Maine Heritage - 2022
Downeast Edition
From the President and CEO
Love of Place
My first six months at Maine Coast Heritage Trust have flown by, and I continue to be impressed and inspired by the dedication, expertise, and teamwork I see among my colleagues and within our broader network of partners and supporters.
At any given time, MCHT staff are working on dozens of projects around the state. Each one involves people from up and down the coast who represent a wide range of professional backgrounds, political persuasions, and life experiences, all coming together in support of a shared goal… Every day at MCHT, I witness this love of place for Maine and the collaboration that it engenders.
Featured Stories
Cherished Land Becomes an Open Classroom
MCHT is working with The Community School (TCS) on Mount Desert Island to protect 72 acres of high ecological and community value. Located on Babson Creek, this parcel connects to Acadia National Park and Kittredge Brook Forest Preserve, forming a network of undeveloped land and important habitat.
This land is also very important to the students at TCS, who have been exploring, playing, and learning here for the past several years. We’re eager to ensure these students—and other community members—can continue to enjoy access to the Babson Creek Learning Forest.
Remaking Old Pond Marsh
Marshes throughout Maine have been manipulated for agricultural use over the past centuries and aren’t functioning as well as they could. This is the case at the Old Pond Marsh system in Hancock, where MCHT is working with marsh scientists and restoration specialists on a project to improve the movement of water and drainage, and encourage revegetation of the marsh.
We’ll be sharing our learnings from this project with MCHT’s broader land trust community and hope more restoration projects like this will receive funding and support in the coming years.
In Memoriam
Peter P. Blanchard III, 1951 – 2022
“He was a quiet but persistent advocate for stewardship worthy of the land he was helping to protect. His generosity, his gentleness, and his sense of humor made him a wonderful conservation partner. HIs impact on the coast was profound and will continue to inspire those of us who were lucky enough to work alongside him.”
In Brief
In My Words
Renee Duncan, Stone Barn Farm Steward & Outreach Manager, MDI
Earlier in 2022, Maine Coast Heritage Trust welcomed two dedicated outreach specialists to the Stewardship Department who will be leading outings, managing MCHT programs, and partnering with other organizations to connect people to the land. Welcome, Renee (and Maggie)!
What will you be doing in this new position? What excites you about it?
I think the most exciting part for me is listening to people share what they care about and what their values are. And then, to try and collaborate to bring those values to life somehow, through programming and projects. I’m excited to hear what people think would be a good way to bring community to Stone Barn Farm.
Name that MCHT Preserve
Some hints…
It’s home to (among other animals) black bear, bobcat, and fisher!
It offers 5.5 miles of trails, including a universally accessible trail leading to beautiful views of the Grand Manan Channel
Download a printable version of Maine Heritage (PDF, 2 MB)
Thanks to our Donors
Everything you read about here is possible thanks to MCHT donors and supporters. Thank you for all you do for the Maine coast.
Have you made your gift to MCHT this year? If not, give today, and keep up the good work for the coast.
Photo courtesy of The Community School, photo by Katherine Emery, photo courtesy of The Community School, MCHT photo, photo courtesy of the Blanchard family, photo courtesy of Enock Glidden, photo by Chris Cannella, MCHT photo, photo by Julia Walker Thomas, MCHT photo