I would like to introduce you to a new friend of mine – The Bangor Land Trust.

Surprised? Didn’t realize we had a Land Trust here in Bangor? Maybe you are even wondering why we need or want a Land Trust. So please, take a moment and let me introduce you to an organization working for you, the citizens of the Bangor region, and the improvement of our community.

I won’t lie to you; I was myself unaware of the existence of the Bangor Land Trust just one year ago. I had no idea about the wonderful lands, projects and ideas this organization houses. I’m still learning myself, so let’s start from the beginning …

The Bangor Land Trust (fondly referred to as BLT) is a member-based organization founded in 2001. Currently we have 250 members, so clearly some of our Bangor neighbors are already acquainted with this great group. BLT is fortunate to currently have two dynamic part-time staff members, one who serves as our program coordinator and the other who is our environmental education and membership coordinator.

So what’s the Bangor Land Trust doing? Good question!

BLT serves the Bangor community by purchasing or receiving gifts of land – for all to enjoy. BLT gives willing landowners the opportunity to conserve the land that they love and receive some financial benefit. We then act as stewards for this land and ensure that future Bangor generations will have this land to enjoy – all reasons the Land Trust is here. Currently the BLT holds in trust for the citizens of our area more than 300 acres of land, most of which is located right here in Bangor. Much of this land you may already enjoy visiting such as Walden-Parke Preserve (off Essex Street), or North Penjajowoc that provides access to the Old Veazie Rail Road bed, allowing you to walk to the City Forest or Walden-Parke.

Our goals are to ensure that these special places, which many Bangor residents already use and care for, are protected for the public benefit and environmental health. We want to make sure that as Bangor grows and develops, we maintain the characteristics that make Bangor a great place to live, including beautiful scenery, a healthy environment and outdoor recreational opportunities. Currently we are proud to partner with the City of Bangor, Keep Bangor Beautiful, the Trust for Public Lands and many other organizations that serve you in achieving these goals. We also are extremely pleased to receive assistance from many of our local businesses and citizens.

As part of an ongoing effort to be part of the Bangor community, we will hold our new signature event – the First Annual Frogs, Logs and Bogs Bicycle Road Ride – generously presented by Merrill Bank and St. Joseph Healthcare along with other local sponsors on Oct. 14, 2007. We know the title is a bit of a mouthful, but joining us on this 20-mile ride will provide you with an opportunity to have fun and learn about what BLT is doing for our community.

Now that you know the Bangor Land Trust is out there – keep your eyes open. You’ll see us host talks on topics including great trail systems, wildlife resources of our area, walks to the great places of Bangor and many educational programs on our lands. We are working to be strong stewards for the land already under our care, and investigate opportunities to conserve additional land for the people of Bangor.

If BLT sounds like the kind of friend you would like to get to know, please visit our Web site at http://www.bangorlandtrust.org/ or call our offices at 942-1010. We welcome new members, partners, volunteers and just folks interested in what the Land Trust does.

Thank you for allowing me to make the introductions. I hope this is the start of a beautiful relationship!

Caroline Lundquist Noblet is a new member of the board of directors for the Bangor Land Trust and currently teaches at the School of Economics at the University of Maine.