May Hiking Club
Join Us For May Hiking Club!
Most Wednesdays at 9am, a group of folks gather to explore the Preserves stewarded by Island Heritage Trust. Hikes are led by Environmental Educator, Martha Bell, and IHT volunteers. Come connect with community on easy to moderate morning hikes, that last around 90 minutes. Please check our dog policy for each preserve before bringing your pup to hiking club.
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.
Spring Roadside Clean-up 2025
Join us in our annual, community-wide roadside cleanup in celebration of Earth Day!
- Pick-up trash bags at Island Heritage Trust or Deer Isle & Stonington Town Halls
- Leave trash bags on the side of 15 / 15a or dispose of them at your transfer station
- Trash bags will be picked up by Monday, April 28th. If you would like to volunteer to pick-up trash bags email: iht@islandheritagetrust.org or call (207) 348-2455
Contact Deer Isle Town Manager Jim Fisher to Adopt a Road to Clean:
Hiking Club is Back! Join us this April
Join Us For April Hiking Club!
Most Wednesdays at 9am, a group of folks gather to explore the Preserves stewarded by Island Heritage Trust. Hikes are led by Environmental Educator, Martha Bell, and IHT volunteers. Come connect with community on easy to moderate morning hikes, that last around 90 minutes. Please check our dog policy for each preserve before bringing your pup to hiking club.
Lily Pond Dam
MEMA Lily Pond Dam Inspection Report 9.18.24
Lily Pond Dam Preliminary Design Report 2022
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.
June 2025 – Deadline for planned MEMA grant application #1
August 2025 – Deadline for planned MEMA grant application #2