UPDATE! March 29, 2001

Greetings Conservation Partners, Collaborators, and Friends

With the winter thaw well underway it seems there are many worthwhile learning opportunities sprouting up, as well as numerous conservation planning developments to tell you about. We are looking forward to continuing our community work developing the Watershed Conservation Strategies Report, which you'll hear more about at our upcoming April 24th meeting. We also looking forward to presenting Michele Dionne's, Landscape Ecology Program and bringing folks up to date on the progress being made on Greater Mt. Agamenticus Conservation Initiative.

1. Conservation Planning

Project Meetings (save the dates)

Thursday, April 12 at 10 am at the Wells Reserve, Mather Auditorium

Topic: Greater Mt Agamenticus Conservation Initiative (GMACI) Update

Speaker: Keith Fletcher, the Nature Conservancy and Coastal Mosaic Project Coordinator, Tin Smith

If you're interested in learning about the progress of the Greater Mt. Agamenticus Conservation Initiative (involving 33,200 acres in the towns of York, South Berwick, Wells, Eliot, and Ogunquit), you are invited to attend a meeting to review progress to-date, and to discuss next steps. Lunch will be provided for those who register. For more information, or to register, reply to this email or phone Nancy Bayse at 646-1555 ext. 125. An agenda and confirmation email will be forwarded to GMACI committee members and to those who contact us with their interest in participating.

Tuesday, April 24 from 7 to 9 pm at the Wells Reserve, Mather Auditorium

Topic: Coastal Mosaic Project Meeting

Land Trusts, Town Planners, Conservation Commissions and Watershed Associations are encouraged to attend a Landscape Ecology presentation by Michele Dionne

Project Update: Watershed Conservation Strategies Report

Materials Available: Updated Conservation Maps

2. GIS Mapping

Updated maps available

Pick up copies of the latest maps at the upcoming project meeting on April 24, from 7 to 9 pm at the Wells Reserve, Mather Auditorium.

3. Training and Support

Maine Land Trust Conference

Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5 in Camden

Coastal Mosaic Project is offering transportation for participants wishing to travel on Friday, May 4th to the Maine's Land Trust Conference, sponsored by Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

Not to be missed this year--The Conference is offering a new session on Friday afternoon entitled: "Legal issues in Stewardship" with Karen Marchetti. Dinner follows. Afterwards get an update on progress in the Northern Forest. Saturday will host 18 workshop sessions preceeded by addresses by Congressman Tom Allen and Peter Forbes of Trust for Public Lands. This is the best and most convenient opportunity to learn about new ideas, meet fellow conservationists, and get excited about what is being accomplished across the state. If you feel you need to increase the capacity of your land trust or conservation commission have your members attend this event. MCHT is offering $5 off for four or more registrants from the same organization registering together. For additional conference information visit the Maine Land Trust Network website.

We're committed to helping our partners attend the conference: We have arranged for a 10% discount for folks to stay at the Towne Motel (68 Elm Street in Camden 236-3377) for Friday night. Rooms are $59/$69 --- just mention you are part of the Coastal Mosaic Project and attending the conference. More information on the motel's website.

CMP will provide a van for transportation up to Camden on Friday morning and return Saturday after the conference. We will also be coordinating car pooling for the people traveling up on Saturday. If you want to share a ride call Tin Smith 646-1555 x 119 or email

Why Farmers Are Considering Agricultural Easements

Tuesday, April 3 at 7 pm in Buxton

Louanna Perkins of the Maine Farmland Trust will be speaking at the Old Buxton Town Hall on Rt. 22 in Buxton Center on why farmers are considering agricultural easements for their farms. Louanna can be contacted at 469-6465 or e-mail.

Affection for Home Place: Becoming Better Stewards of Our Communities

Saturday, April 7 from 8:30 to 12:30 pm in Druckenmiller

A half-day conference sponsored by The Maine Olmsted Alliance for Parks & Landscapes. What makes a community interesting or special? What do we mean when an area has a "sense of place?" What are the places that inspire us and what meaning do they have for us? How can a better collective understanding of those special places in our community help us to protect them and make sure that they are not being lost for future generations? How can that knowledge be used to shape our town into a even better place? Registration fee: $8 advance, $10 at door. Seating is limited. Contact for registration or more information: Susan Merrow at (207) 761-8081.

From Field to Forest: A workshop for private landowners on how to improve wildlife habitat

Saturday, April 28 from 9 am to 1 pm at Wells Reserve, Mather Auditorium

Sponsored by the Wells Reserve's Resource Management Advisory Committee, this workship is aimed at private landowners (including land trusters). It is free; refreshments served. People must register, by contacting Paul Dest, Manager, Wells Reserve at 646-1555 ext 124 or via e-mail.

Topics to be covered include managing grasslands, shrubland (or brushland), woodlands and riparian areas, and vernal pools. There will also be a presentation on the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, which has funds for private landowners who want to manage their land for wildlife. Wildlife ecologists and natural resource professionals will make the presenations and field trips.

4. Resource Information

5. Communication and Outreach

Earth Day 2001: What on Earth Are We Doing?

Sunday, April 22 from 10 to 3 at Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm

The event is being co-sponsored by the Wells Reserve, Tom’s of Maine, and The New School of Kennebunk.

Coastal Mosaic Partners are encouraged to participate in the day's activities by setting up a table top display along with other representatives from the community including businesses, schools and civic organizations. These groups plan to share with the public what they are doing to make a positive difference for the earth and all of us who inhabit it.

Other highlights that day will be Jackson Gillman, a self-described "stand up chameleon," who transforms himself into a wide array of eccentric characters as mime, actor, songsmith, and storyteller. Jackson will perform "Riot in the Garden" a fun-filled science theater that was awarded Most Educational at the Common Ground Fair. Jackson’s environmental antics delight all who see him. Of course there will be chances to be in the beautiful surroundings including a nature walk, a bird walk, and an array of environmental games. This will be a day to be enjoyed by families and individuals of all ages.

Please join us! For more information, or to set up a table top display, contact Nancy Viehmann at 646-1555 ext. 118.

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