Land Conservancy disburses thousands in climate grants

James and Katherine Shepherd tend to their American Aberdeen cattle at Smokedown Farm in Sharon.
Debra A. Aleksinas
James and Katherine Shepherd tend to their American Aberdeen cattle at Smokedown Farm in Sharon.
“We will use the animals to do weed control and pruning and soil improvements with reduced chemical input.”
Dr. James Shepherd, owner of Smokedown Farm in Sharon
SHARON — Four working farms in the Northwest Corner are among the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s (NCLC) first round of eight grantees receiving a total of $114,000 for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
Among the grantees are Smokedown Farm in Sharon ($30,000); Beavertides Farm in Falls Village ($17,000); Northwest Corner Farm in Winchester ($14,000) and Canaan View Dairy/CowPots in East Canaan ($5,000).
NCLC’s Building Resiliency Program is made possible through a grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) program.
“NCLC seeks to ensure that as many working farms as possible benefit from this funding,” made possible through two rounds of grants, the second round slated for Oct. 1 through Nov. 20, according to Amanda Branson, NCLC’s Director of Operations & Finance.
Rotational grazing of livestock
During a visit to Smokedown Farm last week, Dr. James Shepherd, who runs the 175-acre family-owned farm with his wife, Katherine, explained that the $30,000 grant will be used to purchase fencing to enhance rotational grazing of sheep and American Aberdeen cattle around the farm’s 9 acre hopyard and additional pastures.
“Part of this climate resiliency grant is auspiciously for rotational grazing,” by adding more fields to the pasture and bringing the farm’s 9-acre hopyard into the rotation, he said. “Then we will use the animals to do weed control and pruning and soil improvements with reduced chemical input.”
As he spoke, hoofbeats and clouds of dust grew closer as the farm’s 200 stampeding sheep, including 100 ewes, were led from one field to another by Pippa, an energetic year-and-a half-old Border Collie.
Reducing Greenhouse gas emissions
The Freund family farm’s Canaan View Dairy/CowPots operation received $5,000 to conduct a feasibility study, the first step in receiving funding for a new anaerobic digester to replace its antiquated machinery.
Anaerobic digesters reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane from livestock waste. They provide a renewable energy source that can decrease the farm’s reliance on fossil fuels and lower operational costs.
“Our anaerobic methane digester was installed in 1997. It is the longest continuously operating digester in the country,” said Amanda Freund, who oversees the CowPots facility. “After 27 years, the costs, time and skills needed to keep it in operation are extensive.”
She explained that the planned site for a new digester would also make it possible to deliver the heat energy to the CowPots operation’s ovens to dry their finished product.
“We designed our factory to have zero waste stream. This project would allow us to further close the loop so that the energy required for heat and drying would be provided by the cow manure, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”
Support for a silvopasture, windbreak
Falls Village’s Beavertides Farm was granted $17,000 to develop a silvopasture through the purchase of tree seedlings and establishment materials, and to enhance rotational grazing of their sheep and beef cows through fencing.
The integration of forestry and rotational grazing enhances biodiversity and allows pastures to sequester more carbon. Silvopasture also improves livestock health through protection from extreme weather patterns.
Northwest Corner Farm in Winchester will receive $14,000 to establish a windbreak to protect the hilltop farm, and develop and expand pollinator habitat. The plantings reduce erosion, enhance soil health and provide food and shelter for wildlife and pollinators.
NORTH CANAAN — Whether the positions of town clerk, treasurer and tax collector should be appointed or elected will be decided by voters in the 2025 election.
At its regular July meeting, the Board of Selectmen moved to add the items to the November ballot. The decision came after a contentious public hearing on the topic drew approximately 150 voters to Town Hall June 23.
First Selectman Brian Ohler proposed adding three separate items to the ballot, asking electors to choose “yes” or “no” on the following questions:
— Shall the Town of North Canaan create an ordinance, in a bipartisan drafting process, that would transition the position of Treasurer from elected to appointed/hired?
— Shall the Town of North Canaan create an ordinance, in a bipartisan drafting process, that would transition the position of Town Clerk from elected to appointed/hired?
— Shall the Town of North Canaan create an ordinance, in a bipartisan drafting process, that would transition the position of Tax Collector from elected to appointed/hired?
The “bipartisan drafting process” refers to a five-member committee, which would consist of the three selectmen, the chair of the Democratic Town Committee and the chair of the Republican Town Committee, to compose the ordinance(s).
Ohler explained if any or all of the questions pass, the proposed committee would then convene to draft the desired ordinances. Once drafted, a public hearing(s) would be held for resident feedback on each ordinance.
An information session is planned for October “to ensure that there is sufficient understanding of the three separate ballot questions that will be asked on election day,” Ohler explained.
He continued, “It is important for residents to understand that these questions are simply asking if the Town should take the next step to draft an ordinance, pertaining to each of the aforementioned positions.”
In addition to the questions listed above, electors will also vote for candidates for each of the three positions this November. Should any or all of the questions pass, the change will go into effect at the end of the term(s) of the active official(s). For example, a new treasurer will be elected in November. If voters approve the drafting of an ordinance to appoint a treasurer, the active elected treasurer will complete their two-year term before an appointed treasurer takes the office.
LEGAL NOTICE
SALISBURY
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
The Salisbury Historic District Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 10:00am to act on an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Installation of a Historic Barn at 84 Main Street, Salisbury, CT, 06068. This Public Hearing will be a Remote Meeting with Live Internet Video Stream and Telephone. The Meeting Link will be posted on the Town of Salisbury website: www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application is available for review by contacting the Salisbury Town Clerk’s office: www.salisburyct.us.
07-10-25
Legal Notice
The Cornwall Republican Party will be holding its upcoming caucus on July 18th 2025 to elect candidates for the upcoming November municipal elections at the Cornwall library, 30 pine st, Cornwall, CT at 7:00 pm.
07-10-25
Legal Notice
The Cornwall Democratic Party will hold a Caucus to nominate candidates for the November 4, 2025, Municipal Election at 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Cornwall Library, 30 Pine Street, Cornwall. All voters registered as Democrats in the Town of Cornwall are eligible to vote.
07-10-25
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF KENT
The first installment of the Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Supplemental tax for the Grand List of 2024 is due and payable July 1, 2025. The first installment of the Real Estate, Personal Property and Motor Vehicle tax for the Grand List of 2024 will become delinquent on Monday, August 4, 2025.
As soon as the tax becomes delinquent, it shall be subject to interest at the rate of 1.5% per month from July 1, 2025 until the same is paid.
Bills may be viewed and paid online by going to the Tax Collector’s page on the Town of Kent website at www.townofkentct.gov.
The Tax Collector’s office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The office will also be open Friday August 1, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
There is a red drop box next to the front door of the Town Hall for payments.
Payments are also welcome through the mail at P. O. Box 311, Kent, Connecticut 06757.
07-10-25
07-24-25
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF
ANNEGRET GRANNAN
Late of Canaan
(25-00053)
The Hon. Jordan M. Richards, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Litchfield Hills Probate Court, by decree dated June 26, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
The fiduciary is:
Ross Grannan
c/o Linda M Patz
Drury, Patz & Citrin, LLP
7 Church Street
P.O. Box 101
Canaan, CT 06018
Megan M. Foley
Clerk
07-10-25
Want to join our team?: Wyantenuck Country Club is seeking Dishwashers. Positions available immediately. We offer a competitive pay with flexible shifts daytime and/or evening. Please send resumes to: barb@wyantenuck.org, call 413-528-0350 or stop by in person.
Congregational Church of Salisbury: opening for Church Administrator. Publicity, bookkeeping, office management, volunteer coordination. See full job description: salisburycongregationalchurch.org/jobs/. Please email resume and cover letter to jobs@salisburyucc.org.
Experienced Horse Equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-364-0603.
Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-364-0603.
PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER: The Millerton Antiques Center is looking for a full-charge bookkeeper with knowledge of accounting principles. Flexible hours. Only 1-2 hours per week plus an additional 3-4 hours at the beginning of the month. Most work can be done from home. Weekly/monthly data entry; accounts payable; payroll; monthly financial reporting. Must know Quickbooks. Pay determined by skills and experience. Call or text Bob at 917-301-2509.
Sharon Congregational Church is seeking a pianist: to join our music team. We host a blended worship service; knowledge of traditional hymns is beneficial. The team practices once per week and on Sunday in preparation for our 10:30 worship. A stipend is available. call 860-364-5002 or e-mail PastorDawson06@yahoo.com.
The David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village is hiring: an Assistant Director/Youth Services Coordinator to start mid-August. The position is 28 hours a week. A full job description and how to apply can be found at huntlibrary.org/employment/
Town of Cornwall Hiring Park & Recreation Director: The Town of Cornwall is hiring for a Park & Recreation Director. For more details and to apply, contact First Selectmen’ ‘s office 860-672-4959.
The Town of Cornwall is accepting bids: for asphalt paving work this summer. Inquire at selectmen@cornwallct.gov or 860-672-4959.
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
Private sale of selected furnishings/furniture: and household items from Ballyhack Farm in Cornwall. For more information please contact us on jbjb4859@gmail.com. Viewings by arrangement only.
LABRADOR ORPHAN: wanted as companion for RESCUE MIX (5 years). Sharon. 407-620-7777.
DAYLILIES FOR SALE!: Fifty years “working with nature” to produce beautiful one-of-a-kind Lilies in many colors and sizes. Call 860-824-5560.
Epson Work Force Pro 7720: All in one print (8.5 to 11.17 inches). Scan, Copy, Fax, WiFi. Rarely used. Excellent for art projects, portfolios, engineering, architecture, student projects. $325 or best offer. 860-248-9299, leave message.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
Tag Sales
Sharon, CT
Tri-Family Tag Sale!: July 12 10-4 and July 13 12-3. Furniture, Home Goods, Silver, Vintage Clothing and much more. *No* early birds, please. 296 West Cornwall Road, Sharon, CT.