Coastal Mountains Land Trust (CMLT) has launched its new Learning Landscapes Grant Program, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor to the Land Trust. 

Coastal Mountains Land Trust launched their Learning Landscapes program four years ago, with the vision of connecting children with nature by conserving land next to schools, creating outdoor classrooms, and supporting teachers in moving their curriculum outside, according to CMLT, in a news release.

To date, CMLT has conserved two parcels of land adjacent to schools, supported four outdoor classrooms, and provided outdoor learning professional development retreats for 71 local educators. All the Learning Landscapes offerings, in alignment with the Land Trust’s free public programming, and are offered at no charge to schools, community groups, and early childhood education centers. 

The Learning Landscapes Grant program seeks to provide financial support for educators to facilitate nature-based outdoor education. The grant program provides modest funding (up to $500) to support projects that connect children with nature, enhance students' comfort with the outdoors, and teach children why and how to care for the environment. The fundamental goal of the program is to encourage environmental stewardship among the next generation. 

To be eligible, Learning Landscapes grant applicants should be educators affiliated with public or private schools, or nonprofit organizations, serving early childhood to high school aged youth. Special consideration will be given to schools with socio-economic need and priority will be given to projects within Knox and Waldo counties.

"The application is designed to be straight forward and user friendly, without taking an abundant amount of educator’s limited time availability," said CMLT. 

Applications are due February 12, 2026. Funding announcements will be made within 6 weeks of the application deadline. The applications will be reviewed by the Learning Landscapes grant committee, which will exclude current CMLT staff members. For more information or for an application, email leaht@coastalmountains.org.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of the western Penobscot Bay. The Land Trust has protected over 13,000 acres, offering 55 miles of trails for public recreation.