DAMARISCOTTA — Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust has been awarded $8,500 through the L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program, which Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) administers.

"Entering its 21st year, the program continues L.L. Bean’s long-standing commitment to support public access, habitat protection, and outdoor recreation across the state of Maine, bringing total funding to $558,750 for 129 projects since 2004," said Coastal Rivers, in a news release.

Coastal Rivers is one of nine land trusts across the state to receive this year’s award.

The funding will make it possible for Coastal Rivers to build a fully ADA-compliant entrance to the new 950-foot accessible trail within the 100-acre Castner Brook Community Forest, including a six-vehicle parking area with dedicated van-accessible spaces. Located minutes from downtown Damariscotta and adjacent to a new 70-bed nursing home, Castner Brook offers accessible natural experiences for older adults, people using mobility devices, and families.

“This grant from L.L. Bean through Maine Land Trust Network rounds out support from individual donors, the new Maine Trails Program grant, and trail volunteers to create a new accessible trail and trailhead at Castner Brook Community Forest,” said Coastal Rivers Executive Director Steven Hufnagel. “It's especially exciting to add access for so many types of trail users so close to town! We're grateful to MLTN and L.L. Bean and our many members, supporters, and volunteers for all they've done, and all they do, to support great trails in our region and beyond!”

“The entire land trust community continues to deeply appreciate L.L. Bean’s enduring investment in Maine’s lands, waters, wildlife, and communities,” said Angela Twitchell, senior director of community and government relations at MCHT. “As nonprofit organizations, Maine’s land trusts rely heavily on private donations and grants to carry out their work. Support from partners like L.L.Bean is essential to protecting the remarkable places that make Maine so special.”

According to Twitchell, land trusts are involved in an incredible breadth of work, from conserving important outdoor places to strengthening wildlife habitat and building trails that communities rely on. The 2025 Census Report from the Maine Land Trust Network shows that land trusts now care for nearly 3 million acres—close to 15 percent of the state—while supporting efforts that range from restoring marshes and rivers to improving fish passage and maintaining well-loved trail systems.

“The support of partners like L.L.Bean helps make this work possible,” Twitchell said.

About  Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust 

Coastal Rivers is a nonprofit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.

About the Maine Land Trust Network

The Maine Land Trust Network (MLTN) enhances the quality and effectiveness of land conservation organizations across the state. Since its establishment in 1995, MLTN has served as a central hub for conservation collaboration, technical assistance, and grant administration, ensuring sustainable and impactful conservation efforts. A program of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, MLTN is led by a Steering Committee representing up to 25-member land trusts. Learn more at www.mltn.org.

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) advances the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. Since 1970, MCHT has worked to guide the conservation movement and support a network of more than 80 land trusts. Together with partners, the organization has protected over 190,000 acres, supporting the needs of people, plants, animals, and ecosystems across the coast. MCHT is dedicated to ensuring that our natural areas can mitigate the effects of climate change and support all people and life for generations to come. Learn more about their work and get involved at www.mcht.org.