile River Demonstration Forest. When work began on TRDF, District Supervisor Merle Ring was approached by Hughes for advice on a management plan and assistance in tree harvesting on his property. Then Hughes told the district the he would like to make arrangements for the donation of his land to the district. This donation would help assure that more than 251 acres would remain undeveloped and compatible with district conservation management objectives.

Partner in Conservation, Oxford County Agricultural Society: Started by OCSWCD Director Jim Chandler in the 1980s, Agriculture Day at Oxford County Fair has offered schoolchildren a first-hand look at the many facets of agriculture. In the past few years, under the direction of OCAS President Jackie Young, the relationship between OCSWCD and OCAS has blossomed, and Agriculture & Conservation Day at Oxford County Fair has become one of the highlights of the school year for children all over Oxford County. Many OCAS members, family and friends put in long hours to make this day a rewarding experience.

Volunteer of the Year, Sienna Tinsley: Tinsley was of invaluable assistance on several projects and programs in 2013. Most notably the fish barrier/culvert surveys on the Little Androscoggin River and Martin Stream Watersheds. Tinsley logged more than 80 hours. In addition, she helped out on Agriculture & Conservation Day at Oxford County Fair and Plant Sale Day.

The winners of the annual photo contest will also be recognized. The first-place winner was Ellen Rawding. This is her second win and this time she chose Christian Ridge Windmill as her subject. The photo appears on the cover of the 2013 Annual Report.

Honorable mention photos will be framed and on display at the event, with certificates going to the photographers: “The Pasture Idyll,” by Deanna J. Hilligoss of Pittsburgh, Pa., formerly of Paris; “My Neighbor’s Barn,” by Sandra A. Geddry of Norway; and “Snow Deer” by Robert Fogg of Naples.

A ticket auction will be held.

For more information, email [email protected], call 743-5789, ext.111, or visit oxfordcountyswcd.org. Tickets are $10 each and include dinner and the keynote speaker. Reservations must be received by April 7.