Summer, 2023

NEWSLETTER

Blue Hill Heritage Trust has made some exciting changes to their staff this year, as a part of a three-year plan to increase our team and restructure roles within existing staff members. This year was a big one, adding two new full-time positions, and we wanted to share with you what our team looks like now and into the future.

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The events of the last three years have given us a lot to consider as we plan for further land conservation, and this organizational growth is part of that planning. I’ve talked before about the pandemic teaching us the public health value of our conserved land, the value of opening access to land through programming too, but there were other longer-term lessons in the disruption caused by Covid that are pushing us to plan and to protect more land. Most important, the pandemic, and the influx of people we all witnessed, began our consideration of the larger phenomenon of climate migration as part of our work.

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Blue Hill Heritage Trust has purchased 75 acres from Catherine Morse and Anthony Aman on the northeast side of Pierce Pond in Penobscot. The protected parcel has over 2000 feet of shore frontage on the pond, along with the 800 +/- feet of riparian habitat of Seneca Brook as it empties into the pond. We are ecstatic that Catherine and Tony chose BHHT to protect this lovely view-scape and important piece in the protection of Pierce Pond and the Wallamatogus Mountain Focus Area, The property will remain wild without any formalized trail system. Public access will be by water only.

Additionally Blue Hill Heritage Trust was gifted, from Linda Deegan and Christopher Neill, a 20-acre parcel on the northwest side of River Road in Brooklin. The protected parcel has over 600 feet of wetland/stream frontage near the head of the Benjamin River. We are overjoyed that Linda and Christopher chose BHHT to forever protect this important piece of our Salt Pond Focus Area. The “Thorpe Parcel” will remain wild without any formalized trail system and allow dogs off leash. No bicycles (motorized or human-powered) nor will motorcycles/dirt bikes be allowed on the property. A small parking area will be established in the spring of 2024.

This year, BHHT has been hosting volunteer days at several of our properties with the goal of helping maintain and repair some of our wonderful trails around the peninsula. Thanks to some awesome volunteer participation this spring, we’ve been able to tackle some big projects.

In April, we started the season with a bang, hosting a three-day stretch of volunteer days working on the Post Office trail in downtown Blue Hill. 

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Blue Hill Heritage Trust is excited to share progress on the Ecological Restoration Projects, lead by Know Your Land Consulting, at two of our local elementary schools: Sedgwick Elementary School and The Adams School in Castine. Students of all ages have participated in a year-long program with Kathy Pollard and Ann Pollard Ranco focusing on improving habitat for both humans and wildlife: “all of our relations” as Ann explained to the students.



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Calvin Nelson- Jeannie Becton & BHHT Operations Funded Intern

Hello everyone! My name is Calvin Nelson and I am from Blue Hill, Maine. I am a junior at the University of Minnesota Morris majoring in geology with a minor in biology. I am really interested in understanding and preserving the unique ecology of Downeast Maine. Through this internship I am seeking to gain a greater understanding of creating long lasting and sustainable trails and learning about the intricacies of land management. I look forward to working with volunteers out in the field and developing relationships with the community through outreach programs and the farmer's market.

Chloë Sheahan- Jeannie Becton, BHHT Operations & Bowdoin College Funded Intern

Hello my name is Chloë Sheahan and I am from Sedgwick, Maine. I am a sophomore at Bowdoin College and I'm studying Environmental Studies and Government and Legal Studies. I have had a great time this past year learning about the Environmental Studies field and exploring past and present environmental decisions that have led to the world we have today and will lead to our future. I am so excited to intern with Blue Hill Heritage Trust this summer! I can't wait to learn more about land conservation and help give back to my community through maintaining trails, community outreach projects, and so much more! 

Clare Harkins- BHHT Operations Funded Intern

Hi everyone, my name is Clare Harkins and I am from Jackson, MS. I recently graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a BA in Environment and Sustainability. I am very passionate about land conservation and had the opportunity to work for the Land Trust for Tennessee last summer as an intern as well. I am hoping to continue working in this field in order to preserve the natural beauty and functions of our landscapes for future generations. I feel very lucky to get the chance to explore the great state of Maine this summer! I am most looking forward to farm tours, easement monitoring with George, and planning my own outreach event. It's going to be a great summer!