The Maine Timberlands Charitable Trust is a private foundation established by Barbara “Bee” Wheatland upon her death in 2010. Its mission is to assist organizations dedicated to the conservation and economic development of forestlands, timberlands, and other natural resources in the State of Maine, as well as related education, research, and other activities supporting the environmentally compatible use and preservation of these resources.
Bee had a deep lifelong love for the Maine woods and commitment to responsible stewardship of the land. She was actively involved in the development of forestry certification practices, hardwood processing facilities, individual ownership of working forestlands, and innovative approaches in the economic development of Maine’s natural resources to provide employment opportunities for Maine residents.
This grant will allow Downeast Lakes Land Trust to substantially expand and improve upon a strong volunteer-based education program and build strong connections between local residents and visitors to the natural resources of our community forests.
Downeast Lakes Land Trust owns and manages a 33,708-acre Community Forest, and is raising funds to acquire an adjacent 21,870-acre parcel. Its current education programs include a summer youth-focused “Explorations and Adventures” program on Tuesday mornings, and a year-round “History and Heritage” series of presentations, workshops, and classes. “We’re thrilled that the Maine Timberlands Charitable Trust is supporting this important work,” said Mark Berry, Executive Director. “Our volunteers have built a great program to help build connections between area residents and visitors and our natural resources. This grant will allow us to add a new professional staff person and help these programs to thrive and expand.”
The Education & Communications Manager the trust is seeking to hire will also help develop partnerships with local schools, and assume responsibilities for communications including print and online materials. According to Berry, the trust expects the position to be permanent, beyond the three years guaranteed by the current grant. The complete position description and application instructions are available at www.downeastlakes.org.
About Downeast Lakes Land Trust
Downeast Lakes Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by local residents in Grand Lake Stream, Maine, with a slogan of “Forests and Lakes – For People – Forever”. The trust contributes to the long-term economic and environmental well-being of the Downeast Lakes region through the conservation and exemplary management of its forests and waters. The trust sustainably manages the 33,708-acre Farm Cove Community Forest for wildlife habitat, forest products, and public recreation, as described on its web site, www.downeastlakes.org. Downeast Lakes Land Trust received Down East Magazine’s Environmental Award in 2006, was named a 2006 Landowner of the Year by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in 2007 became the first local land trust in Maine to earn Forest Stewardship Council Forest Management certification, and in 2011 received the Espy Land Heritage Award from Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
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