Grinkivich

A Love of the Islands Inspires Deer Isle VolunteersStan and ToniGriskivich and MaineCoast Heritage Trustshare a love for Maine’sislands. It was onlynatural that they gettogether. The DeerIsle retirees have contributedhundreds ofhours of volunteer workto MCHT and haveearned high praise fromthe island stewards theywork with. “MCHTprotected all ourfavorite places,” Toniexplains. “Volunteeringlets us show our appreciationand support forthe organization.”The Griskivichesretired to Deer Isle in2007 from Falmouth, where Stan had a well-respectedcabinetry and home construction business. There theycontinued a tradition of cruising the Maine coast thatbegan with their honeymoon in 1973, most recently ina 26-foot lobster-boat-style cruiser. “We’ve always beendrawn to this part of the coast, from Penobscot Bay toMDI,” Stan says. Several years ago MCHT RegionalSteward Terry Towne, who oversees MCHT’s island preservesin the Mount Desert Island region and easternHancock County, ran into them on Marshall Islandwhile clearing a new trail.“I had an MCHT hat on, and Stan asked me how hecould get one,” Towne recalls. “He gave me his card,and I mailed him two hats.” The Griskiviches respondedwith a donation and an offer to volunteer their servicesamong the MCHT islands in the Deer Isle-FrenchmansBay region. The offer was quickly accepted. “They havebeen truly outstanding,” Towne says. “They have beenintegral to helping us do things that would have takenus hours and hours on our own.”“They are very competent boaters,” adds RegionalSteward Douglas McMullin, whose territory runs fromeast of Camden to the edge of Jericho Bay. “They oftenget out to MCHT preserves in the spring before we doto clear trails.” Stan has also crafted cabinets and furnitureStan and Toni Griskivich, accompanied by their yellow Lab, Hattie,have volunteered hundreds of hours helping MCHT stewards maintainand monitor the Trust’s offshore preserves.for the Trust cabin onSaddleback Island andbuilt trail signs on severalother islands.The couple, whonever travel withoutHattie, their belovedyellow Lab, were drawnto MCHT by the welcomingnature of theTrust’s island stewardship.“It's so friendlyto come ashore on anMCHT island,” Tonisays. “They’re pet friendly,which is important tous, and you feel a realsense of ownership forthe people of Maine—that these wonderfulplaces are forever protectedand available.”The couple have also made MCHT a beneficiary in their wills.“The places they love are the places we protect,” Townesays. “They are truly an inspiration, not just for other volunteers,but for us. And to think it all started with two hats.”Stay atSaddleback Island CabinMCHT is offering limited rental use of our SaddlebackIsland cabin at our Preserve off of Stonington. Here is achance to spend a few quiet days in a rustic cabin in thebeautiful Merchant Row archipelago. In July and Augustthe cabin will be available for blocks of 2-5 nights, andwill have a maximum capacity of eight people. Please visitmcht.org/saddleback for more information.Stan and Toni GrinkivichMCHT photo5 Maine Heritage Spring 2011

M a i n e Coast H eritage Trustis dedicated to protecting land that is essential to thecharacter of Maine, its coastline and islands in particular.Since 1970, more than 135,000 acres have beenpermanently protected, including 290 entire coastalislands. MCHT provides conservation advisory servicesfree of charge to landowners, local land trusts and stateand community officials. A membership organization,MCHT welcomes your support and inquiries.Main Office1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 201, Topsham, Maine 04086207-729-7366P.O. Box 669, Mt. Desert, ME 04660207-244-5100P.O. Box 193, Milbridge, ME 04658207-546-2224Aldermere Farm, 70 Russell Ave., Rockport, ME 04856207-236-2739Maine Coast Heritage Trust1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 201Topsham, Maine 04086Non-Profit org.U.S. PostagePaidPermit #208AUGUSTA MEVisit us at www.mcht.orgBecome a fan ofMCHT onFacebookPrinted on 100% post-consumer recycled stockDesign: ethosSta f f NewsMCHT bids farewell to BrianReilly who, as Land Project Manageron Mount Desert Island for six years,helped MCHT continue strongmomentum on MDI. Brian will beworking on the Gulf Oil Spill cleanup.Nicky Blanchard has been namedAssociate Director of Developmentand has oversight of the annualfund, membership, events and otherresponsibilities. Sue Telfeian, Directorof Development, will spend moretime focused on major donors whileretaining overall responsibility forthe department. In light of theincreasing complexity of MCHT’sfinancial functions, Joanne Favreauis assuming new responsibilitiesas Director of Finance. SusanConnolly will continue as Directorof Operations.Elizabeth Allen Straus, 1916-2010The MCHTcommunitywas saddenedto learn of thedeath of longtimesupporterElizabeth “Beth”Allen Straus onDec. 6, 2010, inMount Desert.Mrs. Straus andher family were among the earlylandowners to put a conservationeasement on their propertyin Somes Harbor in the mid-1970s and helped inspire otherlandowners to follow suit. Whileon the Board, she chaired thestrategic planning committeeand communications committeeand was veryactive on thefund-raisingfront. She wasinvolved inMCHT’s keydecision topursue its firstcapital campaignin pursuitof the BoldCoast properties in the late 1980s.“Beth was passionate about conservingthe Maine coast and inher support of MCHT,” said DavidMacDonald, Director of LandProtection. “She led by exampleand helped shape this organizationwith her sharp insight andwonderful way with people.”Mount Desert Land and Garden Preserve6 Maine Heritage Spring 2011

Maine HeritageT h e Newsletter of Maine Coast Herita g e Tr u s tS p r i n g 2011Kieth FletcherSouthern MaineOffers ConservationOpportunitiesA 36-acre parcel of Falmouth shorefront, in the same family since 1885, is now permanently protected thanks to itsconservation-minded owner.Conservation opportunities canappear anywhere, even within sightof the state’s most urban areas.Project Manager Keith Fletcher, whojoined MCHT’s staff barely a yearago, has specialized in finding theconservation potential of Maine’ssouthernmost coastal communities.Preserving a ShorefrontGem in FalmouthLarney Otis says the 36 acresshe recently placed under protectionwith MCHT was bought by her greatgrandfather,John Marshall Brown,in 1885. Since then it has been giftedfrom one generation to the next. Theland is steeped in family history andmemories and has long served asa place of inspiration, creativityand healing. “It was unimaginableto me that this land be divided upinto house lots,” she says, “and it hasalways seemed that it was my role, therole of my generation, to do what Icould to preserve it. I am immenselygrateful to MCHT for helping mecarry out that mission.” She turnedto MCHT after her two sons gaveher the green light for protectingthe property. MCHT was “the conservationorganization with which Ifelt the most sense of connection,”Ms. Otis says, noting that she andPeggy Rockefeller, daughter of MCHTcofounder Margaret M. Rockefeller,were high school classmates. Ms. Otisnot only donated the easement butalso made a generous contributionto a stewardship fund for the property.The 3,400 feet of shoreline teemswith wildlife, and together with its78 acres of intertidal zone servesas an important shorebird feedingarea almost within sight of Portland’sEastern Promenade. “This was the lastbig project left to do in Falmouth onthe shore,” says Fletcher. “It is extremelysensitive wildlife habitat, with a veryhigh ecological value.” Accordingly,the easement not only precludes allfuture development, it also does notprovide for public access.Expanding Biddeford’sClifford ParkClifford Park has long been popularwith Biddeford residents for its hikingand mountain bike trails, aswell as its proximity to the 16,000undeveloped acres of the Biddeford-Kennebunkport Vernal Pool Complex.Unknown to most visitors, though,continued on page two

Tom IrelandOver the year that I have had the opportunity to serveas President of MCHT, I have learned more about the organizationthan in my twenty prior years as a board member.This experience has reinforced my belief that Maine CoastHeritage Trust is at the forefront of the national movementto permanently protect treasured lands.It has been rewarding to work closely with ourtalented staff and wise board on a number of importantinitiatives—from extending our strategic plan toearning national accreditation, from completingexciting land projects on the Bold Coast in WashingtonCounty, on Mount Desert Island, and in Casco Bay todeepening our commitment to the communities inwhich we work. These activities, and so many others,are made possible thanks to your ongoing involvementwith and support of MCHT. Together we are makinggreat progress in realizing our vision of protecting thecharacter of Maine for future generations.Thanks to the hard work of our Search Committee(chaired by Dawn Kidd), MCHT has attracted a newpresident who has the skills, experience and personalqualities to continue our strong momentum. Tim Gliddencomes to MCHT from the Land for Maine’s FutureProgram, where he has served as the Director since2002. During that time, Tim guided the LMF Programto a number of important successes including $41 millionin bonding for land conservation, a ground breaking newprogram for working waterfront protection, and the developmentof a comprehensive conservation easement modelfor large-scale “working forest” conservation projects.Tim brings to MCHT a wonderful balance of leadershipand management skills, deep relationships in Maine’s landconservation and environmental communities, and a warmand engaging personality. After a national search, we werepleased to find Tim right in our own back yard—he andhis family live in Topsham. You will be hearing directly fromTim in this column in the future.It has been my great pleasure to serve as MCHT’s Presidentover the past year. I cannot express the depth of my gratitudeto the staff, to the board and to each one of you whosupports our work. Thanks to all of you, MCHT is very wellpositioned for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.Southern Maine Offers Conservation Opportunitiescontinued from page onethe 80-acre park was actually in twosections, with the privately owned53 acres of the Boutin property bisectingThe wooded trails of the newly expandedClifford Park are only a stone’s throwfrom downtown Biddeford.From MCHT’s Board ChairWelcomingMCHT’s New PresidentChristina Eppersonit. When the Boutin family decidedto sell, Fletcher and MCHT steppedin to facilitate the process. MCHTprovided $50,000 and helped thecity’s Open Space Committee win a$110,000 grant from the Maine NaturalResource Conservation Program.The Biddeford City Council unanimouslyapproved appropriating$130,000 to complete the project. TheCity then donated an easement toMCHT to assure permanent protection.“This creates a perfectly sited piece ofconserved lands, in a city that is reallyinterested in protecting vital communityplaces for the future,” Fletcher says.Alix Hopkins, an MCHT AdvisoryCouncil member who is working withthe city to create a riverfront walk, saysthe project underscores Biddeford’s effortsto recreate itself. “This is a city undergoinga renaissance,” she says, “and MCHT’sinvolvement helped make the projecta win-win for the residents of Biddefordand for conservation in Southern Maine.”Christina Epperson2 Maine Heritage Spring 2011

Continuing a Heritage of Supporting Maine’s ParksVisitors to Camden Hills State Park now have 100 more acres to enjoy thanks to two recent conservation successes.© Greg CurrierMaine Coast Heritage Trustrecently played a key role in addingalmost 100 acres to Camden HillsState Park with the acquisition oftwo separate parcels of land. TheStephens family of Lincolnvilledonated 22 acres on Garey Mountain,near the southern part of the Park,while MCHT helped purchasean additional 69 acres at the baseof Mount Megunticook from theDunning family. The land includesspectacular views of Penobscot Bayand a cavern that is reportedly hometo a colony of bats. “It’s a terrificproperty, surrounded on three sidesby the park,” says Project ManagerCiona Ulbrich. “We were very fortunateto be able to acquire it for the state.”The owners, Michael Dunning andBarbara Oeffner, had long anticipatedselling the land to the park, andchanging family circumstances pushedthe sale forward late last year. The$375,000 purchase price included$200,000 from the federal Land andWater Conservation Fund and a loanfrom MCHT to the state of Maine,which will hopefully be repaid throughgrant sources including the Land forMaine’s Future program. The ownersgave a $25,000 discount off the appraisedvalue. In addition to MCHT, the MaineChapter of The Nature Conservancy andCoastal Mountains Land Trust assistedwith both projects, and the Town ofLincolnville was very helpful regardingthe Stephens parcel acquisition.“MCHT has a long history of supportingMaine’s parks,” Ulbrich notes,“and it was very satisfying to continuethat heritage and help Mainers continueto enjoy the outdoors.”MCHT Preserv e Tou rsMCHT will host dozens of field trips this year to Trust preserves andprotected areas led by knowledgeable staff, partners, and volunteers.Most trips are free and no advance registration is required (save forboat trips with transportation provided, which do require registrationand have fees). A small sampling of trips appears here. For details,please visit www.mcht.org or become a fan of MCHT’s Facebook page.April 28May 21May 28June 27July 13Babson Creek Bird Walk, Mount DesertCranberry Isles Bird Walk, leaves from Northeast HarborWestern Head Eagle Nest Watch, CutlerMarshall Island Tour, leaves from Bass HarborLinekin Preserve Nature Walk, Boothbay Harbor3 Maine Heritage Spring 2011

T h e N o r u m b e g a S o c i e t yGift Planning for Our FutureMaine Coast Heritage Trust is grateful forall those who support efforts to protect thecharacter of the Maine Coast—includingvolunteers, members, foundations andour many conservation partners. Inrecognition of those individuals whomake a remarkable commitmentby including MCHT in their estateplans, the Trust has created TheNorumbega Society. Membershipin the Society is open and voluntaryto those who make a lasting giftthrough their will, retirement plan orinsurance policy, as well as life-income andother deferred gifts. “A planned gift is one of themost personal and caring acts an individual can maketo help sustain MCHT in the years to come,” explains SueTelfeian, Director of Development.In addition to receiving The Norumbega Society pin,members will also receive special invitations to activities andfield trips throughout the year. Europeanexplorers first spoke of Norumbega inthe 16th Century as a mystical cityof great riches reputed to lie by agreat bay on the coast of Maine.MCHT chose the name to reflectthe great beauty and bounty ofthe state, a form of wealth farmore valuable than the mythicalNorumbega’s streets of gold. “Youget more than money back fromthis investment,” says NorumbegaSociety member Mary Rea. “I havebenefited in so many ways — economically,in peace of mind and in satisfaction.”If you are evaluating your future philanthropicplans or have already included MCHT in your estateplans, please contact Sue Telfeian at 207-729-7366,extension 128, or at stelfeian@mcht.org for moreinformation.Regrant Program Focuseson Public AccessSince 2004 L.L. Bean, in partnershipwith MCHT, has funded a grantprogram dedicated to helping localland trusts meet operational andstewardship needs. Increasingly theprogram has focused on providingpublic access to protected lands.Building and maintaining trails andfacilities encourage outdoor recreationand boost land trust visibility andcredibility in the larger community.In 2010, L.L. Bean grants totaling$22,750 helped six local land trustsimprove trail networks, viewingplatforms and parking facilities. “It’swonderful to be part of a partnershipthat helps land trusts realize the goalof getting their communities out onthe land,” explains Warren Whitney,MCHT’s Land Trust Program Manager.2 010 - 2 011 L . L . B e a nR e g r a n t R e c i p i e n t s• $2,050 to Coastal Mountains LandTrust toward development of a 1.5-mile trail at the 95-acre Head ofthe Tide Preserve.• $2,570 to Blue Hill Heritage Trustfor an information kiosk housingmaps and materials about the trustand its preserves, as well as a smallindoor “visitors’ center.”• $5,000 to Kennebunk Land Trusttowards the creation of two 20-footbridges, bog bridges, and a 1.5-milewalking trail linking KLT preserveswith a town parcel.• $4,000 to Rangeley Lakes HeritageTrust towards the purchase of anall-terrain vehicle to assist withthe stewardship of 35 miles ofmulti-use trails and 6,000 acresof fee-owned conservation land,and to support emergency medicaland forest fire personnel.• $4,130 to Sebasticook RegionalLand Trust towards a trailheadkiosk and parking facilities, signage,gates and a brochure for the 150-acre Pleasant Lake Preserve.• $5,000 to Somerset WoodsTrustees for planning theKennebec Riverwalk, a 1.5-mile,handicapped-accessible trail indowntown Skowhegan linkingseven SWT properties and theKennebec Banks Picnic Areaand Historic Site.4 Maine Heritage Spring 2011