MLTN Infoline – October 1, 2025
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Save the Date for Conference 2026
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Yes, it’s already time to start thinking about next year’s Maine Land Conservation Conference! Following in the mold of this year’s event, we’ll be holding the Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 & 29 at the Augusta Civic Center. The format will be similar, with a few tweaks based on feedback we received. Our focus this year will be the evolution of conservation and how it is growing to meet the needs of local communities – their people, plants, wildlife, and environment. Please mark your calendars and plan accordingly so you can join us for all the fun! We also want to let you know that the official Call for Workshop Proposals will be going out next week. We’re looking for proposals for 90-minute, interactive workshops that will take place on Wednesday, April 29. We also have limited slots available for longer format workshops on Tuesday morning, and topical cohort gatherings on Tuesday afternoon. Field workshops could also be possible on Tuesday, if they can be held at a location close to the Civic Center. Keep an eye on this newsletter and our website for the official announcement.
We do hope you’ll plan to be part of the Conference in 2026,
Angela, Megan, Donna, Katia, and Jeff
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More Regional Meetings Coming Right Up
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We would love to see you at our upcoming Regional Land Trust Meetings! Here is the schedule:
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Wentworth Leadership Program
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Complete an interest form now! Across America, land trusts are redefining what it means to advance conservation. Why are some land trusts so innovative? And how can more land trusts get to that level?
That’s what the Wentworth Leadership Program is for. Created by the Land Trust Alliance, this premiere leadership development opportunity is designed to meet the needs of executive directors who have reached a high skill level in their careers but still desire a more advanced set of leadership skills to assist them in navigating organizational needs unique to land conservation and that all land trusts face at some point.
The multi-year program starts with a training retreat for executive directors. The next year, each executive director is joined by a board member for a second retreat. Coached by top experts, participants explore mission and strategy, leadership skills, financial management and fundraising. Then they put their ideas into action, with targeted, small grants from the Alliance to move them forward.
The Alliance is looking for leaders from land trusts that are poised for growth (we know there are a lot of you here in Maine!) and empower them to make it happen. To learn more about the program and to fill out an interest form, visit LTA’s website.
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Partnerships for Indigenous Land Access and Return: a summary of legal and relational pathways
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Partnerships for Indigenous Land Access and Return, co-authored by Lisa Wilson of Takoma Peak Solutions, Forrest King-Cortes of the Land Trust Alliance, and Diana Ruiz of the Native Land Conservancy, introduces a spectrum of approaches to land access and return, focusing on strategies and solutions that have been developed in partnership by land trusts and tribes or Indigenous-led organizations. The approach descriptions are supplemented with case studies highlighting successful partnerships, wisdom and lessons learned from those leading this work and a collection of resources for continued learning. You can view and download the guide at LTA’s website, even if you’re not a member.
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What Are Cybersecurity Essentials for Nonprofits?
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Wednesday, October 15, 2025 via Zoom 3:00-4:00pm
Cost: FREE
Worried about nonprofit cybersecurity? You aren’t alone. The nonprofit sector is seeing new attacks and politicization of work that was never political before. Most attacks we are seeing in our networks are still financial, not political – but that doesn’t make being a victim of these attacks better. AI is changing cybersecurity needs rapidly.
If you aren’t sure what you need to know, or who to ask, learn from a panel of experts, who will discuss cybersecurity essentials for nonprofits in accessible language, and lay out a plan for any nonprofit to put the basics of cybersecurity in place. Secure your devices, secure your accounts, secure your data, and ensure you have governance policies in place.
Learn more and register at Community IT’s website.
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Funding Opportunities Through OSI’s Appalachian Landscapes Project
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Informational webinar on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 1:00pm via Zoom
Applications due: Friday, December 5, 2025 for both Capital and Catalyst funding
The Open Space Institute (OSI) is pleased to announce two new complementary funding opportunities through OSI’s Appalachian Landscapes Project to support conservation efforts across the 18 states of the Appalachian Mountains region. Stretching from Alabama to Maine and into Quebec, the Appalachians are the longest intact north-south migration corridor in the eastern United States, a globally important climate refuge, and the home to 26 million Americans. (Tip: most of Maine is located in the designated area!)
OSI staff will provide a free informational webinar at 1:00pm on October 8 that will cover funding guidelines and criteria, as well as review the application process. Register for the webinar here. Once registered you will receive a confirmation email with a unique login link to join the session.
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Strengthening Board Leadership for Organizational Resiliency
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Thursday, October 16, 2025 via Zoom 10:00-11:30am
Presenter: Andy Robinson
Cost: $40.50 for MLTN members*, $45 for non-members This event possible thanks to a partnership between Maine Association of Nonprofits and Common Good Vermont
In an era of rapid changes and uncertainty, how should board members respond? What’s the board’s role prioritizing and realigning programs, building strategic partnerships, and re-thinking your organization’s revenue model? How can the board help to ensure success and sustainability? Join this provocative, interactive webinar to discuss:
Learn more and get link to register on partner website at MANP’s website.
*Most MLTN members are MANP members. Contact us to check your organization’s MLTN membership status.
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Designing Meetings (+ Retreats, Convenings, and more) That Matter
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Thursday, October 16, 2025 via Zoom
12:00-1:30pm
Cost: $40 for MANP members*, $50 for non-members In a world where time is our most valuable resource, gatherings must do more than just fill the calendar. They can and should serve as catalysts for achieving your organization’s mission. In this session, you’ll learn Gather Better’s 5-step framework for designing events that foster connection, inspire action, and drive impact. Drawing from real-life case studies, leave with a clear game plan to transform your next gathering into a purpose-driven experience that propels your organization’s mission forward.
Learn more and get link and code to register at MANP’s website.
*Most MLTN members are MANP members. Contact us to check your organization’s MLTN membership status.
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Environmental Justice 101: Land Trust Allyship in Environmental Justice Work
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Wednesday, October 22, 2025 via Zoom
2:00-3:30pm Cost: $75 for LTA members, $140 for non-members
What is environmental justice? How does environmental justice relate to land conservation? How can your land trust be an ally to support environmental justice in your area? Join environmental justice advocates Olga Bautista, Magali Rojas and Anna-Liza Victory for a roundtable discussion on why and how land trusts can thoughtfully engage. Land trust staff, volunteers and board members will leave this panel-style webinar with answers to these and other questions. Learn more and register at LTA’s website.
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Jobs in the Conservation Sector
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Here are your new job postings for this week. View the full list any time on our website. Land Protection Director, Appalachians Program – The Nature Conservancy
Training Coordinator – Maine Conservation Corps
Planning & Research Associate II (Conservation Easement Monitor) – Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands
Field Team Leader/Roving Leader – Maine Conservation Corps
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Quadratec Cares ‘Energize The Environment’ Grant Program
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Essays must be submitted by 11:59pm on October 30 for the fall grant Over the years, Quadratec has proudly awarded environmental-restoration grants to scores of groups and individuals through their Quadratec Cares Restoration for Recreation program. In the process, they’ve seen trails and off-road facilities from Maine to California benefit. But more importantly, they understand that another great way to promote environmental responsibility is to energize those in the community who have a vision, a sense of responsibility, for making our environmental world a better place.
Starting this year they are asking you – or your organization – to tell them why you feel you’d make a great fit for their grant program. They are offering two $3,500 environmental grants per year – one each in the spring and fall – to an individual or group currently pursuing a program or initiative designed to benefit our environment. Some examples would be:
Interested individuals or groups should submit a 1000-1600 word essay to that paints a picture of who you or your organization are, what drives and inspires you or your organization, what you or the organization are looking to accomplish, and how you plan to apply our grant to your project. Please submit your essay as a PDF (preferred) or Microsoft Word document to be eligible for consideration.
Learn more on their website.
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