Homepage Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District

Orleans County NRCD has allocated a portion of our FY26 State Appropriation funds from the Natural Resources Conservation Council (NRCC) to this program. Lake Parker was identified as an important lake for this pilot program due to preliminary results from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s…

Farmer Advocacy Program

One of the goals of the Orleans County Conservation District is to make sure farmer voices are represented and amplified. We realize it would be far better to have you represent the perspective of farmers at meetings by sharing your impressions directly with legislators, federal & state officials, and agency…

Welcome

The Orleans County Natural Resource Conservation District (OCNRCD) was established in 1946 as a non-regulatory organization led by local landowners. We strive to protect natural resources by seeking solutions to local environmental concerns and providing resources to address them. Our current focus is to support Orleans County communities and landowners in their efforts to improve water quality issues. Our extensive partnerships with state, federal and local organizations enable us to coordinate resources locally to support conservation land use practices.

Conservation is a Journey

Pete Nowak wrote in the Soil and Water Conservation Society journal: “Conservation is not a practice, a program, a technical standard, or a plan. Neither is conservation another name for a government financial incentive. Conservation is a journey.”

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Conservation being practiced on Vermont Farms in the form of Cover Cropping

Marketing Conservation Program | Orleans County Farmers & Stewardship

Empowering Orleans County farmers to share their conservation stories with confidence through hands-on marketing support, training, and one-on-one guidance.

Promotional image for a 2026 plant sale by Orleans County NRCD, featuring holiday-themed decorations and gift card details.

Holiday Gift Cards!

Go to our Plant Sale website here to place an order for a gift card or other merchandise.

Diagram of a conventional septic system showing wastewater flow from a house to a septic tank and drain field, with groundwater interaction.

Lake Parker Septic Assistance Program

Orleans County NRCD has allocated a portion of our FY26 State Appropriation funds from the Natural Resources Conservation Council (NRCC) to this program. Lake Parker was identified as an important…

People gathered around a table, engaged in a discussion at a town hall meeting.

Farmer Advocacy Program

One of the goals of the Orleans County Conservation District is to make sure farmer voices are represented and amplified. We realize it would be far better to have you represent the perspective of…

NEW STAFF! Welcome Rebekkah Hochman

Position: Community Engagement & Communications Program Specialist
Phone: 802.624.7024
Email Address: rebekkah.hochman@orleanscountynrcd.org

Rebekkah joined the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District in 2025 as the Community Engagement & Communications Program Specialist. In…

Website for Vermont agricultural assistance guide, 2025 edition available for download as PDF, feedback requested.

RESOURCE GUIDE: Assistance for Agricultural Producers Grant Guide

This guide includes local, state, and federal technical and financial assistance opportunities for individuals and entities working with crops, forestry products, livestock, nursery stock, and/or…

A photo of the Crystal State Park shoreline after installation of the bioengineering practices

Check Out Our Success Story - Crystal Lake Shoreland Restoration

In partnership with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, OCNRCD facilitated the installation of a bioengineering project near the main beach at Crystal Lake State Park in Barton…