Annual Meeting Highlights Success

The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust held its annual meeting on Tuesday July 23^rd at the Topsham-Public Library. The meeting was well-attended as there was much to celebrate! This year marks the Land Trust’s 30^th anniversary, and June 30th marks the end of the “Strengthening Our Community Through Conservation” capital campaign.

 

Jay Espy, executive director of the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, former executive director of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and guest speaker for the event, spoke about the Evolving Land Conservation Movement. Participants at the meeting traveled through Maine’s history and landscapes as Espy described conservation milestones starting from early in the twentieth century (Acadia, Baxter State Park) and continuing through more recent conservation achievements that enrich local Maine communities through healthy ecosystems, lifestyles and economies.

 

Board member Tom Settlemire described the role that the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust has played in this community-centric conservation movement during the last thirty years. What started as preservation of a meadow has evolved into an organization that protects and stewards thousands of acres, is supported by more than 1000 member-households, and fosters continued appreciation of the natural environment and land-based culture through many programs and events (50 in 2014!)

 

Founding board member and former Executive Director Jack Aley was honored with a plaque, a painting, and a conference room named after him in appreciation of his efforts during the first two decades of the Land Trust.

 

Treasurer Mary Johnson provided details of the Land Trust’s financial situation, summarized as “The organization is financially healthy and growing.”  Jerry Galleher presented the Nominating Committee’s recommendations, and five board members (whose terms were expiring) were reelected. There were no changes to the Executive Committee.

 

We would like to express a heartfelt “Thank you!” to all who attended the meeting, to Jay Espy for an informative and inspiring speech, and to all who made this last year – and indeed the last thirty years – so successful.