HCSWCD Awards First Backyard Rewilding Certification of 2024 to Frenchman Bay Conservancy
FBC’s Tidal Falls Preserve earns “Conservation Landscape Certification” (CLC) by maximizing native plants and implementing Backyard Rewilding biodiversity techniques.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2024
HANCOCK COUNTY, MAINE - The Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) is excited to announce the successful launch of the District’s own Backyard Rewilding Program, featuring a Conservation Landscape Certification (CLC) initiative. Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) became the first in 2024 to achieve a Masters CLC Certification for its Tidal Falls Preserve. The FBC team created a visually stunning landscape that supports native Maine plants and wildlife by:
Implementing rich plant diversity.
Effectively using keystone plants and layers.
Protecting shorelines through forest preservation and buffers.
The property also features an outdoor classroom flanked by an edible garden, providing a beautiful venue for FBC programs as well as snacks freshly plucked by the audience!
Thomasina DiBiase, FBC's Director of Development and garden project manager, shared that "When we renovated Tidal Falls Preserve in 2019, we saw a great opportunity to design a native plant garden that could provide many benefits. Not only does the garden provide vital pollinator and wildlife habitats, but it also functions as erosion control, mitigates flooding, and our outdoor classroom provides a great space for educational experiences for visitors interested in developing their own native plant gardens."
HCSWCD's Backyard Rewilding Program, funded through the generosity of the Davis Foundation, empowers Hancock County residents to impact wildlife habitat and ecosystem preservation significantly. The Board and staff aim to build upon this milestone with FBC to make Backyard Rewilding a cornerstone program throughout the county.
How it started
The District developed this voluntary certification to address climate challenges and preserve ecosystems. Inspired by Doug Tallamy's "Nature's Best Hope," it guides homeowners in creating wildlife-friendly habitats in their own backyard. Rewilding strategies have been successfully adopted by other Soil and Water Districts in Maine, including Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, and Cumberland Counties.
"Our Backyard Rewilding / CLC Program offers a practical way for anyone in Hancock County to contribute to biodiversity conservation and support Maine's native species," said Mark Whiting, Board Chair at HCSWCD. "Whether it's reducing lawn areas, removing invasive species, or creating pollinator gardens, every action counts towards building a more sustainable ecosystem."
These and other actions not only provide crucial habitats for wildlife, but also promote soil and water conservation.
Key features of the program
The CLC program accommodates varying time and resource commitments and provides:
Free personalized guidance on backyard rewilding techniques.
Flexible participation levels (aspiring to Master Conservationist).
Recognition for Master Conservationists (certificate, yard sign, promotional mentions).
Opportunity to be featured on the Homegrown National Park live map.
Learn more about the Backyard Program
Hancock County residents interested in this free Backyard Rewilding program are encouraged to contact HCSWCD at 207-667-8663 or email hcswcdinfo@hancockcountyswcd.org. They are also invited to join our Backyard Rewilding Kickoff Event at the Hancock County Extension Office on August 14th from 6:00-7:30 pm. (RSVP by calling 207-667-8663 or online.)
About Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District:
The Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) was formed in
1963 to provide local conservation leadership, teach the value of natural resources, encourage conservation efforts, and help to plan and implement voluntary programs. The District collaborates with local stakeholders and various governmental partners to identify priorities and provide conservation assistance to the public and municipalities of Hancock County.
About Frenchman Bay Conservancy:
Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) is a nationally accredited nonprofit land conservation organization. Now in its 35th year of operation, they have protected over 16,000 acres through conservation easements or FBC-owned preserves in 12 towns and townships in Maine.
FBC protects access for the public to enjoy scenic vistas, sandy beaches, rocky coastlines and mudflats for recreation and commercial access including clam and worm harvesting.