In Maine, we are fortunate—nature is still big and bold, and it delivers stunning reminders that we are part of it.
Together with partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) is working to ensure that the lands and waters that make Maine so special are held sacred, remain a source of connection, and support all life for generations to come. We collaborate with landowners, communities, organizations, Tribal entities, and others to meet the challenges Maine faces and set our state up for a healthier future.
A Leader in Land Conservation Since 1970
+200k
acres conserved with partners
341
coastal islands protected with partners
168
MCHT preserves open to the public
106
miles of MCHT trail to explore
Our organization was founded in 1970 as the local land trust on Mount Desert Island with a simple vision: to forever protect extraordinary places on the Maine coast. Now, 55 years later, with four office locations, countless supporters, partnerships, and a network of more than 80 organizations through the Maine Land Trust Network (MLTN), we have advanced that vision—and more.
A Bold Plan for Conservation
In 2024, we created a strategic plan to support and execute bold actions to address current challenges while mapping out opportunities to advance the pace, scale, and impact of conservation. In the coming years, four goals will guide us in our mission:
Ensure that MCHT is well-resourced and aligned to achieve our mission.
Conserve healthy coastal ecosystems and actively respond to a changing climate.
Contribute to the wellbeing of people and coastal communities.
Accelerate the pace, scale, and impact of conservation statewide.
Together We Achieve Ambitious Goals for Maine
With partners like you, we can ensure a future Maine with coastlines, waters, and woods full of life; where all people and communities are engaged in the outdoors and actively protect and care for the lands and waters that sustain us; and where functioning natural systems support vibrant communities and economies.
Our mission is to advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities.
Our vision is to create a world in which the lands and waters that sustain life are healthy, resilient, and an enduring source of connection for all.
MCHT staff, board and council members, and volunteers advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine with joy and passion!
We Value:
Enduring Commitment
We recognize that caring for land and water is a lasting responsibility and a privilege, critical to the health of our communities, our state, and the wider world.
We show up, thoughtfully and consistently
We speak up for nature and wildlife
We follow through and hold ourselves accountable
Respect For All
We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. By welcoming people’s unique identities, experiences, and perspectives, our work is made stronger.
We are committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work
We honor the inherent value and interconnectedness We honor the inherent value and interconnectedness of all living beings
We are kind and truthful in our interactions
Active Collaboration
We believe in cooperation and the power of shared work. By approaching each situation with openness and a desire to understand, we are able to achieve greater impact together.
We seek out points of connection and common goals
We prioritize relationships
We drive change in partnership with others
Continuous Learning
We are curious, sharing what we know and seeking to learn from others, embracing both failures and successes as vital ingredients for innovation and the evolution of our work.
We listen and respond to those engaged in and affected by conservation efforts
We invite open, rigorous, and informed debate
We look ahead, anticipating future challenges and opportunities and investing in our collective ability to respond
Evolving Our Brand, Strengthening Our Impact
In 2026, Maine Coast Heritage Trust refreshed its brand identity. The change honors our roots while embracing the communities, landscapes, and waters we protect together.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust has created a robust, vibrant, and growing community of board members and advisory council members. These volunteers, who represent many regions of the state and embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, share our vision and eagerly work together to make a difference for Maine.
Explore our open positions—or, if you’re a Maine college student, spend a summer building conservation and hands-on stewardship skills through our internship program.
There are many ways to get in touch with us—we’d love to answer any questions you have. Visit our Contact Us page to make general inquiries, see our office locations, or contact individual staff.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust 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) to curb the impacts of climate change.
We are working all along the coast to protect islands from development, permanently open them to the public, and ensure birds and other wildlife will always find refuge on the coast. Through the Islands Initiative, we’ve identified more than 100 coastal islands as top priorities for future protection.
