About Us

Mission:

“To lead in conserving land, water, and wildlife habitat on the greater Blue Hill Peninsula. To teach and practice a stewardship ethic. To promote ecological, economic, and community health for this and future generations.”

Who We Are:

We are a nationally accredited nonprofit, donor-based land conservation organization founded in 1985 by residents of the Blue Hill Peninsula in coastal Maine. We are working to conserve the farmland, forest, wetlands, and wildlife habitat needed to sustain ecological and community health in a changing climate. Our goal is to protect the resources and sense of place upon which traditional livelihood depends, and to work with our communities to embrace a stewardship ethic. We recognize the value of conserving land and water for its own sake, as well as valuing the recreational, economic, and quality-of-life benefits of conservation. By advancing this vital connection between healthy land and healthy communities, the Trust strives to be fully involved in peninsula communities through strong collaborations with our partners, including municipalities. To date, Blue Hill Heritage Trust has protected over 10,000 acres of land that will be forever stewarded for wildlife, recreation, scenic beauty, sustainable use and historical importance.

Our work is voluntary and it is forever. Please contact the Trust office if you are interested in participating as a member, volunteer, or board member. If you are interested in learning more about land conservation options, please click here.

 

Click these links to learn more about our Board of DirectorsStaff, or Strategic Plan and Other Key Organizational Documents.

 

WE HAVE PROTECTED (as of 1/4/2021):  11,867 acres

FEE LANDS:  8105 acres (30 Conservation Areas)

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS:  3,762 acres (72 easements on 86 parcels)

Farmland protected: 1,860 acres (17 parcels via CE’s including assists)

DEED RESTRICTION:  10 acres (1 parcel)

ASSISTS:  298 acres (3 parcels) protected by easements held by State of Maine

Stewardship Contribution for 14-acre Jed Island

TRAILS:  Approximately 31.2 miles of public access walking trails

  • On fee lands: 17 trails totaling 27.2 miles
  • On easement land: 7 trails totaling 2.9 miles
  • 4 trail easements totaling 1.1 miles
  • + 17 Miles of road for hiking, biking, skiing, etc… at Surry Forest & Meadowbrook Forest!