Shot throughout four seasons, Community Conservation: Finding the Balance Between Nature and Culture is a documentary film profiling four active land trusts in different regions of Maine: coastal, inland, western mountains and downeast, to show how each of these land trusts work closely with their communities to provide multi-purpose access to conserved lands.

At its deepest level, community conservation seeks to address the traditions and needs of all community members, providing access to preserved lands and creating projects that build constituencies across diverse communities. Like DRA and MCHT, the four land trusts featured in the film offer inspirational examples of how community conservation can be done.

Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (BTLT) works with gardeners, both local and from away – as far away as Africa.  BTLT projects range from supporting shellfish harvesters to working with the faith community. At Downeast Lakes Land Trust, community members served include school children, local crafts people, hunters and fishermen. The Androscoggin Land Trust partners with various organizations to create access and programs for the growing immigrant community.  The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust runs an Eco Camp which utilizes tourist dollars to help fund costs for struggling local families.

The beauty of Maine — from coast to mountains, farmland to deep forests — is richly captured in this documentary by filmmaker Mark Ireland. Hikers, kayakers, immigrant farmers, kids, fishing guides, balsam tree-tippers, canoe-builders and more, tell the stories of local communities finding balance in nature.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion about local community conservation initiatives and opportunities with DRA Executive Director Steven Hufnagel, MCHT president Tim Glidden, and filmmaker Mark Ireland.

Tickets free, but required! Get them here:

Watch the trailer for Community Conservation – Finding the Balance Between Nature and Culture:

Community Conservation Film – Trailer from Mark Ireland on Vimeo.