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FRANKLIN, VT -- In June 2026, the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) completed final design for a project that proposes to restore a segment of Westcott Brook, located on the western side of Lake Carmi in Franklin, VT. FCNRCD partnered with Fitzgerald Environmental Associates (FEA) and Hartgen Archeological Associates to complete the final design and submit relevant permitting applications. The project site is located on the lakeward side of Rile

2026 Tree Planting and Sale Intern Reflection by Bryan Dougherty Some people (myself) call me the “tree mule.” As a tree mule, you are tasked with spending most of your 40 hour weeks digging in the mud, planting trees. To some, this may seem like a dirty, strenuous, and tiring job. Those people would be right, and that’s exactly what I love about it. My name is Bryan Dougherty and I have been working with the Franklin County NRCD this Spring as a Tree Planting and Sales Inter

FRANKLIN, VT -- The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) has completed a 3.4-acre riparian buffer restoration project along a tributary to the Rock River, which flows into Rock River Bay, an arm of Missisquoi Bay. The project was funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP), via the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) in its role as the Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) for

BAKERSFIELD, VT -- The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) has completed a 1.5-acre riparian buffer restoration project along two tributaries to Cooks Brook in the Missisquoi River watershed. The project was funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP), via the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) in its role as the Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) for the Missisquoi Bay Ba

BAKERSFIELD, VT – The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District, Stone Environmental, and others, have completed a four-year monitoring study in Bakersfield at the former location of the Johnsons Mill Dam along the Bogue Branch. This study, funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement (LC 00A00707-0) to NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), included annual monitoring of various physical an

What is the Board of Supervisors? Natural Resources Conservation Districts (District) work on everything from helping farmers implement conservation practices to restoring streams and improving water quality. With so many projects, partnerships, and community needs to balance, who helps set the direction? The answer is the Board of Supervisors—the local leaders who guide the District's work and ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community. Within Vermont, each Dist

FAIRFIELD, VT -- The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) has successfully completed a riparian buffer restoration project along Black Creek, a major tributary of the Missisquoi River. Funding for this project was provided by the Vermont DEC Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP), via the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) acting as the Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) for the Missisquoi Bay Basin. The 2.5-acre restoration project was

The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District, in partnership with Redstart, and with funding provided from the Northwest Regional Planning Commission acting as the Missisquoi Bay Basin Clean Water Service Provider with funds from Vermont DEC Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP), is advancing a project for the installation of strategic wood additions across headwater streams on private property in Montgomery and Belvidere, VT. The design includes installing app

On clear days after snowy nights, wildlife tracks can be seen and studied. The size, shape, and distance between footsteps all give valuable clues as to who was heading where, how fast they were moving, and what that animal might be doing within their habitat. During the winter, FCNRCD staff use these clues to help landowners determine what wildlife is using their property. With that knowledge, along with habitat characteristics, the FCNRCD team helps landowners determine how

Why does FCNRCD plant trees? Here at Franklin County NRCD, we get very busy working outside in the spring and summer! From site visits, community engagement events, and tree plantings, our team works hard to improve water quality and promote conservation in Franklin County! You can reliably find our team planting tree saplings along streams each April and May across Franklin County. These plantings are designed to expand the riparian buffer, the band of diverse, woody vegetat

What is a food forest? Food forests are perennial gardens made up of diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, structured to mimic forest ecosystems. They are designed to be self-sustaining, resilient, and biodiverse to provide long-standing, edible plants that will feed and educate the community while supporting many additional ‘ecosystem services’. While supplying the community with a reliable food source, they also support wildlife by providing diverse h

The Franklin County NRCD is hiring a full-time (40 hr/week) Tree Planting and Sale Intern. We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Anticipated start date is mid-April 2026 and anticipated end date is early June 2026. Salary: $20/hr, no additional benefits or paid time off associated with this position. Only digital applications will be accepted without prior arrangements. Send cover letter and resume to Lauren Weston, FCNRCD Distr

District staff spend considerable time traveling throughout Franklin County to meet with farmers, visit restoration sites, attend meetings, and conduct fieldwork. Occasionally, we pass a roadside stand selling flowers. Some stands might have a farm name; others might just have a chalk board sign with the prices listed. In most cases, it is clear that these farms are incredibly small scale and likely managed by one person. Who are these farmers, and what are the needs of Vermo

On February 25 th , 2026, the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) hosted a Community Water Quality Meeting at the Saint Albans Museum. This meeting was an opportunity for partner organizations and the public to share and hear updates on the current state of water quality across the District. Watch the recording below. With 28 attendees including the public and staff from partner organizations and FCNRCD, we are grateful for the continued commitmen

Soil samples are a vital step in achieving both conservation and production goals. By analyzing the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of soil, we gain valuable data on nutrient levels, soil pH, organic matter, heavy metal content, saturation, and biological activity, among other factors. This information allows producers to make informed management decisions that support productivity while prioritizing long-term soil health. Sustainably managing soil helps fa