MCHT names Susan Alexander as recipient of the 2021 Espy Land Heritage Award

Each year, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) presents the Espy Land Heritage Award to an individual, organization, or coalition for exemplary conservation efforts in Maine. This year, Susan Alexander, a volunteer extraordinaire for nearly four decades, has been named the recipient. For over 35 years, Susan has provided steady support for countless land conservation initiatives from the tidal waters of the Damariscotta River, across the rolling Camden Hills, to the rocky shores of Penobscot Bay.

“With her cheerful good nature, integrity, generosity, and decades of volunteer service to land conservation, she is truly deserving of this special award,” remarked MCHT President Tim Glidden, upon presenting the award. “I can’t think of a better time to recognize Susan, whose unwavering community spirit, humble leadership, and selflessness embody the very traits we have come to rely upon from frontline workers and volunteers through the many challenges of the past year.”

In 1986, Susan became the first member of the newly created Coastal Mountains Land Trust and soon after began to volunteer her time for the fledgling organization. Ever since, for over 35 years, Susan has served as the organization’s recording secretary, providing detailed minutes of the organization’s board meetings. Throughout the years she has stepped up to donate her time and energy in a variety of additional ways, including as a board member/officer, committee member and volunteer at outings and events, editing publications, greeting visitors, stuffing envelopes, and just about any other project that needed a spare set of hands. Susan has also branched out to benefit other conservation endeavors in the region, sharing her talents and enthusiasm in support of the Medomak Valley Land Trust (now part of Midcoast Conservancy), the town of Waldoboro’s Planning Board, and the 12 Rivers Collaboration, among others. Driven by a passion for land conservation, she has also contributed thoughtful insights to shape the evolving philosophical and ethical policies of the organizations she has touched.  

In honoring past President Jay Espy with this award, the board of directors of MCHT created a fund that awards $5,000 per year to a conservation charity chosen by the year’s Espy Land Heritage Award winner. This year, Ms. Alexander has chosen Coastal Mountains Land Trust to receive the donation.