Community Conservation
Supporting Life and Livelihoods All Along the Coast
We define community conservation as conservation that is done with, by, and for the people of Maine. With staff living and working in communities up and down the coast, we are connecting with individuals, committees, organizations, and towns to protect places that support quality of life and livelihoods, caring for places to maximize their benefits to people, plants, and animals, and collaborating to connect more people with the direct benefits of conservation.
Increase Access and Connection for All to Coastal Lands and Waters
Access to the Maine coast is shrinking while people are looking for places to go—for work, for play, for a moment of connection. We seek to protect land and create permanent public access to the coast where all are welcome and feel safe to explore and enjoy outdoor spaces.
Assist with Land-Use Solutions That Help Address the Needs of Coastal Communities
We work in and with communities to protect places that matter to people—from sledding hills to hiking trails to shore access to natural systems that minimize climate change impacts. To inform our management of conserved lands, we seek input from community members through listening sessions and ongoing dialogue.
Be a Visible Advocate and Practitioner of Inclusive Approaches to Conservation
All people benefit from healthy ecosystems and access to the outdoors, but not all people have benefited equally from conservation to date. We actively seek opportunities to collaborate with individuals and groups who haven’t been engaged in conservation historically, and together we are evolving the conservation movement to include diverse perspectives and realize outcomes that truly benefit all.
Stories from the coast
Deepening Our Connections to Nature and One Another
Our stories remind us why we commit ourselves to the work of conservation. Here in Maine, nature is still big and bold enough to remind us that we are part of it. We want to make sure this remains true.
Experiencing these beautifully wild places through the eyes of a new preserve visitor is one of the best parts of my job at MCHT!”
– MCHT land steward Trevor Herrick
Let’s Connect
Join Us for Events
Check out our events page for more ways to connect with conserved lands, including publicized volunteer opportunities, nature walks, community gatherings, and more.
Connect with Our Outreach Team
Do you share the goal of connecting people to lands and waters in Maine? MCHT’s outreach team is looking to connect more people with our preserves, and to collaborate with other organizations and community members.
Volunteer with Us
Check out our listed volunteer events or sign up to volunteer using our form below to be connected with an outreach coordinator in the region(s) you’re interested in!
MLTN
Find your local land trust
Across Maine, land trusts are working to serve their communities. It’s likely you have an active, local land trust in the area where you live, work, and visit.
Public Policy
Collaborating to Advance the Pace and Scale and Impact of Conservation
We collaborate with individuals, communities, organizations, state and federal governments, Wabanaki nations and entities and others to advance conservation that meets the challenges Maine faces.