Uncategorized - Island Heritage Trust

Lily Pond Quaco Road parking lot CLOSED for trail improvements-please use Deer Run entrance

Beginning July 6 2026, contractors will begin accessibility improvements to the Lily Pond trail system funded by the Maine Trails Bond Grant. During the first phase of the project, crews will work from the Quaco Road parking area along the Marshall Farm Loop. This work requires a temporary closure of the Quaco Road parking area and the Marshall Farm Loop. The Deer Run trailhead, swimming beach, and bathing house will remain open.

The Maine Trail Program (MTP) is a statewide initiative providing funding and support for the development, restoration, and maintenance of motorized, nonmotorized, and multi-use trails across Maine. MTP was created by the Maine Legislature in 2024 and is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. IHT is using the $25,000 award (the maximum amount allowed by MTP) for accessibility improvements at Lily Pond and Barred Island, two of our most frequented properties. Ours is one of 44 other projects around the state to receive funding out of a total of 108 applications.

Annual Meeting 2026

The Annual Meeting of the Members of Island Heritage Trust, Inc. will be held on

July 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM

at St. Brendan the Navigator Episcopal Church, 627 North Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627. Beverages and light fare will be available. We hope to see you there!

The Agenda for the Meeting is as follows:

To elect as Trustee for a three-year term Stephanie Koven, who previously served the remaining term of Elke Dorr, expiring in 2026.
To elect as Trustee for a three-year term, Jim Krosschell.
Vote to approve the updated Bylaws.
Chair’s remarks.
Annual Treasurer’s Report on the financial position of the organization.
Director’s Report on developments since the last Annual Meeting.
Facilitated discussion: Land Use Priorities in the Deer Isle Area and survey results.
To conduct such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting.

IHT By-Laws Changes

This revision of the By-Laws reflects the maturation of IHT into an accredited land trust. Previous versions contained much detail outlining specific operations that are more appropriate for an organizational handbook or work plan. With the hiring of experienced professional staff, and with our upcoming re-accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance, we have developed a streamlined document that removes undue burden of procedural material.The main changes are as follows:
Under Membership, we’ve added the ability for members to attend the annual meeting by remote communication.
Instances of removal of procedural material occur in Membership, Board of Trustees, Officers, Operating Personnel, and Financial Affairs.
The main change concerns Committees. The previous version of the By-Laws contained much detail about individual committees. However, as the focus of organizations changes, so do committees, and we’ve now followed State of Maine non-profit statutes in describing only an Executive Committee, and leaving the formation of other committees to the discretion of the Board. To that end, the new Governance Committee is in the process of re-writing all committee charters.

Catherine Washburn, Chair

CLICK BELOW for the updated Bylaws document:

IHT Bylaws Update 2026

WE’RE HIRING! – Environmental Educator

Position Type: Year-round, ¾-time or full-time

Compensation & Benefits: Salary is $45,000 to $50,000 and is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and hours worked per week. Roughly $18,000 in annual benefits value includes paid holidays, vacation time, personal days, a health stipend, and an IRA contribution.

Location: This position is based in Deer Isle, Maine, a small, rural island community with a year-round population of approximately 3,000. The local economy is rooted in natural resources, recreational tourism, and the fishing industry. This is primarily an in-person position with some hybrid flexibility.

Summary

Island Heritage Trust (IHT) is seeking an experienced Environmental Educator (EE) to work with students and teachers at Deer Isle-Stonington High School (DISHS) and Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School (DISES), as well as to develop and lead educational programs for community members of all ages.

The Environmental Educator will support students and teachers in identifying areas of inquiry, designing and implementing data collection projects, interpreting data, and producing graphs and reports. The position also includes planning and leading field trips that connect classroom learning with hands-on environmental experiences. In addition, the Environmental Educator will help build connections with local experts, organizations, and institutions, and to engage community members in citizen science projects. The ideal candidate will have experience presenting environmental education to diverse audiences and fostering appreciation for Deer Isle’s land, shore resources, and unique landscape.

Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and have substantial experience in education and the environmental sciences. They should be able to foster a strong environmental ethic through an interdisciplinary approach to nature and environmental education, encourage sustainable land stewardship for current and future generations, and create opportunities for students to develop an appreciation for Deer Isle’s diverse landscapes.

The candidate will possess outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the capacity to work both collaboratively and independently. Access to a vehicle for self-transport and a reliable internet connection for remote work are also required.

Responsibilities and Features of the Role include, but are not limited to:

Contributing to a dynamic and supportive work environment alongside engaged colleagues, volunteers, and members, with opportunities for collaboration.
Pursuing professional development and growth opportunities.
Leading and coordinating approximately 20 field trips each year.
Supporting the schools’ in-classroom, nature-trail, Eco-Club, and after-school programs.
Leading and coordinating year-round outdoor educational programs.
Fostering a strong environmental ethic through nature and environmental education.
Representing IHT at community events and participating in IHT-hosted programs and activities.

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references with contact information in one document (PDF) for immediate consideration.

Applications can be submitted by email, or by mail to contact information below. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. For questions, or more information contact:

Julia Zell, Executive Director

Island Heritage Trust
PO Box 42, Deer Isle, ME 04627
jzell@islandheritagetrust.org 207.348.2455

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Bittersweet Fact Sheet

Fox Hollow

Following Island Heritage Trust’s successful purchase of Fox Hollow in May, IHT is thrilled to announce that a $300,000 grant from the Anahata Foundation has helped IHT repay in full a critical loan that was used to purchase the property.

The purchase of Fox Hollow was made possible with support from an anonymous foundation, numerous donors, and a partner loan from The Conservation Fund. As of September 2nd, IHT discharged the loan and is exploring using its fundraising efforts to maintain the property and buildings on it. An advisory committee will be formed in the coming months to research and recommend to IHT’s board various options for the property, while staying aligned with IHT’s mission and strategic goals. Nominees for the committee may be submitted to the Executive Director, Julia Zell, jzell@islandheritagetrust.org.

IHT is grateful to the foundations and individuals who assisted in the conservation of Fox Hollow. For more information about this project and other IHT work, visit www.islandheritagetrust.org.

IHT acquires Fox Hollow property, protecting the waters and clam flats of Crockett Cove

On May 6th, Island Heritage Trust (IHT) closed on the Fox Hollow property for $960,000 after an independent appraisal, with the help of a $300,000 loan from The Conservation Fund, an anonymous grant, and a group of private donors. The loan is secured against the property, leaving IHT two years to raise the remaining project costs, including stewardship funds and support services. More information will be available soon as IHT’s board reviews our short- and long-term management plans for the 48-acre property.

IHT began to look into the possibility of this project in late 2024 after community members reached out with interest in conservation. IHT is committed to ensuring this land provides public benefit for generations to come and was particularly inspired by protecting the accessibility and viability of the clam flats and waters of Crockett Cove.

“Every Fall it is one of the principal places that migrating birds pause to refuel before heading south across Penobscot Bay. In Spring, it is where returning birds first make land after their bay crossing.The Fox Hollow property includes a perennial stream flowing into Crockett Cove and a network of shrubby wetlands within the wooded southern portion of the property as well as a large vernal pool about 60 feet from Goose Cove Rd. In addition, there is extensive frontage on the mudflats of Crockett Cove. Habitat diversity is further increased by the open grassy areas of the central portion of the parcel and the mixed woodland of its northern edge.” – Dr. Ken Crowell

Ken, an ecologist, and Marnie, a natural history writer, are longtime volunteers and supporters of IHT. Ken’s work on IHT’s Land Committee helped champion this project. Many other volunteers and donors have helped make this project a possibility and we look forward to working with the community on the future of Fox Hollow!

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.

Lily Pond Dam

MEMA Lily Pond Dam Inspection Report 9.18.24

Lily Pond Dam Preliminary Design Report 2022

https://penobscotbaypress.com/articles/latestnews-islandadvantages/island-heritage-trust-searches-for-lily-pond-dam-funds/

IHT continues to seek funding for this project (phases costing $1.3 – $3.2 million) and stays in contact with the Maine Emergency Management Agency about current conditions and recommendations. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Timeline:

Early 2020 – reviewed RFPs from engineers to select and move forward with the scope and assessment study.

2021-22 – Extensive work done to complete preliminary design report.

Late 2022 – Preliminary design report completed.

July 2023 – Public meeting at Deer Isle Town Hall to gain input on design and priorities.

October 2023 – Applied for $1,900,000 NOAA grant with $1,000,000 expected match.

June 2024 – Found out we did not get the NOAA grant – project too small for their priorities.

July 2024 – Applied for $3,220,000 MIAF grant.

September 2024 – Found out we did not get the MIAF grant – could not fund MeDOT culvert.

October 2024 – Applied for $200,000 private foundation grant to get started.

December 2024 – Found out we did not get the private foundation grant.

April 2025 – Applied for $1,300,000 CDS request, leaving out the culvert phase.