Our mission
Our mission is to care 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.
Our vision
As a team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts and conservation professionals, we believe that caring for the lands and waters of this region starts with caring for our communities. We envision a future where everyone who lives in or visits this region can access, enjoy, and feel welcomed into the beautiful natural spaces that connect, inspire, and sustain us all.
Our values
Our values guide how we do our work at Coastal Rivers. We strive to be an organization that is:
Welcoming: Coastal Rivers is an inclusive, respectful, and joyful space where everyone feels valued and encouraged to participate.
Trustworthy: We are honest, transparent, and accountable, always maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Caring: We cultivate compassion and respect by building meaningful connections and making nature accessible to everyone.
Adaptable: We embrace growth and continued learning, staying flexible and creative in our work.
Where we work
While our land conservation efforts in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region are focused on the towns of Damariscotta, Newcastle, Edgecomb, Nobleboro, Bristol, South Bristol, Waldoboro, Boothbay and Bremen, our nature education programs benefit individuals and families from Yarmouth to Lincolnville, as well as visitors from all around the world.
By the numbers
Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, membership-supported, community-based, nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization with more than 1,800 members conserving nearly 7,000 acres of the region’s most significant lands for public benefit.
7,007
acres protected
50+
miles of trails
9,959
student-hours of programs in 2024
Land acknowledgement statement
Coastal Rivers’ service area is located on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Wabanaki people, including the Pαnawάhpskewi, Peskotomuhkat, Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Micmac and Maliseet). We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land and these waters since time immemorial.
