Your local Conservation District is a valuable source of information and referrals on a wide range of environmental topics.

We are knowledgeable and well connected to the statewide network of federal, state and local environmental service providers. District staff can answer your question or refer you to the right agency. We can untangle the often complicated web of jargon and procedures to find answers for your environmental needs.

Your Conservation District office is a resource center offering USGS Topographical Maps and a variety of books, journals, pamphlets, fact sheets, videos and many free resources for the public.

Building on our agricultural roots, Conservation Districts serve agricultural farmers and landowners across Connecticut in many ways.  We work to:

• Assist municipalities and private groups to preserve open space by providing information, education and technical advice.
• Promote sound agricultural practices to prevent erosion of fragile soil resources and pollution of precious water resources.
• Advise farmers and help them find funding for building manure management and other structures.
• Conduct June Nitrate Testing for farmers who want to avoid using excess nutrients.
• Recognize local farmers with the “Conservation Farmer of the Year” Award for their efforts in environmentally sustainable agriculture.
• Help farmers who are interested in preserving their land through the state’s Purchase of Development Rights Program.
• Raise public awareness and to promote Farmland Preservation in partnership with Land Trusts and many other advocacy groups.
• Educate the public and students about the crisis situation in Connecticut. According to Working Lands Alliance, we are losing farmland at a dramatic rate. Between 1992 and 1997 the state lost an average of 8,000 acres per year to non-agricultural uses. If the current rate of loss continues, Connecticut will have no farmland left by the middle of this century.