FREEPORT

This year, Freeport Conservation Trust is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving land in Freeport was launched by community members back in 1977, with a mission to protect habitats, environments and views in a way that the town simply couldn’t.

The town’s priorities were not necessarily the same as some conservations, and due to the nature of town government, it couldn’t be ensured that the property could be protected into perpetuity.

With a mission distinct from the town government, the volunteer organization could be dedicated to preserving valuable lands and environments in the community.

In those early days, much of the property the FCT took responsibility for was donated by forward thinking individuals, said Katrina Van Dusen, the trust’s executive director.

“Back then, 40 years ago, Freeport property wasn’t premium,” said Van Dusen. “So a lot of our original properties were donations — often of easements, not ownership.”

Although the work of the land trust continues in much the same manner, some changes have been made to adapt to the changing needs of the community. Originally an all-volunteer organization, two parttime staff positions have been created over the years to oversee the dayto day operations and manage the growing number of properties the land trust is responsible for. FTC has also shifted its focus toward accessibility and use in recent years instead of working solely to preserve habitat and environments. Fundraising has also become more important to purchase land and easements and take care of it.

In a town now well-known as a shopping center and tourist destination, the value of an organization such as FCT has become an increasingly important part of maintaining Freeport’s outdoors character.

“I say it really preserves the character of Freeport,” said Administrative Assistant

Barbara Maxfield, the only other paid staff member. “Without it, people would be moving here just for retail, but now we’ve got these beautiful pastoral landscapes and views and farming. This is Maine.”

While some areas have developed more regional land trusts, the importance of a town-sized land trust is that it can focus on the particular needs and values of that community, said Van Dusen.

“Because of different quirks of history over different decades, different things, we ended up with a nice array of open spaces,” said Van Dusen.

“I think it’s very important to have a local land trust that can focus on local projects,” said founder Andy Cabot, adding that smaller trusts can focus on projects that might get overlooked by regional trusts.

At the moment, FTC is engaged in the Freeport Trail Challenge. The challenge involves individuals and families completing four trails maintained by FTC. Participants mark off completed trails on a passport, which can be picked up at the FTC office, town office or participating businesses. Once all four trails are completed, individuals can drop off their passport at FTC to be entered to win prizes. The challenge continues through the end of October, and proof of visits must be returned by Nov. 3.

For more information on the land trust and the Freeport Trail Challenge, visit freeportconservationtrust.org.