The Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance (SWLA) is one of more than 90 nonprofit land trusts in Maine. It was formed in 1991 by a group of concerned Montville residents in response to the impending development of 47 acres surrounding a marsh. SWLA is a local, grass roots organization committed to identifying and protecting lands in the upper Sheepscot River region that have ecological, or esthetic significance. This includes lands within Palermo, Liberty, Montville and Freedom in Waldo County. SWLA currently owns over 500 acres and holds easements on nearly 300 more.
Why Have A Land Trust?
Maine is changing rapidly as population and development increase. Planning and actions that we undertake now help to ensure the continuing existence of open space, a valued tradition in Maine. Conserved lands also help to maintain wildlife habitat and restore the ecological health of our environment. These lands require few or no town services yet are open to the public and contribute significantly to our quality of life by offering opportunities to interact with the natural world that include exploring, hiking, skiing, fishing and hunting. Working with a land trust is a way for people to determine what lands in their communities deserve protection.
Upper Sheepscot Watershed
Several pristine wetlands feed streams that join together as the source of the Sheepscot River. Rugged glacial ridges stretching north to south provide enchanting views of forest and rolling farmland. Expansive tracts of open space provide productive wildlife habitat for a multitude of species. Stonewalls and foundations are reminders of the rich heritage of small family farms.
Mission
We are committed to the permanent protection and restoration of the lands, waters and indigenous species within the upper Sheepscot River watershed through conservation easements, land acquisition, environmental advocacy and education
How A Land Trust Works
Land protection is accomplished by a few different methods. Land can be purchased by a land trust, land can be donated to a land trust or a landowner can place a conservation easement on their property. A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization that protects the special features of a property in perpetuity.
In granting a conservation easement, the landowner retains title to the property while the land trust holds the easement and becomes steward of the property. This responsibility involves monitoring the property annually and ensuring that terms of the easement are upheld. An easement may restrict certain changes and activities on the land such as clear cutting, mining, subdividing and road building. Landowners decide how to tailor an easement to ensure their specific interests will be met. An easement is attached to the property deed and remains in effect forever, assuring the compliance of future owners with the terms of an easement and thus assuring protection of the land. Benefits to a landowner, besides the satisfaction of knowing the land will be protected, include property and estate tax benefits.
Membership Opportunities
SWLA depends on volunteers for its existence. Members provide time, energy, expertise, creativity and financial help through annual dues. If you believe it’s important to protect our natural heritage, and to educate and connect people to the natural world, then joining SWLA is one way that can happen. In addition to land preservation work SWLA also sponsors or participates in ecology workshops, environmental monitoring, nature walks, canoe outings, trail building, and various fundraising events such as slideshows, concerts, art sales and yard sales. The diverse work and needs of a land trust can easily accommodate a wealth of interests, ideas and passion.
SWLA Board of Directors
Glenn Ritch, President, has a degree in Healthcare Administration from George Washington University. He worked in healthcare administration for 25 years before co-founding Tamworth Healthcare Consultants, a firm specializing in leadership development and organizational change. He is a past board member of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Alysa Remsburg, Secretary, has a PhD in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin and is an Assistant Professor of Conservation Biology at Unity College. Her research interests include: biology education and human influence on community ecology. She enjoys hiking, biking, African dance and drumming.
Read Brugger, Treasurer, is a retired postal worker. Before moving to Freedom, Maine in 1983, he helped create and preserve community gardens in Boston. He still enjoys gardening and edible landscaping. He has been chair of the Freedom Recreation Committee, coordinated and coached in a youth basketball program, and been a school board director.
Charles Fletcher lives in Montville with his wife and two children. He grew up in New Hampshire’s Upper Connecticut River valley, an area that has seen tremendous development within his lifetime. He enjoys hiking, camping, gardening.
JoAnna Greenwood has a B.S. in Environmental Education from Unity College and has taught environmental education, science and biology. Most recently she worked as an environmental educator for Islesboro Islands Trust. She lives in Brooks with her husband and two children. JoAnna enjoys gardening, canoeing and x-country skiing.
Ben Hatfield lives in Montville with his wife and two children in a house that he built and heats with wood cut on his property. Ben has traveled extensively in the U.S. and has done nearly every type of work related to fish; from selling fish over the counter and working in a fish hatchery, to halibut fishing in Alaska. Ben attended Sterling College and loves to play music and write songs. Ben is now a full time student at U. Maine.
Erika Latty has a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University and is an Assistant Professor of Botany at Unity College. Her research interests focus on human accelerated changes to forested ecosystems, particularly in regards to introduced species and forest management practices. She enjoys hiking, canoeing, and spending time with her family.
Jay LaGore has lived in Montville since 1974. He is a retired home builder and engineer and currently serves on the Town of Montville Board of Selectpersons. He is a past board member of the Maine Solar Energy Association. He is a volunteer at MOFGA and enjoys sailing along the Maine coast.
Bernice Nadler has a degree in studio art from Oberlin College. She later acquired an associate degree in natural resource management with a concentration in land surveying. She works as a land surveyor and at FEDCO Seeds Cooperative. She is a registered Maine sea kayak guide.
Connie O'Brient
Cindy Thomashow has a M.Ed and has taught environmental studies for more than 20 years. At Antioch New England Graduate School she was the Director of Environmental Education and she now teaches at Unity College. From 1998 to 2008 she was the Director of the Center for Environmental Education Online and she is a past Board member of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Karin Wittman has a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management from Colorado State University. She works as Field Faculty for the Audubon Expedition Institute. She has an extensive background in environmental education, wilderness travel, and sustainability. Karin lives in Searsmont.
Buck O'Herin, Executive Director, served on the SWLA Board from 1999-2006. He became SWLA’s first Executive Director in 2006. He has a M.S. in Environmental Education and a B.S. in Secondary Education. He has taught for the National Audubon Society Expedition Institute, Unity College, Sterling College and The Community School in Camden, Maine. He is a Maine Guide and an avid backpacker and canoeist. He lives in Montville with his partner and daughter.