The Marshes for Tomorrow Initiative
Conservation Through Partnership
INSPIRING COLLABORATION
Coming Together for Maine’s Coast
While evidence mounts around the value of marsh conservation in a changing climate, MCHT is engaging a wide range of partners and accelerating the pace and scale of this vital initiative.
Through this coastwide effort, MCHT is working with partners, including landowners, other land trusts, and state and federal entities to collectively conserve Maine’s most resilient marshes (marshes most likely to adapt to changes over time).
2,400
acres of marsh and upland buffers protected
43
conservation projects
RESTORING BALANCE
Tidal Marshes Top the List
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) is focused on conserving lands and waters critical to sustaining life and healthy communities in a changing climate. Tidal marshes top the list.
These ecosystems are extremely effective at storing carbon, cleaning the air and water around us, and reducing flood and storm damage. A source of beauty and cultural connection, they’re also home to a wide range of wildlife.
However, many of Maine’s tidal marshes were altered for salt hay farming activities for centuries, starting as early as the 1600s, and are not functioning as well as they could be.
By improving the natural processes on the marsh through restoration, and by protecting lands surrounding marshes to allow them to migrate inland, we’re making it possible for tidal marshes to keep up with sea level rise and persist over time.
MCHT is playing a critical role in conserving and restoring coastal wetlands here in Maine, which has significant climate mitigation benefits that we’re learning more about every day.”
—Beverly Johnson, Professor of Earth and Climate Sciences at Bates College
Be Part of the Movement
Let’s make a difference for Maine’s coast in a rapidly changing climate. Helping us reach our annual goal by donating today supports the purchase and stewardship of land by MCHT and our partners.
Where We’re Focused
Here in Maine, we have opportunities to protect undeveloped land around marshes and restore these ecological powerhouses to continue to benefit people and wildlife for decades to come. Together, we can curb the impacts of climate change. Every dollar you give to this initiative advances four key areas of this work.
Land Protection
Larger marshes surrounded by undeveloped land will likely be most resilient to sea level rise. We’re protecting these ecosystems to support plants and animals, keep carbon out of the atmosphere, mitigate damage to coastal communities, and bolster Maine’s marine economy.
Marsh Stewardship
Through restoration projects that re-establish water flow and essential ecological processes, we are improving the functionality of marshes and maximizing their environmental benefits. With two new staff positions focused on marsh restoration, we’re significantly scaling up this effort.
Human Connection
Recognizing the unique cultural, environmental, and economic significance of marshes, we’re fostering human understanding of and connection with these extraordinary places through events and programs on the land, signage at preserves, and inspiring digital content. The success of this effort depends on increased communication to raise awareness about the value of marshes and engage more partners and landowners.
Statewide Leadership
With a focus on the entire coast, MCHT is well-positioned to play a leadership role in conserving Maine’s marsh systems, which are identified as a priority in the state’s climate action plan. We’re supporting MCHT and partner land protection projects; offering educational materials, workshops, staff time, and resources to partners; and advocating for marsh protection in Augusta.
For More Information:
MCHT’s Communications & Philanthropy Department
(207) 729-7366
Email the Communications & Philanthropy Department
Fundraising Goal: $1 million
Fundraising Deadline: December 31, 2026