L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program surpasses $550,000 for Maine conservation since 2004
Trail improvements, expanded parking, and new canoes for public use are among several outdoor recreation projects in Maine that recently received funding from L.L. Bean.
Nine land trusts across Maine were recently awarded a total of $65,000 through the L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program, which is administered by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT).
Entering its 21st year, the program supports public access, habitat protection, and outdoor recreation across the state of Maine. It has funded a total of $558,750 for 129 projects since 2004.
The 2025-2026 grants support nine priority conservation projects spanning the state, from York to Belgrade to Grand Lake Stream. Projects will provide new recreational access, expand ADA-accessible trails, improve ecological resilience, and enhance local connections to the outdoors.
“The entire land trust community continues to deeply appreciate L.L.Bean’s enduring investment in Maine’s lands, waters, wildlife, and communities,” said Angela Twitchell, senior director of community and government relations at MCHT. “As nonprofit organizations, Maine’s land trusts rely heavily on private donations and grants to carry out their work. Support from partners like L.L.Bean is essential to protecting the remarkable places that make Maine so special.”
This year’s awards include projects that will complete activities such as:
- Adding accessible trailheads, kiosks, and bridges in Kittery and Damariscotta
- Enhancing inclusive access at preserves in York and Trenton
- Restoring storm-damaged trails on conserved lands in Downeast Maine
- Providing canoes and gear for public use in Belgrade Lakes
Award details:
- Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust – $5,000
To construct a bridge as part of a new access road, parking area, and 2-mile multi-use hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country ski trail system at a newly acquired property called Watson Woods in Cumberland. - 7 Lakes Alliance – $4,000
To purchase paddling equipment and build a small boat rack at the public dock in Belgrade Lakes, expanding access for those without boats. - Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust – $8,500
To build an ADA-accessible trailhead and parking area for a new 950-foot accessible trail within the 100-acre Castner Brook Community Forest in Damariscotta. - Downeast Lakes Land Trust – $6,500
To complete an extension of the Dobsis Narrows Trail across challenging and storm-damaged terrain on the 2,015-acre Lakeville Forest Tract on Sysladobsis Lake. - Frenchman Bay Conservancy – $8,500
To add visitor amenities at the 168-acre Jordan River Preserve in Trenton, including a 15–20 car parking area, an eco-friendly composting toilet, and ADA-accessible picnic tables and benches. - Kittery Land Trust – $8,500
To improve public access to the 28-acre Pettigrew Major Preserve beside Shapleigh Middle School, adding kiosks, small bridges over wet areas, and a new parking area. - Loon Echo Land Trust – $10,000
To support three to four weeks of professional trail work — stone staircases, tread hardening, and erosion control — on heavily used trails at Pleasant Mountain. - Three Rivers Land Trust – $5,500
To improve a logging road trail and restore wetlands on the west side of the 547-acre Sanford Community Forest, connecting to the Sanford Rail Trail. - York Land Trust – $8,500
To make Near Point Preserve more inclusive and accessible, expanding access for people with mobility challenges and for non-English speakers.
In addition to the nine project grants, L.L.Bean provided the following awards to MCHT:
- $5,000 for administrative support of the Maine Land Trust Grant Program
- $5,000 to sponsor the Maine Land Conservation Conference, Maine’s largest annual gathering of land trust professionals and volunteers
The 2025 Census Report from the Maine Land Trust Network shows that land trusts now care for nearly 3 million acres — close to 15 percent of the state — while supporting efforts that range from restoring marshes and rivers to improving fish passage and maintaining trail systems.
“The support of partners like L.L.Bean helps make this work possible,” Twitchell said.
