Every year, Coastal Mountains Land Trust recognizes volunteers, community groups, and land donors for their commitment and involvement. This year, Tom Jackson, of Jackson Landscaping, has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the William J. Zwartjes Volunteer Award, named in honor of the first Land Trust Board Chairman, and which is awarded to volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional service to the Land Trust.

Tom Jackson has dedicated extraordinary amounts of personal effort and equipment time to the benefit of the community on various Land Trust preserves, according to CMLT, in a news release. Over the years, he has volunteered frequently at the Beech Hill Preserve, improving the blueberry fields, planting a next generation of spruce trees in the iconic summit grove, and bettering the steps and stone entrances to Beech Nut. Jackson has also consulted on the development of the Round the Mountain Trail and the CMLT’s Thorndike Brook Trailhead in Hope. Last, but by no means least, Jackson has captained the CMLT float in Camden’s annual Christmas by the Sea parade for four years, providing the truck and equipment needed to make that possible.   

“We are so grateful for Tom’s genuine commitment, time, talents, and involvement with the Land Trust,” said CMLT.

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 12,000 acres, offering 50+ miles of trails for public recreation.