Environmental Initiatives

The Trust is interested in environmental initiatives that protect ecological values, water quality and ecosystem health through land conservation, stewardship, education and research programs. The Trust is interested in supporting organizations that promote positive relationships with nature including scientific, ecological and cultural perspectives. The Trust is also interested in expanded efforts to conserve culturally significant lands for Wabanaki communities.

Maine Appalachian Trail Club

Sheepscot River Headwaters, Midcoast Conservancy

MAINE LAKES Divers Harvesting Milfoil in Sebago Cove, Photo by Alanna Yannelli

Invasive Milfoil control, Maine Lakes

North Deering Project, Trust for Public Land

Downeast Institute, Beals

Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, Stonington

Environmental Initiatives goals and priorities:

Priorities include:

Programs that offer outdoor experiences and nature-based education for youth and community members to inspire care and responsibility for the environment.
Programs that provide safe, inclusive spaces for youth and others to develop appreciation for nature, science and the social and cultural dimensions of land and place.
Programs that benefit BIPOC and underserved communities

Priorities include:

Partnerships and tools for conservation that emphasize equity and inclusion.
Land conservation that protects biodiversity or provides access to lands and waters for recreation, education and restoration. Organizations requesting funding for land acquisition should include a funding plan for the project.
Building capacity for the protection, stewardship and management of culturally significant lands for Wabanaki lifeways and culture.

Priorities include:

Applied science and research for the restoration and management of ecosystems, especially the coastal and inland waters of Maine.
Relevant research and education for water quality and habitat improvement.
Addressing climate change impacts on coastal and aquatic resources.
Initiatives that use science, policy and community engagement to improve and restore natural resources and ecosystems.