Grinkivich

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