MLTN Infoline – September 8, 2021

Over the past year, a working group of MLTN representatives and other contributors from around the state have been meeting (by Zoom) to talk, learn, and explore together how we can support Maine land trusts who are working on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In July, we had our first meeting to share with all of MLTN some of what we’ve gleaned so far. This fall, we will continue that process with three website posts-we’re calling them episodes-and three Zoom meetings to share and talk together about how we are learning to think differently about land trusts and how we operate. The Zoom meetings will take place on:

We hope you’ll sign up for the meetings (registration is required) and follow the episodes with us. We also invite you to check out our new page on the website where we’ll be sharing the episodes and some of our learnings to date.

Friday, September 24th, 2021

The Land for Maine’s Future Board and staff are working to determine a strategy and guidelines for allocating the $40 million appropriated by the legislature in July. Attend the next LMF Board meeting (September 24 at 9 am) to learn more about when the program may begin taking applications and how they plan to invest the new funds. 

 

LMF board meetings are open to the public and still being held virtually. Click here for more information and the link to join the meeting.

Monday, October 4th, 2021

2:00-3:30pm

Cost: Free but registration is required

Instructor: Christine Feurt, certified trainer

A Crucial Conversation is a discussion between two or more people where the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong. When conversations turn crucial, people tend to follow one of two ineffective paths: they either speak directly and abrasively to get the results they want but harm relationships, or they remain silent with the hope of preserving relationships only to sacrifice results.

 

This webinar introduces the Crucial Conversations concept and materials to the Maine Land Trust Network as a resource for building skills for high stakes conversations that advance conservation goals across the state. It is particularly relevant to the work many land trusts are now doing to reach out to new audiences and reckon with our history.

 

Learn more and register on the MLTN website.

Three sessions, Sept. 16-30, 2021

3:00-4:30pm

Cost: $100 with MANP Member discount*

Made possible thanks to a partnership between Maine Association of Nonprofits and Washington Nonprofits

This three-part series led by Third Sector Company is focused on creating a culture of accountability in your nonprofit. It has been designed for board leadership and the executive, as well as the consultants and management support organizations who support them, to engage in developing, monitoring, and evaluating performance goals for each of the critical elements of a successful organization: Governance, management, and organizational performance. Weekly sessions will cover:

All sessions will be recorded and each recording and all materials and resources will be sent to registered participants. MANP is offering registration for the series only.

 

Learn more including learning objectives for each session on MANP’s website.

 

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

Four Wednesdays this September and October, choose one or all

1:00-2:00pm

Cost: $50 each, save $25 if your sign up for all four

Donor relations guru Lynn Wester has deep experience as a nonprofit fundraiser. Although she is not a certified DEI trainer, Lynn’s background in this work allows her to feel comfortable leading uncomfortable discussions. Join her for a series of tough conversations about how we can make our work more inclusive and create change within our organizations.

 

This series will be part content, part conversation—and you’ll walk away with a better understanding around how to have difficult conversations with your leadership, staff, and donors. Register now.

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021

10:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $45 for MANP members*; $65 for nonmembers

Made possible thanks to a partnership between the Maine Association of Nonprofits and Washington Council of Nonprofits

Leadership that embeds anti-bias practices creates a workplace culture that authentically welcomes, supports, and values people for all of who they are. This workshop will introduce participants to anti-bias leadership practices. These practices affirm healthy complex identities of staff and constituents, model respect and appreciation of differences, and appropriately respond to bias-based mistreatment as it appears in order to create equity and belonging in the workplace for all.

 

Learn more and register at the MANP website.

 

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

Deadline to apply is October 15th. Course runs from January through October 2022.

Cost: $650 covers instruction, field guides, naturalist equipment, and other materials

Maine Master Naturalist Program’s vision is to develop a statewide network of Master Naturalists who educate and inspire the public to understand, value, and protect Maine’s natural world. Toward that end, students participate in rigorous classes and field experiences focused on Maine’s flora and fauna, and ecological principles. Classes are held one Wednesday evening and one Saturday per month, with homework required throughout the term of the course. Students are also required to complete a capstone project, shadow nature educators, and share their knowledge and enthusiasm for Maine’s natural world by volunteering with schools, land trusts, nature centers, parks, or conservation organizations. In 2022, the course will be offered at Wells Reserve at Laudholm and at Washington County Community College in Calais.

 

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm and the Maine Master Naturalist Program are sponsoring fellowships for two students in the 2022 Maine Master Naturalist Program Wells Reserve training course who are Black, persons of color, or members of the Wabanaki peoples or another Indigenous group. The sponsorship will cover the $650 cost of tuition. To apply, complete the application for the Wells program and indicate your wish to to be considered for this fellowship. More information on the MMNP website.

Quite a few positions have been added in the past few weeks. Click here for full list.

 

Stewardship Manager – Cape Elizabeth Land Trust

Land Agent – Moose Mountain Regional Greenways

Finance Manager – Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Land Protection Specialist – Midcoast Conservancy

Stewardship Assistant – York Land Trust

Land Steward – 7 Lakes Alliance

Collaborative Coordinator – Boothbay Region Land Trust

Deputy Director – Western Foothill Land Trust

Project Coordinator – 12 Rivers Conservation Initiative

Stewardship Director – Downeast Coastal Conservancy

Development & Communications Coordinator – Coastal Mountains Land Trust

Applications for current round due: September 19th, 2021

Applications for next round due: November 19th, 2021

onX, a company that creates navigation apps for “adventurers,” is accepting applications to help fund public recreation access and land stewardship projects across the country. onX has worked with land trusts in Montana since 2018 and is expanding this funding opportunity nationally for the first time. Applications will be accepted for projects focused on access and stewardship. Grant amounts will generally be between $7,500 and $15,000.

 

Learn more and apply at the onX website.