Conservation Corner
HOULTON, Maine — Tables lined end to end along the hilltop with 32 chairs. Vases of wild and garden flowers add late summer colors and provide a weight for the tablecloths against the breeze. A menu designed completely on locally raised meat and produce. To the north, pastureland and “dry” cows coming to graze just before sundown. To the southeast, Sam Drew Mountain and the Oakfield Hills, outlined against the horizon.
This was the scene on Lilley’s Dairy Farm that met farmers and landowners recently as they came together to share an evening meal in honor of Natural Resources Conservation Service district conservationist Helena Swiatek.
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- Gene Lawlor,seated, speaks with Helena Swiatek and her daughter Lydia during an evening meal at Lilley’s Dairy Farm with farmers and landowners. (Photo courtesy of Angie Wotton)
The group gathered to recognize Swiatek’s work at the NRCS Houlton field office since 2007 and as the district conservationist for almost as long. Recently, she accepted the district conservationist position in Presque Isle, but will remain as Houlton’s supervisor during the transition.
While the decision to move to Central Aroostook may be best for Swiatek and her family, it wasn’t an easy one for her to make or for the SASWCD’s board of supervisors to accept. As Swiatek wrote in a personal letter to Southern Aroostook producers back in May letting them know of her decision, “I have come to think of you all as friends, having watched your kids and grandkids grow, and have even had to say goodbye to a few.” She also remarked how she fell in love with the area, from “Benedicta to Bridgewater.”
Swiatek’s support for SASWCD’s priorities and her valued input and collaboration on grants and projects has been immeasurable. The District’s personal and working relationship with her makes this change especially hard for staff and board members.
In fact, during the dinner, board chair Gene Lawlor presented her with a simple yet beautiful dream catcher and told her to use it and act on it when she “dreams of returning to southern Aroostook.”
While Houlton NRCS and SASWCD work in partnership with many types of landowners, for the past several years there has been a particular focus on soil health. It has been inspiring to see results of our partnership through those farmers who have changed aspects of farm management to include on-the-ground practices that improve the soil.
District Manager Angie Wotton followed Lawlor’s speech reiterating Swiatek’s support and how she has always made the District a priority. Her hard work is also reflected in NRCS’s numbers. Lawlor reminded dinner guests how NRCS program funding has increased by a factor of five during Swiatek’s time as DC, as well as a substantial increase in landowners participating in federal NRCS programs. He also noted that by following the program funds that have been spent locally, you’ll find the conservation work that has been accomplished.
Swiatek leaves southern Aroostook stronger from a conservation standpoint and it is our goal to build on that foundation and carry the momentum forward. It was nice to recognize Helena as a friend and colleague and publicly thank her for her dedication and work.
Angie Wotton loves her work as district manager for the Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District. She also raises pastured pork and vegetables with her husband on their small West Berry Farm in Hammond. She can be reached 5329407 or via email at angela.wotton@me.nacdnet.net
