Strengthening Our Community

Through Conservation

SPR ING 2018

Head of Tide Park: A Long-Held Conservation Vision RealizedJoin us in June for the grand opening of Topsham’s

first waterfront park on the Cathance River!

After more than 12 years of planning, acquiringmultiple parcels of land, and building the park, Ithink it is no exaggeration to say it took a village to

create Topsham’s first waterfront park on the CathanceRiver. This impressive community project started with thegenerous act of one woman, Elizabeth Kelso, and its successis an affirmation of the committed partnership between theTown of Topsham and Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, tosay nothing of the generosity, hard work, and determinationof countless individuals and organizations, and fundingfrom local, state, and federal sources.

Spanning 12 acres of land on both banks of the CathanceRiver, Head of Tide Park is situated above and below thewaterfall that is the highest tidal reach of the river. The Parkcame together through a complicated series of land transactionsthat began with Elizabeth Kelso’s bequest leaving a 1/3 interestin her property to the Cathance River Education Alliance(CREA). Then CREA Executive Director, Rick Wilson, and theCREA Board decided to use this inheritance as a springboardfor conserving the entire property. The BTLT Board agreed toact as the project’s fiscal agent and for Board and staff tocoordinate the conservation and fundraising efforts.

BY ANGELA TWITCHELL

Continued on page 6

The mission of the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust is to conserve, protect, and steward the cherished landscapes andrich natural resources of our communities, to connect people to nature by providing recreational opportunities andother engaging community activities, and to support local agriculture and fisheries, now and for generations to come.

Cover photo: The waterfall at Head of Tide Park in Topsham

2 Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust

DIRECTORSElizabeth ArmstrongBrad Babson, PresidentDoug Bennett, TreasurerWilliam FerdinandAveril FessendenJerry GalleherKristine GanongElizabeth HertzWells JohnsonRichard MersereauJeff NelsonTom SettlemireCharles SpiesPeter Simmons

Emily Swan, SecretaryJames TathamLloyd Van Lunen, Vice

PresidentSteve WalkerMargaret Wilson

ADVISORY COUNCILJanet BodwellClaude BonangDana CaryJane CrichtonForrest DillonNelia DunbarMarilyn DwyerRollin Fessenden

Spike HaibleAlicia HeyburnHenry HeyburnHeather HigbeeEileen JohnsonFred KoerberJohn LichterLisa MartinWilliam MasonDaniel Morgenstern Arlene MorrisEsther Lacognata PalmerHerbert ParisSteven PelletierRalph PerryLiz Pierson

Jan PiersonDebora PriceRichard PulsiferCarla RensenbrinkPatricia RyanJym St. PierreSteven Stern Millie StewartBrooks Stoddard Kathy ThorsonDavid Vail Jan WilkMartin WilkRichard Wilson Sarah Wolpow

Recently Margaret Wilson and I hikedthrough soft old snow down to theCathance River to enjoy the rush ofwater over the rocks during an early

spring run-off. The day before we had hikedthe Giant’s Steps in Harpswell to enjoy surf leftfrom the previous day’s nor’easter. The magicalsound of water crashing over rocks alwaysleaves our spirits in a better place. The exerciseto get there is pretty good for us as well. Bothexperiences left us better, truly healthier.

This winter, we have been dining on wintervegetables from local growers with all the extraflavor and goodness they contain. Many of thegrowers at the winter market are partners withBTLT in the summer market. One bite of aCrystal Spring carrot tells you how awesome itis. Local food and its promotion make ushealthier.

Working with our friends on the BTLTBoard and committees, or volunteering at thegarden or on trails is deeply satisfying. Theenergy and satisfaction from this goes a longway to offset the often-discouraging news ofthe day. Optimism, companionship, and a senseof accomplishment contribute to our health.

This year BTLT would like to focus on howour work contributes to the health of ourcommunity in many, diverse ways. We will betelling that story in our communications. We are also actively pursuingpartnerships with area health organizations to make more people awareof the benefits of our programs and to encourage their use.

Nourishing ourselves with local food, exercising on miles of trails,delighting in engaging with others in a good cause: the Land Trust offersmuch to make us well and whole.

STAFFAngela Twitchell, Executive DirectorNikkilee Cataldo, Director of ProgramsMargaret Gerber, Stewardship ManagerNancy Donsbach, Development AssociateJacqui Koopman, Farmers Market ManagerKate Klibansky, Communications &

Outreach Assistant

BTLT Welcomes Our Newest Board MembersAveril Fessenden haslived happily inBrunswick for justover 40 years andloves the naturalbeauty of our area.She appreciates themany ways BTLT hascontributed to our community – both bypreserving beautiful natural areas andsupporting community activities andlivelihoods through such programs asthe Crystal Spring farmers’ market,educational events for adults andchildren, and the Community Garden.

Jamie Tathamjoined the BTLTBoard in the summerof 2017. He works atBowdoin College andrecently served on theBoard of MCHPP,where he helpedlaunch their backpack program. Jamieenjoys the outdoors and became aregistered Maine guide in 1995. He livesin Brunswick Maine with his wife andtwo children.

Peter Simmonsmoved to Brunswickin the 1970’s and hasbeen using propertiesunder BTLT’sumbrella forrecreational activitiesever since. He joinsthe BTLT board following a variedcareer in arts management and nowconsults with nonprofits aboutgovernance, program development,communications, operations, andfundraising.

2018 Annual Meeting – NOTE CHANGE IN TIMING!Beginning this year, the BTLT annual meeting will be held in November rather than June.At last year’s annual meeting our membership approved a change in our bylaws to allowfor our annual meeting to be later in the year. This change allows us to hold the meetingseveral months after the close of our fiscal year so end-of-year financial reports can befinalized before presentation to our members. A save-the-date will be distributed soon!

Lloyd

A Note from Our Leadershipon Conservation and WellnessBy Lloyd Van Lunen, Vice President, Board of Directors

www.btlt.org 3

There are fond farewells and sadgoodbyes in life, and the Land Trust’srecent parting with Caroline Eliot wassurely both. At the end of 2017, afterseven years of service to BTLT,Caroline Eliot moved on to pursue newinterests and challenges.

Caroline was hired in 2010 to helpBTLT prepare our initial Land TrustAlliance accreditation application. Herhard work and invaluable directionmade us realize that what we wereaccomplishing was exactly what theaccreditation process was supposed todo for a land trust – build a moresustainable, community-focused organization.

With the valuable policiesand procedures associatedwith accreditation in place,only then did Caroline turnher attention and skills tostewardship. Caroline was inher element in the field

Farewell and Welcomebuilding infrastructure and recruitingvolunteers, but also doing the necessaryrecord-keeping and negotiation, andcalmly and professionally explainingeasement requirements to landowners.

Caroline’s contributions to the LandTrust, tangible and intangible, are far toogreat to enumerate. She brought a criticaleye, creative problem-solving, impeccableresearch skills, unparalleled record-keeping, spot-on editing, unequaleddesserts, firm but diplomatic trail signs,and crucial grounding for a staff andBoard that aspires for the stars. Theseare just a few of the much-loved assets

Caroline brought to ourorganization which will besorely missed.

With endings come newbeginnings, and we have gladlywelcomed Kate Klibansky to therole of Communications andOutreach Assistant. Kategraduated from Wellesley

College in 2013, majoring inEnvironmental Studies and Economics.Before putting down roots in Portland,she spent winters in Utah’s WasatchMountains and summers in Alaska,Maine, or Massachusetts. She hasexperience in communications andeducation, and she worked as a farmhand at Crystal Spring Farm in 2017.She brings creativity, a strong workethic, and an outgoing and persistentlypositive nature to her role at BTLT.Welcome Kate!

BTLT Re-Accredited!Since 1985, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust has been preserving, protecting, and stewarding cherished places in Brunswick,Topsham, and Bowdoin. In 2012, we were one of the first land trusts in the state to apply for and be accredited by the nationalLand Trust Accreditation Commission (LTAC). Now, five years later, following a rigorous renewal process, we are proud toannounce that our accredited status has been renewed by LTAC. As part of a network of 398 accredited land trusts across thenation, we are proud of our commitment to professional excellence and maintaining the public’s trust in our conservation work.

A first glimpse of the Woodward Point property in Brunswicktakes your breath away. The beauty and wide-open feeling of itsmeadows and woods – adorning 10,000 feet of shore frontagealong the New Meadows River – are striking. Eighty-acrecoastal properties are rare and inherently unique in our part ofMaine. You know immediately that this place is special andworth conserving – for our enjoyment today and for futuregenerations.

A strong partnership between BTLT and Maine CoastHeritage Trust (MCHT) is making acquisition of thisremarkable property possible. We must raise the funds neededto purchase the property and provide for its future stewardshipby spring 2019. BTLT and MCHT have received preliminary

commitments of over $1.5 million towards our $3.5 milliongoal, including $400,000 from the Land for Maine’s FutureProgram, $250,000 in individual gifts, and a bargain salecontribution worth $278,000. This property will be aremarkable addition to publicly accessible conserved lands inour region with hiking, skiing, picnicking, tide pool exploration,swimming, and hand carry boat access opportunities!A 1:1 match is currently available for individuals who

want to contribute to acquisition of this spectacular pieceof land. If you want to help conserve this special place,please contact Angela Twitchell at angela@btlt.org or207-729-7694.

Woodward Point Fundraising Efforts Seeing Early Success

Caroline Eliot

Kate Klibansky

www.btlt.org 4

4 Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust

Woodward Cove is a pristine salt marsh and inlet east of GurnetRoad in the Cook’s Corner neighborhood of Brunswick thathas long been valuable to clam and worm harvesters. We aredelighted to begin building trails on this 18-acre property withfrontage on the cove, which BTLT purchased in 2016.

Thanks to funding from the Fields Pond Foundation, MaineOutdoor Heritage Fund, and Land for Maine’s Future fund,we will begin work on a water access trail from the parkingarea to the marsh this summer. An informal footpath onneighboring private property has been the traditional meansof accessing Woodward Cove, used primarily by shellfish andbait worm harvesters. Relocating this trail onto the Land Trust’s

Water Access Trail in the Works at Woodward CoveWoodward Cove trails will provide recreation opportunities

and access to the mudflats for local harvesters.

property will ensure that local harvesters have permanentaccess to Woodward Cove – the third most productive clamflat in the area.

The water access trail will also allow the public to view theproperty’s 1,500 feet of tidal frontage and diverse bird life,such as breeding saltmarsh sparrows and nesting eagles andherons. When the water access trail is complete, work will beginon a loop trail that will invite visitors to explore the property'swoods, streams, and rock features, home to numerous wildlifespecies. The water access trail and associated loop trail will becarefully designed to minimize erosion and other impacts onWoodward Cove’s ecological values.

Woodward Cove Map of the Woodward Cove property

Great Blue Heron

Saltmarsh Sparrow

AUDUBON COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

MARK S. SZANTYR

www.btlt.org 5

Brunswick Landing, and we look forward to many morerecreational amenities there.

In the spring and fall, Brunswick’s first grade students willagain visit our community garden to plant seedlings and harvestfood, learning about plants, food, and community. Over thesummer we will bring low-income children and at-risk teensto the Garden to get their hands dirty, try new foods, andexperience a beautiful, green community space. Research showsmyriad benefits to the mental and physical health of childrenwho spend time in natural spaces, and children who engage withgrowing and harvesting food are more likely to eat diverse,healthy diets as adults.

We are planning several new wellness initiatives this year too.A monthly trail run will offer a way to get out on the trails withneighbors. ‘Forest bathing’ (no, it doesn’t involve water!) is inthe works with local wellness facility Jade Integrated Health.Forest bathing is a guided practice of getting outside, slowingdown, and taking a break from the stress of daily life. Lastly, weare working with the Access Health Coalition and MerrymeetingFood Council to establish a “Wellness Rx,” where healthcareproviders “prescribe” specific outdoor activities, resources foraccessing fresh, healthy food, and cooking classes.

If you are interested in volunteering on any of theseprograms or efforts, please contact Lee Cataldo at lee@btlt.orgor 207-729-7694.

According to the EPA, Americans spend 93% of every weekindoors, and it's hurting our health. The good news is, simplyspending time in nature has been linked to lower stress levels,improved memory and fitness, and even reduced rates of heartdisease and increased longevity.

With BTLT’s 20 miles of public trails and 30 public-accessproperties, we are uniquely positioned to promote health andwellness through access to nature. This year, with supportfrom the Quimby Family Foundation, we are pursuing thisgoal through multiple initiatives and partnerships with othercommunity organizations.

Trails give community members and visitors of all ages theopportunity to walk, run, ski, or snowshoe for their health, andto find the stress relief that natural settings provide. Scenicvistas, clean water, and access to swimming, fishing, andpaddling are a few more ways that conservation supportscommunity wellness.

In addition, our Farmers’ Market, Community Garden, andthe Merrymeeting Gleaners provide access to fresh, local food,as well as the joy of visiting with neighbors. Our Labyrinth inthe Woods offers a place to slow down in a centering andpeaceful space. In 2017, we were proud to collaborate onestablishing an interim perimeter bike route across BrunswickLanding (the former Navy base). Creating this route was partof our ongoing effort to enhance recreational opportunities at

Conservation Land Supports Community WellnessThis year, BTLT focuses on how our programs promote health.

Pictured left to right: Snowshoeing at Cathance River Nature Preserve. Youth volunteers at work on the trail. Brunswick residents growing and learning about tasty fresh food.

LISA MARTIN

6 Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust

“Head of Tide Park is a wonderful example of a highly effective public-private collaboration that fulfilled community goals articulated in Topsham’s Comprehensive and Natural Areas

plans. Working together allowed both entities to accomplish so much more than was possible working alone — to the great benefit of the public.”

The Town of Topsham’sConservation Commissionand Board of Selectmenquickly saw the value ofcreating this park andapproved the many stepsrequired to achieve thevision. The commitment ofTown staff – Pam Leduc,Rod Melanson, and John Shattuck, among many others – toensuring the success of the Park was a crucial factor on theproject’s success. Topsham Development, Inc. (TDI) steppedup as an early hero, deploying its Enterprise Fund to purchasethe Kelso property in 2009 and the Direnzo property in 2014,then holding the lands as interim owner until the Land Trustand Town raised the funds to purchase them.

In 2010, BTLT purchased the abutting 1.5-acre Cutlerproperty and donated it to the Town. In January 2018,conservation of the 7-acre Direnzo property across thestreet was the final piece of the puzzle. As of March of 2018,the entire 12-acre Park is owned by the Town of Topsham,with a conservation easement held by Brunswick-TopshamLand Trust.

HEAD OF TIDE PARK:A Long-Held Conservation Vision Realized

When I think about how thisextraordinary project came together, Iam both grateful for and in awe of theforesight, vision, and commitment ofthose whose leaps of faith made thiswaterfront park a reality: Rick Wilson,former executive director of CREA,and CREA’s Board of Directors; LizArmstrong, former chair of TDI, andTDI’s Board members; the Town ofTopsham’s Pam Leduc, RichRoedner, John Shattuck, Rod Melanson, and Board ofSelectmen; Jack Erler, lawyer for the estate of Elizabeth Kelso;the Head of Tide Park Committee (Carla Rensenbrink, JohnCullen, David Selleck, Bill Boyd, Steve Chandler, Chris

Continued from page 1

You are Invited!Join us Saturday, June 2, 2018 for the Grand Opening of

Head of Tide Park.

History and ecology walks, hikes, paddles, and more! Visit www.btlt.org/events

for more information.

Learn much more about Head of Tide Park’shistory, ecology, and recreational

opportunities at www.btlt.org/head-of-tide

Head of Tide Park brings an impressive number ofbenefits to Topsham and the wider MerrymeetingBay region: • Hand-carry boat access to the Cathance River, up and

downstream;• A riverfront trail connecting to BTLT’s Cathance River

Nature Preserve;• Picnic areas and open spaces to bird-watch, fish, swim,

and just enjoy being outdoors in a unique setting.• A strong resurgence in the local alewife run due to

improved water quality following removal from the siteof neglected residential buildings and an abandoned4,000-gallon overboard discharge tank.

• A convenient take-out point just below Class IV rapidslocated upriver on the Cathance.

• Interpretive signs about the site’s history and relics fromthe historic feldspar mill that once occupied the site.

Topsham Fire Department (with help from surrounding towns) removed dilapidatedbuildings in a practice burn, saving thousands of dollars in demolition costs.

The Maine National Guard built the Park’s pavilions, pit toilets, and kiosksin a tremendous volunteer effort.

The “Tour de Merrymeeting Bay” bike ride brought the community together to enjoyspectacular views around the Bay and raised thousands of dollars in support of thefuture Head of Tide Park.

Volunteers played a huge role in creating the Park and they continue to help by taking onannual stewardship tasks.

Dwinal, Fred Wigand, Gary Fogg, Rick Wilson, Ed Mendes,Kay and Dave Sutton, Cory Favreau, and Sue Ham); MaineNational Guard 133rd Engineer Battalion; Topsham FireDepartment; the Board and staff of Brunswick-Topsham LandTrust; and key funders, including Merrymeeting Bay Trust,Land for Maine’s Future Program, North American WetlandConservation Act–Small Grant Program, Land and WaterConservation Fund, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, MaineState Planning Office and Department of Conservation-WaterAccess Fund, Senter Fund, Ed Meadows Fund, and Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust.

Without these individuals, organizations, and many otherswho donated funds and countless hours of time and energy,this well-used and much-loved waterfront park would not havebeen possible. All of us who put our hearts and souls intocreating Head of Tide Park encourage you to visit it often andwe invite you to bring your friends and family to its grandopening on June 2!

8 Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust

The 121-acre Tardiff Property offers significant frontage onboth the Muddy and Cathance Rivers in Topsham. Thisproperty is home to important wetlands and wildlife habitat and will soon have a trail system. Many thanks to the MaineNatural Resource Conservation Program and MerrymeetingBay Trust for funding this exciting new acquisition.

The 125-acre Bunganuc Woods Property on HighlandRoad in Brunswick consists of beautiful farm and forest landthat was conserved through acquisition of an easement over aperiod of six years. Located in the agricultural corridorencompassing Pleasant Hill and Highland Roads, we areworking with farmers and landowners to ensure that agriculturecontinues to thrive on these historic farms with high-valueagricultural soils.

Our 86-acre Coleman Farm easement in Pennellville grewby 34 acres through a donated easement. The new acreageconsists of farm and forest land along Middle Bay andexemplifies how active agriculture and protection of sensitivenatural areas can go hand and hand.

The 3.2-acre Smart Property runs along the AndroscogginRiver behind Riverview Cemetery on Elm Street in Topsham.This small property has a big impact on the recently builtTopsham River Trail, which provides great views of theAndroscoggin River. Conservation of the Smart propertyensures this popular downtown trail will remain open to thepublic into the future.

Roundup of Recent Conservation Successes

Plots Available at the Tom SettlemireCommunity Garden! Annual plot fees are $50 for BTLT members, and $60 for non-members

Apply For Your Plot Today!Scholarships are available if this fee is financially challenging for you.

Plotholder Benefits:• 10’ x 16’ garden plot• Two wheelbarrows of compost per year• Fencing around entire garden and three-foot,wood chipped paths between plots

• Access to garden-related information• Potential for participation in bulk orders of rowcover and other gardening supplies

• Access to the communal garden shed, wheel-barrows, tools, and water tanks

• Composting area for disposal of garden waste

Coleman Farm

Tardiff

The view of the Androscoggin River from the Smart Property.

General BTLT Volunteer Needs:• Database management, specifically skills with Microsoft Access

for our stewardship and lands database• Identifying and remediating invasive terrestrial plants• Repairing minor wear and tear (benches, garden cart, etc)• Building a shade structure• Gardening• Painting and roofing a “Little Free Library” for installation at our

community garden• Refinishing farmers’ market benches• Painting farmers’ market shed• Monitoring trailsIf you can help with any of these, please contact info@btlt.org. Thank you!

Volunteer Spotlight: Emily AndersonEmily is an enthusiastic anddedicated volunteer who has been an incredible asset to us periodicallyover the past two years. She will be sorely missed as she heads toVermont Law School this fall topursue her goals in communitysustainability and conservation.

“I graduated from the University ofMaine with a degree in EcosystemEcology in May of 2016. I wanted togain a deeper understanding of themany projects found in environmentalnon-profits so I chose to volunteer withthe Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust because of their dedicated workas stewards of many local properties, and their mission to work closelywithin the community on conservation issues. From communityoutreach events to the behind-the-scenes of land conservation, my timeas a volunteer at BTLT has not only given me many tools to apply infuture non-profit work but also a greater appreciation for how localorganizations can make an impact on the communities that surroundthem. My hope is to ultimately work in a non-profit or universitycreating programs that enhance community sustainability andbiodiversity protection in many areas of the world.”

Thank you, Emily, for your hard work and dedication in support of BTLT!

The Taking Root Plant Sale is the biggestfundraiser of the year for our Tom SettlemireCommunity Garden.

Each year the Garden provides space for over80 families to grow their own food, volunteeropportunities for hundreds of community members,educational and research opportunities for elementaryand college students, and thousands of pounds offresh produce for our partner Mid Coast HungerPrevention Program.

The sale is a great place to get perennial andannual flowers and vegetable seedlings. Visitwww.btlt.org/plant-sale for more information.

2018 Farmers’ Market: May 5 through November 3This year, our 19th, we welcome four new vendors to our lineup.

• Copper Tail Farm – goat milk products including cheeses,yoghurt, kefir, & fudge

• East of Eden Flower Farm – cut flowers, bedding plants,succulents & wreaths

• Mere Point Oyster Company – American oysters• Turtle Rock Farm – canned specialty foods, specialty organicvegetables & broth

Join us as we once again celebrate the incredible diversity of local farmers and producers in the beautiful setting of the Land Trust’s Crystal Spring Farm.

Plant Sale Volunteer Needs:• Digging and potting plants during the month of May

(variety of times to be announced)• Plant Sale set up at Masonic Hall on May 23rd, 24th and 25th• Helping at the Plant Sale on May 26th: Cashiers, parking attendants,

assisting customers with purchases, and cleanup.

If you’d like to help or want more information, please emailplantsale@btlt.org or call Mary at (207)729-8631

Plant Donations Needed

10 Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust

Legacy gifts can extend yourcommitment to conservation.Your bequest to Brunswick-

Topsham Land Trust helps secure ourlong-term sustainability and ensure thatyour commitment to protecting naturalhabitat, watershed areas, and sceniclandscapes is upheld well into the future.It can support our goal of making certainthat the places we save today will remainprotected and stewarded for generationsthat follow.

Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust hascreated the Legacy Circle to recognizeand thank individuals and families whohave included us in their estate plans.Legacy gifts, made in a will or other estateplanning vehicle, are the cornerstone ofthe Land Trust’s long-term sustainability.We are deeply grateful to each LegacyCircle member for this very specialexpression of loyalty, confidence, andsupport.

For more information on plannedgiving opportunities, please contactnancy@btlt.org to request a brochure,or visit www.btlt.org/planned-giving.

“I have included a planned gift for BTLT in mywill because this organization has provided mewith important ways to build a rewarding lifethat feels solid and connected. As I move intomy Grandpa days, I become more focused onthose things in my life that I value. Spendingtime with my family is very special and thetime I spend with nature is special. Fishing ina local river, standing beside the waterfall atHead of Tide in Topsham, hiking a new trail,making cider from old trees on a conservedproperty – all put me in contact with nature inways that make me feel connected to a life thatis just right. Every time I think about it, mycommitment to a planned gift feels good!

It’s our chance to do good things together! Ihope you will consider adding a planned giftas part of your legacy to Brunswick-TopshamLand Trust.”

–Tom Settlemire, long-time BTLT Board Member and past Board President.

Flight Deck Brewing, located at Brunswick Landing, iswalking the walk—not only do they support localconservation by partnering with Brunswick-TopshamLand Trust, they also produce their beer with 100%renewable energy.

“Brunswick-Topsham Land Trustrepresents the best of what greaterBrunswick has to offer: incredible outdoor recreation, a robust community of caring people, and a strong sense of fun that includes fresh beer! The Flight Deck team couldn’t be more excited to have BTLT as a partner and community collaborator.” – Nate Wildes, owner of Flight Deck Brewing

We are equally excited to partner with you, Flight Deck! Thank you for your support!

Business Partner Spotlight:

A full house at Flight Deck’s fundraiser for BTLT in February.

www.btlt.org 11

We are fortunate to have strong support from our vibrant local businesscommunity, helping us improve the quality of life and economic vitality in ourregion. Together, we are forging a path to a sustainable future where theBrunswick-Topsham region will always be a special place to live, work, and visit.

Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Business Partners play a key role in advancing ourmission by contributing $1,000 or more of unrestricted support to the Land Trustannually. To find out more about becoming a Business Partner, please visitwww.btlt.org/business-partners.

Please help us thank our Business Partners by supporting their businesses:

Brunswick-Topsham Land TrustBusiness Members contribute upto $999 of unrestricted support tothe Land Trust annually.

Albert Putnam AssociatesAnevay Solutions, LLC.Applewald FarmAtayneBar Harbor Bank & TrustBowdoin Baking CompanyBorealis BreadsBRP Inc.Carrot SignsCenter Street CyclesChad Little Power EquipmentCool as a MooseCountry FareCrystal Spring Community FarmDolphin MarinaDown East CleaningEdgar Catlin, Attorney at LawFresh PickinsG.M. Wild ConstructionGelato FiascoGray Wing FarmGulf of Maine BooksHannaford SupermarketHeather Perry PhotographyHootenanny Bread

Two and a half years after the close ofour successful comprehensive campaign,our Annual Fund is stronger than ever.Thanks to the generosity of our donors,combined with the strength anddedication of our staff and board, we’reearning a reputation as one of the mostsolid and progressive land trusts in thestate.

When the campaign ended in 2015,the Annual Fund raised $182,000. Sincethen we initiated our Community andBusiness Partners giving programs(annual gifts of $1,000 or more) and theresponse has been terrific! We currentlyhave 28 Business Partners and 52Community Partners. In addition, our

Johnny’s Selected SeedsKeith Spiro PhotographyKeough Family FarmL.L. BeanLocal Market and CafeMaine Pines Racquet & FitnessMaine Waterside HomesMaine-ly PoultryMangum and Associates, LLCMindful GardensMirto Art StudioMoncure & BarnicleMorning Glory Natural FoodsMovement MattersOffice of Cornelia Viek, CPAPlainview FarmPretty FlowersRecreating SpacesRousseau ManagementSkillins GreenhousesSpear FarmTess’ MarketThe Farmer’s DaughterThe Picture FramerTMA Development CorporationVail’s Tree Service, Inc.Whatley FarmWildflours BakeryWrenegade SportsWright-Pierce

Please renew your membership by June 30 if you haven’t given since July 1, 2017!Visit www.btlt.org/membership to renew or join today!

Thank you to the diverse business community that supports our work

general membership has remainedcommitted and strong with 1,000members supporting our work. By theend of our last fiscal year (June 2017),the Annual Fund had grown to nearly$240,000.

From July 1, 2017 through themiddle of April 2018, nine and a halfmonths into our fiscal year, the LandTrust has raised $204,587 in AnnualFund donations and has 837 members(including 52 Community Partners and28 Business Partners). While theseresults are promising and we’re excitedby our progress, we need to maintainfocus to meet our FY 2018 goals by theend of June. We’re working hard to

attract a total of over 1,000 members bythe end of our fiscal year (June 2018),and striving to raise an additional$50,093 to reach our Annual Fund goalof $254,680.

You can help reach our goals. If youknow someone who loves to learn at ourGardening Workshops over the winter,shops for their weekly groceries at ourFarmers’ Market over the summer, oruses the outdoor recreation opportuni-ties we offer year-round, encouragethem to join you as a member! Thesupport of all of our members makesour conservation work, stewardshipefforts, and diverse communityprograms possible.

Annual Fund Update

Thank You for Your Support!After the long Maine winter, we’re finally able to embrace the warmer temperatures of spring and summerand the outdoor joys that come with these greener seasons. The rivers are flowing rapidly, trees are budding,and flowers are starting to bloom. There are trails to walk, gardens to plant, rivers to kayak, clams to gather,and so much more. We do not take the beauty, abundance, and delight of these natural resources for granted.

We want to thank you for what you have done, as members of Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, to make allof this possible. Our conservation and stewardship goals are achievable largely because of support from abroad membership base – more than 1,000 families, individuals, and businesses. Working together, we aremaking a greener and more sustainable future possible, not just for our generation but for our children andour grandchildren.

We are your land trust, and we are grateful for your membership.

56 Maine StreetBrunswick, ME 04011

Our Board of Directorsmeets on the fourthWednesday of eachmonth (except August)at 7:00 PM

Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust At-A-Glance