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| New Report Reveals Land Trusts are a Backbone of Outdoor Access and Conservation in Maine

New Report Reveals Land Trusts are a Backbone of Outdoor Access and Conservation in Maine

Topsham, ME —June 3, 2025 — Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a nonprofit organization advancing coastal land conservation across the state, is proud to announce the addition of four dynamic leaders to its team. This expansion underscores MCHT’s commitment to accelerating conservation, enhancing community engagement, and increasing philanthropic impact during a period of transformative growth.

Joining the organization are:

  • Sarah Hale, Director of Institutional Giving – Recently promoted from within MCHT, Sarah’s new role reflects her exceptional leadership in securing multimillion-dollar grant support and shaping key fundraising strategies. Her promotion aligns with the organization’s goal to grow and diversify funding in support of ambitious conservation initiatives. Sarah is based in MCHT’s Whiting office. Read more.
  • Rebecca Kurtz, Annual Fund Officer – An accomplished fundraiser and former executive director, Rebecca has raised millions of dollars for conservation and community projects across Maine. She brings a passion for relationship-building, storytelling, and community-based conservation to her work. Rebecca joined MCHT in February and splits her time between the Topsham office and Aldermere Farm. Read more.
  • Linda Lidov, Director of Communications – A strategic communicator and conservation advocate with more than 25 years of communications experience, Linda brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit storytelling, coalition building, and climate-focused campaigns. She previously served as director of membership and communications—and later interim executive director—at Keep It Colorado, where she elevated the role of private land conservation and launched the state’s 10-Year Roadmap for conservation. Linda joined MCHT on May 13 and is based in Topsham. Read more.
  • Hannah Whalen, Director of Development – With over two decades in philanthropy, Hannah brings deep experience leading successful fundraising efforts and raising millions of dollars for prominent Maine institutions such as the Maine Community Foundation, the Abbe Museum and other nonprofits. Known for her warmth, creativity, and strategic vision, Hannah began her role with MCHT on April 14 and is based in the Mount Desert Island office. Read more.

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Linda, Hannah and Rebecca, and celebrate Sarah’s well-earned promotion,” said Nicky Blanchard, senior director of communications and philanthropy at MCHT. “Each of these individuals brings exceptional talent, passion, and a deep-rooted commitment to conservation. Their leadership and collaboration will be pivotal as we work to meet the growing challenges facing Maine’s lands, waters, and communities.”

The new hires will play integral roles in supporting MCHT’s strategic goals, which include accelerating statewide conservation, responding to climate change, and deepening connections between people and the natural world.

The addition of these team members is part of a strategy to grow MCHT’s capacity to meet Maine’s increasing conservation needs. Over the past 12 months, MCHT has welcomed seven new full-time staff—an increase of 10% from May 2024 to May 2025—bringing the total staff size to 74. These staff represent all functional areas of the organization, including finance and administration, land protection, stewardship, and partnerships and public policy.
 
About Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) advances the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. Since 1970, we have worked to guide the conservation movement and support a network of more than 80 land trusts. Together with partners, we’ve protected over 190,000 acres, supporting the needs of people, plants, animals, and ecosystems across the coast. We’re dedicated to ensuring that our natural areas can mitigate the effects of climate change and support all people and life for generations to come. Learn more about our work and get involved at www.mcht.org.

Media Contacts:
Betta Stothart for Maine Coast Heritage Trust
bstothart@gmail.com / 207-400-0015
Linda Lidov, Director of Communications, Maine Coast Heritage Trust
llidov@mcht.org / 303-358-6279