Members of Downeast Coastal Conservancy ventured out over snow-covered ground for a winter animal tracking event at Tide Mill Creek Preserve in Jonesboro. This outing was one of the many environmental education, recreation, and stewardship events the conservancy hosts throughout the year. Photo by Craig Snapp
Last summer, two land trusts in eastern Maine, Great Auk and Quoddy Regional, decided to join forces. Founded in the late 1980s, both trusts shared a mission of conserving land in coastal Washington County.
Their move toward merging began when they became members of the Downeast Land Trust Collaboration, a partnership that included Maine Coast Heritage Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the Downeast Salmon Federation. In exploring administrative efficiencies and joint fundraising, among other topics, the two trusts recognized the benefits of becoming a single entity.
The new venture, Downeast Coastal Conservancy, holds permanent stewardship for 4,052 acres and 42.5 miles of shoreline. They have expanded their outreach efforts through community involvement, volunteerism, and guided educational outings.
Maine Community Foundation grantmakers saw the wisdom of the merger, and the Washington County Fund, King and Jean Cummings Fund, and Fund for Maine Land Conservation provided support. The Great Auk Land Trust also completed a $25,000 endowment challenge grant made by the foundation as part of its 25th anniversary.
“Our mission is to conserve the natural habitats and resources of the watersheds and communities of coastal Washington County for present and future generations,” says Tom Boutureira, the conservancy’s executive director. That mission just became more achievable, thanks to new ways of thinking.