Sisters Martha, Emily, and Elizabeth Ehrenfeld recently donated a conservation easement to Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, wishing to conserve important habitat and protect water quality on their shared 45-acre property in Bremen. The unique property bridges the fresh water of Muscongus (aka Webber) Pond and salty Greenland Cove.

The Ehrenfeld Easement adds to previously conserved properties on Muscongus Pond, and also contributes to Coastal Rivers’ larger “Three Ponds, One Forest” initiative. That effort seeks to permanently conserve a large block of forest that connects McCurdy, Muscongus, and Pemaquid Ponds.

In addition, the Ehrenfeld’s gift will offer substantial match value for grants. Every dollar of value donated brings in at least one additional dollar in foundation funds to the greater conservation initiative.

“We’re truly grateful to the Ehrenfeld sisters for their generous support, their foresight, and their commitment to the pond and to their neighbors, both human and wild,” said Coastal Rivers Executive Director Steven Hufnagel.

The Three Ponds, One Forest area has grown significantly during the past two years, beginning with an expansion of Coastal Rivers’ Pemaquid Pond Preserve in Bremen through a purchase of 167 acres from Matthew Kurlan in 2023.

Less than a year later, Coastal Rivers purchased 236 acres from Matthew Kravitz at a deeply discounted price. That parcel, now known as the Sarah Weston Kent Preserve in memory of Mr. Kravitz’s late wife, whose family has owned the land since the 1700’s. The property spans from McCurdy Pond all the way to Route 32. In addition to extensive shorefront along the pond, the property contains some of the area’s most significant vernal pools.

In December 2024, Coastal Rivers bought 75 acres from Elizabeth Boothby next to the Town of Bremen’s Hillside Trail. Combined with the Ehrenfeld easement, the newly conserved properties within the Three Ponds, One Forest area total more than 500 acres.