Fri, 10/20/2017 - 8:45am

Steven Hufnagel, Damariscotta River Association

Conservation organizations like Damariscotta River Association and Maine Coast Heritage Trust are finding creative ways to connect people with the land and natural resources.

Land trusts and other conservation organizations are recognizing more than ever that people and communities are very much intertwined with nature, and those organizations are strengthening innovative programs that deepen those connections.

This is the subject of Mark Ireland’s documentary film “Community Conservation: Finding the Balance Between Nature and Culture.” Shot in Maine throughout four seasons, the film profiles four active land trusts in different regions of Maine: coastal, inland, western mountains and downeast, to show how each of these land trusts work closely with their communities to provide multi-purpose access to conserved lands.

Damariscotta River Association (DRA) and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) invite the public to a free showing of the film at 7 p.m on Monday, October 23 at Lincoln Theater. While the film is free, tickets are required and may be ordered online at www.damariscottariver.org/events.

Protecting certain areas from development is an important goal. “But,” observes Brunswick Topsham Land Trust (BTLT) Executive Director Angela Twitchell, “if we don’t do the work of connecting people to these special places and our natural resources – fifty years from now, a hundred years from now, no one will care.”

The film will be followed by a panel discussion about local community conservation initiatives and opportunities with DRA Executive Director Steven Hufnagel, MCHT President Tim Glidden, and filmmaker Mark Ireland.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards Maine's coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, ecological value, outdoor recreational opportunities, and contribution to community well-being. MCHT provides statewide conservation leadership through its work with land trusts, coastal communities and other partners. For more information, visit www.mcht.org.

A non-profit, membership supported, and nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization, Damariscotta River Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta region, centered on the Damariscotta River.

DRA has active programs in the areas of land conservation, stewardship, community education, water quality monitoring, marine conservation and cultural preservation.

Visitors are welcome at the Great Salt Bay Heritage Center in Damariscotta as well as the many other DRA properties throughout the region. For more information call (207) 563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or view their web site at www.damariscottariver.org.