The conservation groups in Eastern Franklin County met for their annual delicious winter potluck and meeting to recap their 2023 activities and plan cooperative programs and activities for 2024. A large contingent from the four town conservation committees ( Enosburg, Montgomery, Richford and Bakersfield), Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District, Wild and Scenic, UMATR , and Cold Hollow to Canada met.
Discussion focused on broadening audiences to maintain and improve habitats as well as increase momentum to maintain and improve biodiversity in the county. This spring, all of the conservation commissions are focusing on “ No Mow May” and Pollinator Pathways, in some capacity to help our native bees and insects. The kick off event was Marjike Niles, a nursery owner who specializes in native plants and plantings to support our native bee population, at Richford High School. The second collaborative Fishing Festival will be held in Enosburg on June 29 from 10-1 at the river access on St. Albans Street.
Lively discussion also focused on encouraging and supporting Berkshire and Sheldon to start conservation commissions in their towns.