A Family Connection

By Ryan Conery-Pulin

My wife brought me to Maine for the first time, to her family’s place on the water in Harpswell. We arrived in the dark and I still remember the excitement I felt anticipating the view in the morning. I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on the vast and beautiful landscape of upper Casco Bay with views of The Goslings and Lower Goose Island. That was it—I was hooked, I knew right then and there that I was never going to grow tired of this place.

Now we have a family, twin 5-year-old boys and our 7-year old daughter. Since the pandemic hit, the coast has been our refuge—the place we feel so lucky to have access to. Getting out on an island is like being in a different world; we relax, explore, and enjoy our kids, and just for a while, act like everything is right in the world.

I was first drawn to Maine Coast Heritage Trust though their campaign to conserve The Goslings in 2014. It’s one of the places that made me fall in love with the Maine coast. I had no idea of the scope of MCHT’s work at the time, but after learning more, I knew it was an organization I wanted to support, and have been involved ever since. I became a member of MCHT’s Next Wave in 2019, and I’m excited to be part of shaping the way the next generation feels about land conservation. 

I’ve also brought my passion for the coast to work. My employer, Maine Beer Company, is a member of 1% for the Planet, and gives 1% of gross annual sales to environmental nonprofits. They have supported MCHT as one of their nonprofit partners, and through my role as Guest Experience Manager, I get to help host events in support of MCHT and share my passion for the organization with a larger community.

My family and I are already looking forward to warmer months and exploring more of the Maine coast that MCHT has helped preserve. Already on our list is a visit to Lanes Island to enjoy the beach, camping, and wildlife sightings. Every time I’m on the water, I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit these places with my family and friends.

For me, there is nothing more important than making sure that the experiences my family and I have on the coast are available for future generations. I’m happy that my family has both amazing memories of the coast and so much to look forward to in the future.

That’s why I’m so proud to be part of Maine Coat Heritage Trust and thankful to everyone who gives to make this work possible.