Our Blog

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

The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) seeks proposals from archaeological/cultural resources consultants regarding an Archaeological Resources Assessment and stratigraphic analysis for a project site at the confluence of Black Falls Brook and the Trout River in Montgomery, VT as part of the Final Design phase of a proposed floodplain restoration project overseen by FCNRCD. Please see the RFP document below for more details:

Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources, in partnership with regional and local organizations, is updating the Tactical Basin Plan for the Lamoille River Basin (Basin 7). This plan guides water quality and habitat protection efforts by identifying rivers, lakes, and wetlands in need of restoration or protection, and by outlining priority actions, partners, and funding needed to carry out the work. The updated plan is expected to be released at the end of 2026. Community input p

The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) seeks proposals from engineering consultants regarding final design at a floodplain along the confluence of Black Falls Brook and the Trout River in Montgomery, VT, as part of the Final Design phase of a proposed floodplain restoration project overseen by FCNRCD. Please see the Request for Proposals below for more information:

As our 2025 Stream Wise season comes to a close, we are excited to highlight Stream Wise participants Wendy Scott and Al Stirt in this Stream Steward Spotlight! In 2023, we met Wendy for a Stream Wise Consultation on her property and discussed stream buffers, water quality, and invasive species. The consultation resulted in a tree planting that would expand Wendy and Al's stream buffer to the recommended 50 feet. This tree planting was completely funded through the Trees for

The State Natural Resources Conservation Council Chair, Rick Hopkins of East Montpelier, has announced the availability of nominating...

Installed dry hydrant at John's Bridge in Swanton, Vermont. The Swanton Fire Department completed an installation of a new dry hydrant on...

On Tuesday, July 15, 41 members from environmental organizations across Vermont joined the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation...

On Friday, August 8 th , 2025, Does’ Leap owners Kristan Doolan and George van Vlaanderen opened up their farm alongside the Franklin...

The spring and summer months are busy for the the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District team. This is our fieldwork...