MLTN Infoline – May 11, 2022

Born out of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust education programs, The Climate Initiative (TCI) can help land trusts harness that potential, engaging youth by helping them connect to the places they care about, accessing tools that showcase how the world can hold global warming to 1.5°C, and galvanizing them to act. If you attended our Conference webinar on this topic, you heard from Leia Lowery how well these programs are working. AND they’re offering a $500 grant to help you get your efforts off the ground!

TCI’s approach is unique: they are a non-partisan, solutions-based organization pushing for local, tangible solutions to a global challenge. Their goal is to reach 10 million youth by 2025 with their programs, and your organization can help. Learn more here. 

Right now, TCI is offering a $500 grant to 10 Maine land trusts to try Community Conversations in their localities and provide them with feedback. Take advantage of this great offer and click here to fill out an application or contact Leia Lowery if you have questions or would like more information.

Together, we can create stronger more vibrant communities,

Whit, Jeff, and Donna

10:00am-4:00pm

Katherine Breton Memorial Preserve, Lisbon

Cost: FREE

Spaces are still available in our introductory course for land trust staff, board, and volunteers. MCHT Regional Steward Caleb Jackson will instruct land trust staff and/or volunteers on proper use of chainsaws with a focus on safety. This is not a certification but is a great place to start if you have little or no experience.  

Many thanks to Androscoggin Land Trust for hosting this event. 

Learn more and register on the MLTN website. 

2:00-3:30pm

Cost: FREE

With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program became a standalone program with its own funding. Since then, the program has evolved, becoming more varied and flexible among NRCS easement programs. Join us to learn about the new RCPP entity-held easements policy and how your land trust can leverage this unique program.

Participants in this webinar will come away with:

• an understanding of the new RCPP-EHE (entity-held easement) policy guidance
• how to work with NRCS to apply for RCPP-EHE
• tips for navigating the program enrollment process.

To register, visit the Land Trust Alliance website. 

2:00-3:30pm

Cost: $70 for LTA members, $100 for non-members

For many land trusts, volunteers are the lifeblood of their organization. They can help a land trust fulfill its mission, and, through serving, have rewarding experiences. In this webinar, you will learn how to effectively organize and delegate projects/work to volunteers so your team has opportunities to “think bigger,” and the volunteers gain meaningful service experiences. You will dig deep into two very different, yet equally successful programs to learn effective strategies for evaluating your needs, recruiting the right people and communicating, screening, training and celebrating your volunteers.

Here’s a look at what we will cover:

• identifying the needs and goals of your volunteer program;
• building an evaluation your program to maximize its effectiveness and value;
• implementing effective volunteer retention strategies; and
• identifying onsite and remote opportunities for volunteers.

Visit the Land Trust Alliance website to register. 

9:30am-12:00pm

Cost: FREE

How do you talk to someone who may not share your concern about climate change? Why does it matter? 

It matters because our society still lacks the broad social will to solve climate change. Unfortunately, climate change has become a divisive issue. Livelihoods could be impacted by both solving the climate problem, and by not solving it. 

We don’t all see the same urgency. But is there a way we can work together anyway? Yes there is, if we can build relationships of trust with people who see the world differently from us. But that means doing a lot more listening and less talking.

Join Tyler Kidder, John Hagan, and ShaSha Kingston for this updated workshop. Register here. 

9:00-10:00am

Suggested Price: $35 with pay-what-you-can options available

This webinar is part of Maine Association of Nonprofit’s 3-part advocacy series, and will provide a quick overview of what’s at stake in the 2022 election in Maine and why it matters to nonprofits. We will answer common questions about election-related activities that organizations (and their staff and volunteers) can and cannot do, and we’ll leave plenty of time to answer your questions.

This virtual session will cover:

• Election law basics including how to share basic election information
• Voter engagement (including GOTV)
• How to learn more about candidates’ positions on issues that matter to your mission
• Nonpartisan ways your nonprofit can help your people be well-informed voters this year

Visit MANP’s website to register. 

8:30-10:00am 

Cost: $45 for MANP members*, $65 for non-members

Discounts for teams! $25 off each additional registration from the same organization

A strong board of directors is built upon clear understanding of basic roles and responsibilities. This session will provide an overview of a board’s primary legal duties, important responsibilities and essential roles in governing the organization and stewarding its mission. Participants will:

• Understand why we join boards
• Clarify the roles of the board and its responsibilities
• Discuss strategies for building and sustaining an effective board

This webinar is for individuals already serving on nonprofit boards who are seeking an overview of their roles and responsibilities. Board members who have at least six months of board service will gain the most from participation. It is strongly suggested that multiple board members from the same organization and the executive director participate as a team for maximum benefit.

For more information and to register, visit MANP’s website. 

*Most MLTN are MANP members. Contact Donna to check on your MLTN membership status. 

Content Creator and Digital Communities Associate – Maine Farmland Trust

Habitat Project Coordinator – Downeast Salmon Federation

Lead Cook & Food Service Manager – Maine High Adventure

Seasonal Field Naturalist – Maine Audubon

Seasonal Environmental Educator – Maine Audubon

Retail Associate, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center – Maine Audubon

Executive Director – Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District

Baxter State Park Lands Manager – Baxter State Park Authority

The program will support the development of climate-informed land conservation, stewardship or communications plans that address one or more of the following issues: habitat resilience, carbon mitigation or community adaptation to climate impacts such as stronger storms, flooding, drought, fire or extreme heat.

Proposals that address the inequitable burdens of climate change and environmental racism on Black, Indigenous and People of Color and low-income communities are encouraged.

This Friday, May 13, from 2-3:15pm, an informational webinar is being offered where prospective applicants can learn more. Register for the session here. Interested organizations are also welcome to contact Hallie Schwab at OSI or Kelly Watkinson at the Land Trust Alliance with any questions about the program.

See a list of grants and technical support awarded in 2021. Learn more including details on how to apply on the Land Trust Alliance website.