In 1996, Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) launched its educational program with fifth grade teachers at Boothbay Region Elementary School. The elementary school program added to a handful of naturalist led hikes for all ages on BRLT preserves.

In 2012, the land trust’s free educational program, the Osprey Program, reached over 500 children and 150 adults through year-round programming and partnerships with area schools, the Boothbay Region YMCA and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

The growth of BRLT’s education program is intentional and necessary. Land Trust President Jim Dun said, “I can’t count how many times we have heard from fifth graders who had grown up and said they wanted another fifth grade program.”

Over the years, volunteers and staff also have seen first-hand and read about a troubling trend among youth – a disconnect with nature. Since its founding, the land trust has provided hiking trails and educational programs to connect the community with the preserves.

They do this because it was clear, even in 1980, that residents and visitors wanted an opportunity to see and experience the spectacular natural beauty in the Boothbay region.

A University of Maine economic impact study shows this was still the case in 2012; visitors ranked recreation and wildlife as one of the top four reasons they come to the region and over 90 percent of residents said they feel it’s important to have open space for future generations, wildlife habitat, and waterfront access.

The education program and preserves have no gate, ticket or required membership. These community resources are funded solely through voluntary donations and grants. Since 2010, the Osprey Program has also been funded entirely by start-up grants which begin to expire at year’s end.

The land trust is now reaching out to the community, the region’s residents and visitors, to make a donation and/or pledge to the Stewardship Campaign to sustain its year-round education program, hiking trails, and waterfront access. Over half of the $3 million endowment goal is in hand, and the land trust is asking the public to help meet a $500,000 challenge gift by year’s end. All campaign costs are underwritten so 100 percent of all gifts go straight to BRLT’s endowment fund. Also, all public gifts received by December 31, 2013 will be matched.

For more information or to make a gift or pledge, visit www.bbrlt.org, call the land trust at 207-633-4818, or stop by the land trust at 137 Townsend Avenue. BRLT’s website offers many options for pledges, including weekly, monthly, and bi-annually. Campaign information is also available at preserve kiosks and at its business supporters’ locations throughout the community including J. Edward Knight, Topside Inn, Washburn & Doughty, First Federal, Soule, Soule and Logan, Spruce Point Inn, Knickerbocker Group, Bath Savings, Two Salty Dogs, and Red Cup Coffeehouse.