Programs: Land - permanently protected 950-acres at the hidden valley nature center property in jefferson maine for $1. 2 million as habitat for wildlife and giving access to wilderness experiences for the public. - assured 4,001 acres of preserves and 3,453 acres of conservation easements met highest standards for conserved property. - built and installed 7 new kiosks and updated signage at 11 of 13 properties with public access trails using new logo and name of our organization that merged in 2016.
water - initiated next phase of restoring the sheepscot river for breeding migratory fish by adding a water restoration specialist for permitting removal of coopers mills dam scheduled for summer 2018. - stopped contaminated soil from entering damariscotta lake and other water bodies within the watershed by installing 89 best management practices on 11 properties by successfully accessing a cost share program (epa 319 projects). - on damariscotta lake, we assured a particularly aggressive invasive plant infestation did not spread and that no new invasive plants were introduced by completing annual monitoring for invasive plants on over half of the damariscotta lake shoreline and conducting bi-weekly monitoring and removal at the two infested areas. - measured the water quality on damariscotta lake, sheepscot river, and sheepscot river estuary as part of measuring our success for caring for these special waters.
community - provided a teacher and lessons in our outdoor classroom at hidden valley nature center for 5 local schools each month during the school year. - by taking our nature center on the road, we were able to reach new families to get them outdoors, active and connected to nature. The acquisition of an additional trailer and various recreation gear allowed us to expand programs to include 13 multi-day programs and 22 single day programs. - leased over 150 pairs of skis to families and offered regular ski clinics and after-school ski clubs for families in 5 rural towns within midcoast maine.
Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.
