PCSWCD’s Law Farm welcomes artistic tribute to farmers

DOVER-FOXCROFT — On the morning of Friday, Sept. 6 the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) will be welcoming a new addition to the Law Farm located on Lee Cemetery Road, just outside of downtown Dover-Foxcroft.

The Law Farm is public property that is owned and operated by PCSWCD and maintained by the dedicated staff, board members and volunteers for the community to enjoy. Anyone is welcome to visit the Law Farm to appreciate its unique characteristics and biodiversity. The Law Farm is a wonderful place to take a walk in the woods, enjoy a picnic, learn about the wide variety of native tree and plant species, snowshoe, cross country ski, bird and wildlife watch, bring youth groups for outdoor nature experiences and much more.

In the coming weeks you will be able to drive by the Law Farm and enjoy the beautiful sight of “Martha,” a metal sculpture that was created in collaboration with Bruce Towl, Merrilee Schoen from Aeons by Design, Peter Crockett of Argyle Iron Works and Fred Patterson from Troy Industrials. The 7-foot tall sculpture is part of a multimedia exhibit, “In the Interval Between Snowflakes — raising organic fruits and vegetables on a rural Maine farm.”

“The exhibit’s intent is to help those of us who may not for many reasons- raise our own food, appreciate and — in a sense — honor the hard, tiring, dusty at times, muddy and occasionally dangerous work farmers and farm crews engage in bending to raise food for many of us,” explains Towl.

“Martha” is one of the “Benders,” a way to honor and celebrate farms, farmers and farm hands raising organic fruit and vegetables in the state’s short growing season. She will be welcomed to her new home at the Law Farm just in time for fall harvest season.

In 2018 “Martha” traveled to Maine Farmland Trust in Belfast and is ready to depart from her current post at Checkerberry Farm in Parkman, to join us for passersby and visitors of the Law Farm. PCSWCD is beyond excited to welcome “Martha” to her new residency and hopes viewers take a moment to reflect and appreciate where food comes from as they observe the sculpture that will be positioned between the American Chestnut germplasm and the organic Christmas Tree nursery.

The PCSWCD mission is to be leaders in agriculture and forestry by providing education and technical assistance to promote the conservation of natural resources on which we depend.

For more information about “Martha” or other events and programs offered by PCSWCD call or contact the USDA Service Center at 564-2321 ext. 3 or email info@piscataquisswcd.org.