DOVER-FOXCROFT – A program to aid farmers that was driven by one of the nation’s biggest ecological disasters has weathered 60 years.

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District, organized in 1944, will celebrate its birthday at a banquet next month in Dover-Foxcroft. Special guest will be Robert Spear, Maine commissioner of agriculture.

Associated with soil and water conservation districts for more than 20 years, Spear said Monday that they are “near and dear to his heart.” He credited the various boards of supervisors, all volunteers, who guide the districts and ensure that they play a vital role in their communities. In particular, he credited the Piscataquis County district.

“They have been real instrumental in moving the conservation efforts forward in this state,” Spear said.

The local district, and nearly 3,000 conservation districts like it, were formed throughout the United States after a severe drought crippled the Great Plains in the 1930s, resulting in the Dust Bowl. As a result of that disaster, President Franklin Roosevelt recommended in 1937 that each state develop legislation to allow landowners to form soil conservation districts.

Today the Piscataquis County district continues to help farmers with their soils, but it has diversified and offers support and help for all challenges affecting the natural resources.

Like the other districts, which also are known as resource conservation districts or natural resource districts, the local district provides residents with contacts and the expertise needed to find locally driven solutions for the conservation of wildlife, land, water and forests.

“I figure if we take care of the land, the land will take care of us,” Stephen Hobart of Blanchard, president of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts, said Monday.

His association with the local district has spanned more than 10 years.

The district program is one of the few educational programs offered today that helps people relate to the natural resources, whether it is erosion problems or water and air quality, Hobart said.

Hoping to hook children early on the importance of land, water, wildlife and air, Sheila Grant, the local district executive director, offers several natural resources-related programs for youngsters throughout the year. She also works with local teachers on their outdoor activities.

One of those teachers, Rochelle Titcomb, a grade-six science and language arts teacher at Piscataquis Community Middle School in Guilford, has been named outstanding teacher of the year in the district and will be recognized at next month’s birthday celebration. Titcomb, a teacher of 20 years, has incorporated the natural resources around her school in her lessons.

Another person to be recognized will be cooperator Ron Locke, owner of Wicopy Woods. A cooperator is a landowner who implements conservation practices on his or her property. Locke’s property is a model of forestry Best Management Practices and is open to the public.

The banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Penquis High Education Center. Advance reservations are necessary by calling 564-2321, ext. 3, before Aug. 6. The cost of the meal $12 per person.