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Giving Tuesday 2020

‘Tis the Season (and the Year) for Reflection and Gratitude

In a year that unfolded unlike any other, we find ourselves so very grateful to our members for their continued support of our work. Despite the onset of a global pandemic and its accompanying uncertainties, we increased our membership to 1,074 members. This loyalty, coupled with the receipt of a Payroll Protection Program loan, enabled us to meet our FY 2020 budget and serve the needs of our communities by:
  • Stewarding our trails and properties, which have seen a dramatic increase in use since March;
  • Building new trails at Kate Furbish Elementary School, creating Covid-safe outdoor learning spaces for Brunswick’s young learners;
  • Delivering over three thousand pounds of fresh, healthy produce to Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, all grown in the Common Good Garden at the Tom Settlemire Community Garden;
  • Serving farmers and community alike with our Farmers’ Market — and proving its agility with not one but two moves!; and
  • Continuing our programmatic work virtually through podcasts, books, and videos, encouraging our membership to engage with nature safely.

Your membership support helps to make all of our work possible. Thank you!

Now that we are midway through FY 2021, the ongoing economic effects of the pandemic continue to pose funding challenges for us.

If you haven’t yet joined us as a member, we encourage you to do so. If you are already a member but haven’t yet renewed your membership this fiscal year, we encourage you to do so. And if you find yourself in a position to increase your donation or make an additional gift to us this year, we could use your help now, more than ever.

Thank you.

Trail Efforts at Neptune Woods

Kris Haralson and Alex Long are passionate about riding mountain bikes, but they are also passionate about engaging the next generation (or really anyone who is interested) in riding bikes. Kris and Al have been riding the technical mountain bike trails in the Bath area for years, but they saw that those who are new to mountain biking needed a place to ride too – and they wanted that place to be closer to home, right here in Brunswick. The two are a strong team – Kris with endless will and patience for community advocacy, Alex with truly impressive trail design and build techniques, and both with a willingness and ability to put in long hours in the woods building trail.

Without their efforts, the trails at Neptune Woods would have likely never been created. We are truly grateful for all of the time they have invested in this project and in engaging youth in riding their bikes. Thank you, Kris and Al, for your passion, dedication, skill, and hard work. We look forward to partnering on many more trails in our community!

“I advocate on behalf of the mountain bike community and other trail users for increased access to trails in the Brunswick area from a connectivity as well as a recreational standpoint. I am passionate about trail cycling and the overall health benefits it offers, as well as having others enjoy the trails we are creating for the community.” – Kris Haralson

“Trail building is my way of giving back to a sport that has provided my family and me with much happiness over the years.  Designing and building trails is a small part of how I strive to leave this world a better place for the next generation. The Neptune Woods project specifically is a collaborative first step in building a new interconnected network of trails for all levels of mountain bikers in the Brunswick area.” – Alex Long