Each year, Coastal Mountains Land Trust recognizes leading volunteers, community groups, and exemplary land donors through several awards. 

"Thanks to these key partners, and many others who help to support the Land Trust’s mission to permanently conserve land and connect people with nature," said CMLT, in a news release.

CMLT announces the following honorees:

-Charles & Mary P. Chatfield Award has been given to Jay and Charlotte Foster. This award honors individuals, families or organizations who exemplify the highest level of commitment to the community with their gifts of conservation lands. The Fosters were recognized for their extraordinary generosity in donating 121-acres of land, which contains significant wetlands, wading bird habitat, and 7,700 feet of shoreline on Coleman Pond in Lincolnville.

-Connecting Community & Nature Award goes to Belfast Area Children’s Center. This award honors the individuals or entity that has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to engaging the people of our community with the outdoors and the lands protected by the Land Trust. The Belfast Area Children’s Center is recognized for their creativity and commitment to creating an outdoor classroom to benefit the children, teachers, and community.

-William J. Zwartjes Volunteer Award goes to Jan Cunningham. Presented in honor of CMLT's first Board Chairman, William J. Zwartjes, for individual volunteers who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the Land Trust. Jan Cunningham is recognized for her many enthusiastic years of dedicated volunteering on top of Beech Hill, where she warmly regales visitors to the hut with stories and historical tales of Land Trust derring-do. 

"Our work would not be possible, nor as successful, without the genuine commitment, time, talents, and involvement of these individuals and so many others," said CMLT.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land and connect people with nature in the western Penobscot Bay region. The Land Trust has protected over 13,500 acres, offering 55 miles of trails for public recreation.