library Use Only Temcv M a in e * * I Spring 2001 TheNature Conservancy

Migrations / tel of ice, the geese leapfrog north in a River. When Neil found that the Con­ cycle alternating between rest and servancy was interested in conserving Lower Kennebec flight. Critical on their migration route his land, he dropped all other offers, White as the blocks of ice below, are areas where they can bulk up on including a proposal to develop a new the geese called back and forth, their foods that provide the necessary calo­ airstrip, and began exploring conser­ voices high-pitched and nasal. The ice, ries to complete the next stage of their vation options. breaking from the shoreline, joined a journey. Snow geese, while very com­ Because a portion of the land was frozen flotilla drifting with the river’s mon in some areas, are still a rare sight­ in the estate of Derril O. Lamb, current, flowing to the ocean. ing along ’s coast. founder of Marriner Lumber, selling Although this flock of snow geese the property was necessary for the fam­ his flock of Snow geese had could not know it, the Conservancy has ily, but having the property cleared and T come a long way on its spring spent the better part of the winter mak­ developed was not. As a tribute to migration, and still had a long way to ing sure they and many other species Derril Lamb, the estate and Marriner go. As they had cleared , the will enjoy a safe migration. Four new Lumber decided to work with the Con­ vast marshes of the Merrymeeting land protection projects in the Mer­ servancy. Bay/Lower Estuary rymeeting Bay/Lower Kennebec River The property abuts an existing had come into sight. After what may Estuary were completed since the geese Maine Department of Inland Fisher­ have been non stop flight from Vir­ headed south last fall. These acquisi­ ies and Wildlife Management Area ginia, the geese would have had only tions will help ensure that these lands and has over 4,625 feet of water front­ one goal - the grains of wild rice abun­ and waters - used by waterfowl and age. Marriner Lumber joins the many dant along the estuary’s shore. other species for millennia - will con­ businesses working through the Con­ Snow geese have a long passage tinue to provide sustenance and shel­ servancy to protect the woods and from their wintering grounds in the ter. waters that make Maine a special place. South to their Arctic breeding PO RK P O IN T grounds. As the marshes and estuar­ Working with Neil Lamb, President ABAGADSASSET RIVER ies of New England shed their man­ of Marriner Lumber, the Brunswick- Another tract of conservation land based lumber on the has been ac­ retailer, the quired by the Lriends of Merrymeet­ Conservancy ing Bay with the help of the Conser­ protected ov­ vancy and another conservation er 180 con­ minded landowner. tiguous acres The shores of the Abagadasset River in two tracts stretching Continued on page two from Pork Point on M errym eet­ In this issue ing Bay west­ Values of an Estuary...... 2 erly to the ...... 5 Abagadasset Mount Agamenticus...... 6 - 7

ROSS GEREDIEN Field Trips...... 9 -10 MAY 9 9 The Values shores of the islands of Georgetown quent fish kills where huge schools of of an Estuary and Arrowisc and the Phippsburg pen­ menhaden would deplete the oxygen insula. Offshoots of the Kennebec in the water and die-off. Islands in he Merrymeeting Bay/Lower Ken­ River, including the Back and Sasanoa Merrymeeting Bay supported thriving T nebec River Estuary is the most Rivers make up a large part of this now eagle nesting colonies much greater important waterfowl concentration brackish tidal system. The Kennebec than today’s scattered nesting sites. area in New England. It is rivaled on River terminates at its confluence with Development pressures in this area the East Coast only by . the at Ft. Popham. of Maine are now at an all time high. Every species of waterfowl on the At­ The Conservancy’s interest in the With the diminished supply of deep­ lantic Flyway can be found in the es­ Merrymeeting Bay/Lower Kennebec water coastal frontage, people are tuary at one time of year or another. River Estuary is largely due to the sheer looking more and more to tidal In addition to waterfowl, the estu­ numbers of wildlife that use system. marshes and rivers as places to build. ary supports nine species of migratory Historically, the largest Transportation enhancements, such as fish, including Atlantic salmon, Atlan­ runs in Maine were in the Kennebec the new Bath Bridge and rail service tic and short nose sturgeon, and striped River, hundreds of thousands of ducks to southern Maine are making the mid bass, as well as populations of globally and geese rafted-up on Merrymeeting coast more accessible than ever before. rare plants that inhabit the intertidal Bay, and historical records describe fre- In response, the Conservancy is zone. Fully twenty percent of the salt marshes in Maine are found within this system. Merrymeeting Bay is characterized as an “inland, freshwater, tidal delta”. Approximately a third the State of Maine, and part of , drain into Merrymeeting Bay and out the Kennebec River. While the Bay does experience five-foot high tides, it remains primarily a freshwater sys­ tem. This is because the tremendous volume of freshwater confronts a se­ vere constriction as it reaches the outlet. Here, it squeezes through two opposing headlands called the “ Chopps” and backs up into the Bay.

Once the waters pushes through HAROLDMALDE this natural obstacle, the Kennebec runs down through Bath and along the

Migrations continued from page one sented by Darci Thirlwall. Thirlwall’s turn encouraged Darci to purchase the have been identified as high value habi­ neighbors had announced they were property - assuring her that they would tat for waterfowl and wading birds by selling their property on the Aba­ subsequently acquire the land from the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Gulf gadasset, property on which she held her. of Maine Program and are known to a right of first refusal (the right to pur­ With an active, growing and very suc­ harbor healthy populations of globally chase a property should it be offered cessful land protection program plac­ rare plants that inhabit the intertidal for sale). She saw an opportunity for ing demands on the organization, zone. conservation. Friends of Merrymeeting Bay asked the Knowing of these conservation val­ As a supporter of the Friends of Mer­ Conservancy to partner with them by ues, the Friends of Merrymeeting Bay rymeeting Bay, she gave a call to the providing bridge financing. Thanks to (FOMB) jumped at an opportunity pre- well-established land trust. FOMB in an alert neighbor, and an established 2- Maine Legacy Spring 2001 First Impressions: Ross Geredien is a Conservancy intensifying our activities here. With Finance Assistant - some of the time. His passion is photography, and a strong network of conservation part­ here he gives a brief account of an evening last fall that provided his ners already in place and the expressed first impressions of Merrymeeting Bay. support of many area residents, we efore I saw the water, I heard the sounds of life. A Great blue heron, know we can make a difference if we startled by my approach, squawked loudly, flying from its hemlock perch. act now. B Insects trilled everywhere. At the shore, I looked across a flooded marsh. I could The goals of the Merrymeeting Bay/ see an island, the only break in the marsh grass fo r miles, with several large Lower Kennebec River Estuary project trees. From the island came kek kek kek, the call of a Bald eagle which must are to maintain and protect the exist­ have had a nest there. From somewhere out over the water, an Osprey added its ing wildlife values while looking for shrill yet oddly musical cheep, cheep, cheeep. ways to restore the health of the sys­ fust then, a pair of Ruby-throated hummingbirds appeared as if to investigate tem. In addition to land acquisition, the disturbance I was making. They hovered a moment, then seemed to take up which has been and will continue to a game of chase, darting from shrub to shrub along the water’s edge. be a critical tool to abate threats, wet­ I stood there on the shore of Merrymeeting Bay, the largest freshwater marsh land restoration and improved access in New England, and it was teeming with life. Within a few moments, the blue to spawning areas for migratory fish heron returned, flying with long deft strokes close to the water’s surface. are strategies the Conservancy will use Looking down, I noticed the colors. Brilliant, flaming Cardinal flower grew to conserve biodiversity. in profusion along the shore; the red petals standing out from the bright yellow Our vision for the site includes: marsh grasses which rose in contrast to the deep blue water. I moved along the • protecting the vast shore and into another cove - the photographer in search of the perfect Cardinal marshes from harmful human flower - and at last I found impacts; a specimen nearly three feet • maintaining large blocks of high. As I set up, the late forest necessary for wide-ranging afternoon light turned the mammals such as fisher and bobcat; red blossoms into fire. The • protecting undeveloped setting sun transformed the shoreline and islands; sky into a kaleidoscopic ar­ • opening up currently ray of pinks and purples. blocked fish passages; All the while, Black • and working with local com­ ducks and Canada geese munities and partners to help identify were calling out on the wa­ and protect the natural resources that ter. Soon Mosquitoes were contribute to the health of the envi­ buzzing in full force, and - ronment and the quality of life for mid annoying as they were - I coast residents. understood that their abun­ dance this late in the sea­ son was yet another sign of the Bay’s productivity. conservation partnership, the deal was done shortly thereafter. ROSS GEREDIEN

BACK R IV E R The Conservancy has been working marsh that brings the protected acre­ As the snow geese continued down with partners to protect the marshes age along the Back River to over 1,500 the Kennebec in search of open water along Back River since 1980. This win­ acres. and food, the vast marshes and flats of ter another critical tract was acquired So it was here, the snow geese circled the Back River would be a likely spot by our partner organization, the Lower and glided silently into the wind. With to touch down. Here, the saline wa­ Kennebec Regional Land Trust wings cupped and feet outstretched, the ters and strong tidal currents keep the (LKRLT), with financial assistance lead goose let out a lonely ahh-haaank marshes open and allow the birds ac­ from the Conservancy. In December, and touched down on the thawing marsh cess to the abundant grains, seeds and LKRLT completed the purchase of a 53- to feed at last. other foods. acre tract, including many acres of

Maine Legacy Spring 2001 - 3 Project Leaders around Mount Agamenticus in York in the field within the landscapes it has County (see page 6 ). This winter, identified as conservation priorities. Take the Field Stefan Jackson took over as project di­ The goal is to further land and water rector along the Saco River (see oppo­ conservation while working towards a Placing project directors in site page), while Will Brune will man­ common and abiding appreciation age the Merrymeeting Bay/Lower Ken- within the community for just those the communities they serve mebec Estuary project (see below). values we care so much about. encourages partnerships Their work is often called commu­ Conservation that depends upon nity-based conservation, a term used to consensus-building and mutual sup­ and understanding. describe a specific way of achieving our port has other benefits. As Executive mission to preserve plants, animals and Director Kent Wommack has said: hree new directors have assumed their natural habitats. Community- “It is deeply rewarding to reach out T responsibilities for Conservancy based conservation is a way of work­ to new partners and find new friends success and partner building on three ing with and through - and especially reaching back to us. In this way, the landscape scale projects: at Mount Aga­ alongside - the people who live and most enduring contribution this ap­ menticus, along the Saco River and labor in the places we hope to protect. proach makes to the work of land con­ around the Merrymeeting Bay/Lower In Maine, we began to employ com­ servation may well be the ability to cre­ Kennebec Estuary. munity-based conservation at Cob­ ate new communities around shared val­ Keith Fletcher joined the staff in scook Bay in the early 1990s. Nation­ ues. As we leave a legacy of protected Maine last summer and has become the wide, the Conservancy has made a tre­ lands, we can also leave a legacy of Conservancy’s face in the communities mendous commitment to placing staff committed hearts.”

Newest Com m unity-Based Project Merrymeeeting Bay/ Lower Kennebec Estuary usually be found guiding one of his hand-built wooden boats through the currents of Merrymeeting Bay or the Kennebec River. Will retains his title as Assistant Director of Land Protection with re­ sponsibilities statewide, but he will be devoting much of his time to part­ ner-building in this nationally signifi­ cant estuary. In this area, that means building on one of the strongest col­ laborative teams in the state, the Maine Wetlands Coalition which al­ ill Brune is a natural ready includes outstanding local, W to lead our newest state and federal partners who share community-based conserva­ tasks and successes throughout this tion project in the Merrymeet­ region. ing Bay/Lower Kennebec Es­ Will joined the Maine Chapter land tuary. He lives in Georgetown protection team in the fall of 1997. above the shores of the Back He had worked for the Conservancy’s River and when he’s not talk­ Adirondack Chapter and, more re­ ing to landowners about con­ cently, for the Little Traverse Conser­ servation options, this li­ vancy, a large land trust in northern BRUCE KIDMAN censed flyfishing guide can Michigan.

4 - Maine Legacy Spring 2001 Double The Impact New Leadership One Family’s Challenge on the Saco River ount Tom sits astride the Saco M River’s extensive floodplain for­ long the banks of the Saco would be sold and likely clearcut, we ests, commanding views of western A River, we’ve launched another stepped up and purchased the 625-acre Maine mountains and lakes and community-based project director, tract to preserve it. Our next big chal­ across the New Hampshire border to Stefan Jackson. For the past five years, lenge is raising the $ 1 million purchase the Presidentials. Its slopes descend Stefan has served as Public Policy Man­ price, which comes due soon. over granite outcrops through stands ager for the National Outdoor Lead­ So, for Stefan, as is typical of com­ of 300-year-old hemlock and deep for­ ership School munity-based projects in ests of oak and pine to the stately sil­ (NOLS), a non­ Maine, there will be a bal­ ver maples that spread their limbs profit educational ance of traditional land con­ over the river’s shore. organization that servation and strategic part­ The Nature Conservancy occasion­ operates from nership building. It’s a good ally goes out on another sort of limb branches world­ combination. when a property like this is threat­ wide in Alaska, ened by uses that will undermine its the Pacific North­ essential natural values. In this case, west, Baja Mexico, we purchased Mount Tom and East Africa, then set out to raise the pur­ Patagonia and five chase price. other locations. With $500,000 still to raise, His wide-ranging responsi­ a family which has supported bilities with NOLS have in­ our work for years decided to stilled an appreciation for join us on that limb. They have working with diverse part­ offered to match gifts toward ners and building mutual re­ Mount Tom - but only through spect around common goals June. - the very definition of com­ The mountain and the river munity-based conservation. below are home to many wild­ Stefan lives in Bridgton, life species - eagles, peregrine where his wife helps direct falcons, waterfowl, wading Camp Winona. He is particu­ birds, white-tailed deer, moose, larly excited by the prospect bear and more. Can you help of bringing his talents to bear make their home secure with on a project that will protect a timely gift? a resource close to home, establishing a legacy that will directly benefit both his family and his community. As he settles in to his new duties and begins to work with community partners on long-term conservation strategies for the Saco River, Stefan knows we face some im­ mediate challenges. Mount Tom is among them. We have long had our eye on this western Maine landmark which sits squarely in the middle of the Saco River’s best flood- plain forests. Mature woodlands flow from summit to river shore. As reported in an earlier issue of Maine Legacy, when it appeared much of the mountain

Maine Legacy Spring 2001 - 5 6 - 6 ■ r i ne Legacy i 2001 0 0 2 g rin p S y c a g e L e in a M just as the momentum of land conser- land of momentum the as just year coalesced into the the into coalesced year and the York Land Trust have this past past this have Trust Land York the and with ties working close Our progress. ing to double the amount of conserva­ of amount the double to ing ticus Challenge. ticus in already ject ro p nity-based u m tion land around the mountain. But But mountain. the around land tion the Great Works Regional Land Trust Trust Land Regional Works Great the step with his fiddle in hand. in fiddle his door­ with step neighbor’s a on to up show known been has Keith cian, commu­ the in himself mersed Iowa the of Director Acting as nity. As an accomplished musi­ accomplished an ­ im As nity. has and County York settled in has Keith children, and with career six-year his during projects community-based eral Conservancy the served cently the Conservancy. With his wife wife his With Conservancy. the sev­ initiated has and Chapter, Keith attract to enough fortunate were and Agamenticus Fletcher to serve as Project Director. Keith had most re­ most had Keith Director. Project as serve to Fletcher O Mount Agamenticus Mount n aywy, et on com­ a joins Keith ways, many In e er g, e anhd nw cm­ com new a launched we Mount around County York in ago, project munity-based year ne Brings Experience ProjectLeader Together we are work­ are we Together Mount Agamen­ Mount

has recently earmarked earmarked recently has and forests the tosave time against race taken have forestland Maine southern the gear, a higher into shifting is vation state funds for land conservation of (one conservation Agamenticus land Mount for around funds state farms of this area. this of farms a in are we say to much too not own. is It their of momentum renewed on threats to this su rprisin gly intact intact gly rprisin su this to threats The Land for Maine’s Future Board Board Future Maine’s for Land The RC KIDMAN BRUCE J Ju dy Nisbett (see back page) who will be completing completing be will who page) back (see Nisbett dy Ju BIU SILUKER, JR. we’ll hold bird walks, guided hikes and activities for for activities and hikes guided walks, bird hold we’ll See you there! you volun­ See to or information, more For at coast summit. As Maine the Mt. of bike/hike/kayak week three her welcome and mountain, the of spectacu­ top the the from enjoy to views lar lunch picnic a Bring children. teer, please call the York Land Trust, 207/363-7400. 207/363-7400. Trust, Land York the call please teer, th, 16 June Saturday, on p.m. 1:00 - a.m. 9:00 From 1 $ million in in million collective conservation successes at Mt. Agamenticus. Agamenticus. at Mt. successes conservation our collective celebrating in Trust and Land Trust Regional Land Works York Great Conservancy, Nature The oin Mt.DayA ue 16 June with individuals and community orga­ community and individuals with relationships strengthen and build we match­ raise to hard working are We ment of the area’s magnificent forests. develop­ magnificent area’s the and of ment subdivision prevent time to in just often - deals and land on close landowners with meet nizations, as even Co., Bros. Hannaford by grant Conservancy). Nature The by priorities high as rated to projects awards several ing funds, led by a $250,000 challenge challenge $250,000 a by led funds, ing Moving Mount Agamenticus Challenge projects completed (@500 Ahead acres) Together The Mount Agamenticus Mount Challenge projects Agamenticus pending (@400 acres) Challenge Pending projects rom the shores of York Pond in needing survey work F Eliot to the pocket wetlands of the to determine precise Tatnic Hills in Wells, the conservation location (@250 efforts of The Mount Agamenticus acres) Challenge protect one of Maine’s most important ecosystems. In just a year and a half since the Mount Agamenti­ cus Challenge was launched, the Con­ Lands protected servancy, Great Works Regional Land through 1999 Trust and York Land Trust have con­ served some 500 acres of land in the greater Mount Agamenticus region, (see map). With 650 more acres in the clude four tracts in York. Two of the prime habitat, forests, and wetlands pipeline, we are making rapid progress parcels are now owned by York Water that link York and Kittery Water Dis­ toward our goal of conserving 7,000 District while the Conservancy holds trict lands with lands conserved on and acres over five years - nearly twice the title to the other two tracts. around Mount Agamenticus. These last land in conservation there today. The Mount Agamenticus Challenge two tracts formed part of a large 500- Our strategy is a simple one - focus has secured several parcels in the acre deal with Eastbrook Timber, Inc. on expanding large tracts of conserved Chick’s Brook area of South Berwick which worked with the Conservancy land in areas where the most valuable with additional parcels in the area un­ to reach a conservation outcome. plant and wildlife habitat exists. One der contract. This unique area with its While the momentum behind this of these areas is York Pond in Eliot. jagged bedrock cliffs and rocky, swift project is building, the development With its Pitch Pine bog and Leather flowing stream is home to a small pressure in the greater Mount Agamen­ Leaf shrub swamp, the York Pond area population of swampdarters, a species ticus region persists. We are in a race has one of the most significant wetland of fish at the northern limit of its range against time - even as we meet with complexes in the greater Mount Aga­ in Southern Maine. It is also home to landowners and close on land deals, we menticus region. other rare species like Blandings and are often just in time to prevent devel­ The most recent purchase here se­ Spotted turtles. opment of the area’s magnificent for­ cures an important tract near York The initiative is making great strides ests and farms. Pond. Acquired from Eastbrook Tim­ to conserve lands that bridge large con­ In the end, it is the strength of the ber Inc., this property adds 91 acres to servation areas as well. One such partnerships created through the an existing wildlife area managed by project is slated to close mid-May - the Mount Agamenticus Challenge that the Maine Department of Inland Lish- purchase of a 106-acre parcel off of will define the success of this project. eries and Wildlife, and completes the Ogunquit Road in York and South To make it work, we will need contin­ core of 535 acres of contiguous con­ Berwick that will help connect the York ued collaboration between private or­ servation lands protected by the Town Land Trust’s Hilton Preserve with land ganizations, state agencies, munici­ of Eliot, Great Works Regional Land owned by the Maine Dept, of Inland palities, water districts, and individu­ Trust and the Maine Department of Lisheries and Wildlife. The Mount als who share an interest in protect­ Inland Lisheries and Wildlife. Agamenticus Challenge also has a pur­ ing this important resource. Other Mount Agamenticus Chal­ chase option on land in the Bell Marsh lenge purchases over the last year in­ area of York for up to 250 acres of

Maine Legacy Spring 2001 - 7 T oin The Nature Conservancy for one J of the following exciting field trips, and learn more about sites protected by the Alley Island and Conserancy. For all trips, please bring plenty of water and a bag lunch. Levels Field Indian Point- of difficulty for trips vary; we have tried to describe the length and strenuousness Blagden of the activity accurately. As space on all trips is limited, reservations are abso­ Mount Desert Island; Saturday, July lutely required. To ensure that all mem­ Trips 14, 2001 (Severe weather date: July bers have an equal chance of registering, 15); 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Join natu­ reservations will be accepted beginning May 15, 2001. Di­ ralist Peter Blanchard and the Conservancy’s Downeast Pre­ rections and additional information will be provided to serve Steward, Doug Radziewicz, aboard the Ruddy Turn­ registrants closer to the time of the trip. All trips are free stone to visit Alley Island, one of the last undeveloped is­ of charge. lands in the Mount Desert archipelago. Donated to the Con­ servancy in the fall of 2000, Alley Island is the newest ad­ dition to the Indian Point-Blagden Preserve. Upon land­ Leavitt Plantation Forest ing, we’ll explore the island from the spruce-fir forest to Parsonsfield; Saturday, June 23; 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. the brackish pools and marshy shoreline. The Maine De­ Join Conservation Planner Josh Royte to learn why this partment of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recognizes Alley 8,600-acre property hard against the New Hampshire bor­ Island as a significant feeding and roosting island for mi­ der has become one of the Conservancy’s most interesting gratory shorebirds and waterfowl. The island has a won­ conservation projects. Working with the state, the town derful history dating back to early Native American activ­ and local partners, the Conservancy is raising funds to ity and, later, the homestead of Captain Ephraim Alley. Fol­ purchase a conservation easement on this enormous prop­ lowing our return from Alley Island, a visit to the erty to keep its wildlife habitat unfragmented and its for­ Conservancy’s Indian Point-Blagden Preserve may be of ests open to public recreation. The moderately strenuous additional interest. The trip will include an open boat ride loop hike will take us through the natural pine-oak forest through Western Bay and off-loading into a small dinghy that makes up the majority of this land. We will hike by to reach the island. Participants must be in good health, Emerson Brook, clamber up an esker (a sinuous ridge of and must be prepared to wade through shallow water. Please sand and gravel, remnant of a glacial stream bed), and ex­ bring your lunch, water, insect repellant, and appropriate plore the native flora that typifies sandy, glacial outwash shoes and clothing for island hiking. Space is very limited plains. Please bring your lunch and plenty of water, as well fo r this trip. To register, call the Conservancy at 207-729- as footwear appropriate for hiking. To register, call the 5181, ext. 221. Conservancy at 207-729-5181, ext. 221. Leavitt Forest Plantation, Parsonsfield, below; Alley Island, above right. >SSGEREDIEN

8 - Maine Legacy Spring 2001 Atlantic White Cedar at Appleton Bog Appleton; Saturday, September 8 , 2001; 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Atlantic white cedar swamps are at the northern limit of their range in Maine and the swamp found at Appleton Bog is one of only two major Atlantic cedar swamps in the state. Join Nancy Sferra, Director of Science and Stew­ ardship, for a hike into the preserve, where we will talk about the ecology of cedar and the threats to this rare natural community. Since cedars grow in wet areas, you should plan on getting your feet wet and be prepared to hike up to four miles over uneven terrain. Please bring your lunch, plenty of water, insect repellant and sunscreen.

DOUG RADZIEWICZ To reserve, call Nancy Sferra at 207-729-5181 x212. Trout Mountain Exploration Piscataquis County; Saturday, August 4, 2001; 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Be one of the first Maine Chapter members to visit this recent 3,600-acre acquisition adjacent to Baxter State Park. Explore several forested communities and visit a pristine remote pond. We will discuss ecological processes, natural communities, and plant identification, as well as enjoy an extensive trek through a mature forest. This forest resulted from a natural disturbance close to 100 years ago. The view of Mt. Katahdin is worth this strenuous Appleton hike. Please bring your lunch and plenty of water, as well Bog, as insect repellant, sunscreen and footwear appropriate left, for hiking. Space is very limited fo r this trip. To reserve, Trout contact Kyle Stockwell at (207) 729-5182 ext. 209 or email Moun­ at [email protected]. tain, below. CHRIS AYRES

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Charitable gift annuities are the Conservancy’s most One more reason The Nature Conservancy works to popular planned gift. There are three types, each with protect Maine’s most vulnerable habitats. They must be features that appeal to donors of different ages and with saved for the enjoyment of our children and theirs. Above different financial and charitable objectives. Here’s why Lyndsey Armstrong shows her approval during a recent so many members have made such a gift. field trip to Bald Head in the Merrymeeting Bay/Lower B e n e fit 1 - Fixed Income You Can Depend Upon. Kennebec Estuary. A gift annuity is a contract between you and the Conser­ {/) Our sincere vancy. The assets of the organization guarantee your in­ Pricilla & Larry come payments. thanks to P j Gilman for the donation of a duel Benefit 2 - Income Now or Later; You Decide. There cockpit sea kayak - it will carry are immediate-payment gift annuities to meet current #-H supplies, hand-tools and stewards income needs, as well as deferred-payment gift annu­ to our island preserves; Holly ities to assist with retirement planning. Travers for a post hole digger we’ll put to very good use. B e n e fit 3 - Retirement Planning Flexibility. With a flexible deferred gift annuity, you can decide now or later We are looking when your income payments should begin. You can even ^ for the following items: change your mind. ClJ for ocean-going conservation: • fiberglass or B e n e fit 4 - Immediate Tax Savings. All gift annu­ PL h aluminum hulled sea-worthy boat • recent nautical ities qualify for a charitable income tax deduction. With chart set for coastal Maine • for general pre- a deferred gift annuity, the deduction depends upon the L fi serve maintenance: • cordless drill. bow saw length of the deferral. The longer you wait, the higher C S • come-along • hedge clippers • router • belt the deduction - helping to offset income during your peak

10- Maine Legacy Spring 2001 Lend A Hand? The Conservancy in Maine is seeking an enthusi­ astic and dedicated volunteer to assist the Protec­ tion Department on a variety of office projects in­ cluding mapping protected lands, gathering infor­ mation on past projects, database management, and library filing. Approximately 8 hours/week. MS Windows and GIS experience helpful. Please contact Rosi Armstrong at 729-5181x239 or [email protected] for job description and ap­ plication. BILL SILUKER, JR.

Cobscook Bay is intriguing from the air and just as fascinating at ground level - intertidal area in Straight Bay and a semi-palmated plover on the shore.

BILL SILUKER, JR.

Memorials We are grateful for. Reinier Beeuwkes, Jr. We Are Grateful for these gifts received Mrs. A. Bodine Lamont Bernice Barres between December 22, 2000 and March 15, 2001, Dr. and Mrs. William A. Lieber Mr. and Mrs. William Chew and for other gifts not previously recognized. Chess McGee and Ken Ford Ms. Deborah Paul Matthew B. Faulkner and Faily Ms. Barbara H. Porter Elizabeth Dyer Perkins In Honor Steven and Marjory Pitcher Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reif The Goldstein Family Philip and Susan Haines Mrs. Harry Shaw Jeff and Nancy White The Andrews Family Christina S. Randolf Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Smith Mr. James E. Schoonover Ms. Melissa Woodin Mr. and Mrs. Karl Schoettle, Jr. Mr. Gary E Snerson and Ms.Lesley A. Fitzgerald Christine DeTroy Mr and Mrs. Charles Rose Mrs. Philip M. Watrous Joan Wing Pert Peter and Marilyn DeTroy Ms. Melissa Woodin John Louis Berard Mr. Paul Lavin Mrs. Robert Edwards Mrs. H.C. Slaughter Ms. Janet Berard-Doyle Mr. Thomas P. Lavin Ms. Melissa Woodin James and Vicki Slaughter Andrew J. Chase and Ms. Sue Wing Howard and Kay Faulkner Mrs. Betty Lou Smith and Jane Huntley Chase Mr. John W. McConnell Matthew B. Faulkner James and Vicki Slaughter Richard and Margaret Fournier Ms. Patricia Pratt and Family Mr and Mrs. R.C. Stevenson Andrew J. Durr Ms. Marilyn J. Ritchie Bruce and Prudy Haines Mrs. Shirley S. Hoch Richard and Helen Hobart Stephen and Mary Bet Wing Philip and Susan Haines Jill Weber PTRL Environmental Services Linda Phillips Paul and Carol Hwoschinsky Joan Weber Jim and Jan Hobart Mr. W illiam J. Lee Dr. Alice G. Sheppard Benita Wittenbom Mrs. Pat Gould Mr William D. Plengey Professor Gary M. Boone Ms. Alina Haruthunian Richard and Virginia Carr SCI Systems, Inc. Orton P. Jackson, Sr. Gail Haines and Guy Wood F. I died “Rick” Hart Professor John D. Shand Orton P. Jackson, Jr. Philip and Susan Haines Mr. and Mrs. William Kunkel Lewis and Jean Frank Mr Richard Keen David W. Wright Helen Douglas Irish George “Bill” Sprague Mr. Richard Jordan Ms. Diana Wright Mrs. Josephine Maillard Vivian E. Hussey Primary School Arne and Hannah Klepinger Mr Wallace MacGregor Mrs. Edna Temple Matthew B. Faulkner Mrs. Shirley MacGregor Lewis and Jean Frank and Family Mr. Willi Margenthaler Robert Violet Professor and Mrs. J. R. Kramer Thank you. Mrs. William B. Fraser William C. Horne, Ph.D. Dr. Alice G. Sheppard Lucretia Matheson Aimee E. Von Huene Professor Gary M. Boone James and Mary Elizabeth Abeles Ms. Sigrid MacRae

Maine Legacy Spring 200 1 - 11 Have you ever thought Conservancy® A Not-So-Retiring Teacher “some day...” V______/ Takes On The Maine Coast Maine Legacy TV » Published quarterly by the Maine Chapter eaving teaching after 25 years and facing her of The Nature Conservancy, Fort Andross, 14 Maine Street, 60th birthday, Judy Nisbett of Monmouth is Suite 40 1, Brunswick, Maine 0 40 11 (207) 7 2 9 -5 18 1. Subscriptions to L this newsletter are available to members. Membership categories far from retiring. This spring, she will bike, hike include: Maine Heritage Society, $10 00 and up; Conservator, $100-$999; and kayak nearly 300 miles from Washington Basic Dues, $25; Life, $1,000 endowment gift. Over County’s Cobscook Bay to York County’s Mount 11,000 households support the Conservancy’s work in Maine. Agamenticus: She’s telling Maine children that education only begins in the classroom. TRUSTEES “Each new decade in our lives can bring new Roger Milliken, Jr., Cumberland Center, Chairperson Leon A. Gorman, Yarmouth, Vice Chairperson adventures,” says Judy. Ray Owen, Orono, Vice Chairperson She has been gathering a team of handlers and Lissa Widoff, Freedom , Vice Chairperson soliciting contributions to The Anna Marie Thron, South Portland, Secretary Nature Conservancy as a way of Chris Harte, Portland, Treasurer Eleanor “Noni” Ames, Cumberland Forcside focusing attention on what Madge Baker, Springvale Maine needs to protect along it’s Reiner Beeuwkes, Togue PondlConcord MA coastline. Markley H. Boyer, Pembroke/Boston MA “Maine is tremendously rich Thomas Chappell, Kennebunk Joyce Coleman, Addison/Dallas TX in headlands and heaths, bays David L. Courtemanch, Mt. Vernon and saltmarshes, islands, rivers, George Denny, Pretty Marsh/BrooklineMA and mountain habitats,” says David Flanagan, Manchester Sherry Huber, Falmouth Judy. “But so much is at risk. I’ve Ed Kfoury, Oquossoc never done anything of this Ala Reid, York Harbor scope before, so I’ll be learning Robert Steneck, North Whitefield some things about myself as well. I’m just an ordinary, everyday person who Kristin Tardiff, Lewiston Lyndel J. Wishcamper, Freeport dreamed up a 300 mile bike ride for a great cause.” Charter Honorary Trustee: Working through contacts along the coast, she will make scheduled stops Edward T. Richardson, Jr., South Portland to meet with school children and others along the way. Ju dy will leave Re­ versing Falls Park in Pembroke on Tuesday, May 29. Other scheduled stops STAFF Kent W. Wommack Vice President and Executive Director include kayaking from the Indian Point-Blagden Preserve on Mount Desert Rosemary Armstrong Administrative Assistant Island to recently protected Alley Island nearby, as well as kayaking at Femald’s Nick Becker Project Information Coordinator Neck near Camden and near Reid State Park. She’ll stop at Saco Heath Pre­ William Brune Assistant Director of Land Protection Susan Caldwell Protection Assistant serve in Saco and will finish on Saturday, June 16 with a hike up Mount Jeanne Desjardins Stewardship Assistant Agamenticus in York where she will celebrate her 60th birthday. She invites Susan Downs Finance Coordinator you to join her along the way. If you’d like more information or would like to Keith Fletcher Mount Agamcnticus Project Director make a contribution in support of Judy’s adventure, please call 729-5181. Randi Lynn Graham Protection Assistant Stefan Jackson Saco River Project Director Follow her progress at www.zydecode.net/judy Bruce Kidman Director of Communications/Gov’t Relations Lyn Lemieux Administrative Assistant Nancy Light Major Gifts Officer Maine Chapter Cori Messinger Cam paign Assistant The Nature Conservancy Non-profit Org. Alex McIntosh Director of Development U.S. Postage J. Mason Morfit Vice President/Director of Planned Giving Fort Andross Holly Peterson Membership Coordinator 14 Maine Street, Suite 401 PAID Doug Radziewicz Downcast Preserves Steward Brunswick, Maine 04011-2026 The Nature Conservancy Jane Richmond Director of Operations Maine Chapter Josh Royte Conservation Planner Tom Rumpf Director of Land Protection ’'"AUTO'----- S-DIGIT 04333 Nancy Sferra Director of Science and Stewardship Ms.Patti Bouchard Parker Schuerman Southern Maine Program Manager Maine State Library Kyle Stockwell Asst. Director of Science and Stewardship State House Station 64 Augusta ME 04333-0001 Kathy Sylvester Development Coordinator Angela Twitched, Gov’t & Community Relations Coordinator Barbara Vickery Director of Conservation Programs ■ ■ ■ ■ 11 III.I..I.I..I..I.I

12 - Maine Legacy Spring 2001