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 978 acres and holds easements on 285 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
Our mission is to protect and restore the lands and waters necessary to sustain biodiversity in the upper Sheepscot River watershed region through conservation easements, land acquisition, 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 and Volunteer 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, nature walks, canoe outings, trail building, and various fundraising events such as hike-a-thons, slideshows, concerts, and lotteries. The diverse work and needs of a land trust can easily accommodate a wealth of interests, ideas and passion. Contact us today if you'd like to volunteer!
SWLA Staff
Anna Fiedler, Executive Director, has a PhD in Entomology and Ecology, as well as an M.S. in Entomology from Michigan State University. Anna is a Wisconsin native, and recently moved from Lansing, Michigan to Unity, Maine with her husband. She enjoys collaborating with multiple stakeholders to identify and carry out land management priorities. She is experienced at communication and outreach promoting the use of native plants and natural areas conservation. Her research findings are communicated to the public through two websites: www.nativeplants.msu.edu, and www.prairiefen.msu.edu. Anna also shares her commitment to the environment as a professor of Environmental Science online at Lansing Community College, and Environmental Sustainability at Unity College. She enjoys gardening, hiking and canoeing, berry picking, and knitting. She also loves sharing Nia, a movement practice done barefoot to music.
SWLA Board of Directors
Alysa Remsburg, President, is an Assistant Professor of Ecology at Unity College and conducts research on how forest and shoreline management change the habitat for diverse insect predators. Alysa has investigated effects of fallen logs, invasive species, shoreline landscaping, and logging practices on aquatic and terrestrial communities. She is fascinated by dragonflies and damselflies. Alysa loves all quiet outdoor activities, but especially cross-country skiing, hiking, and kayaking, and lives in Unity.
Larkspur Morton, vice president, first arrived in Maine via an Appalachian Trail thru-hike 1997. Prior to that, she conducted graduate research in Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru at a research station directed by Dr. John Terborgh. She received her Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from the University of California at Davis, and has taught for the Audubon Expedition Institute (AEI), Lesley University, Colby College, and U.C. Davis. Especially through the work with AEI’s Ecological Education and Leadership and Environmental Studies Programs, she has become conversant in education theory, leadership, facilitation, group process, cross-cultural understanding, ecological systems, conservation, and sustainability. She enjoys hiking, camping, x-country skiing, gardening, and community. Larkspur lives with her husband in Montville.
Jay LaGore, treasurer, 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.
Jacomijn Schravesande-Gardei, secretary, has a M.Sc in Forest and Nature Conservation from the Wageningen University in the Netherlands. She has lived in Belfast since 2006 with her husband Chris and all their farm animals. She is the Associate Director of Crops for MOFGA Certification Services. Jaco is the coordinator for the Waldo Organic Growers group and is a member of the El Salvador Sistering Committee. She enjoys skiing, farming, hiking, traveling and reading.
Michael Cunning grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He has a BA in Economics from Brown Univ. He and his wife Elisabeth moved from coastal Oregon to Belfast in 1981. He is on the Belfast Harbor Committee, and is active in civic development. He is a real estate agent and a founding partner of the Pemaquid Oyster Co. He enjoys ice hockey, contemporary fiction and singing and playing music with friends.
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.
Emily Horton, B.S. Environmental Science, hails from Montville, ME where she grew up playing within the Sheepscot River watershed. She is a graduate of Lesley University's Audubon Expedition Institute. She has lived in Sri Lanka while volunteering for the European organization MondoChallenge, and in Costa Rica as the Sustainability Intern for The School For Field Studies. Emily has worked for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in Unity, Maine since 2010. She lives in Washington, ME where she enjoys playing with her chocolate Lab, Aldo, her chickens and her ducks.
Ryan Howes is a professional mountain guide, homeschooler, and owner of Maine Mountains Institute. He has a M.S. in Experiential Education and a B.S. in Adventure Therapy and Adventure Education Leadership. He volunteers as a high-angle search and rescuer on Mt. Katahdin and has worked extensively with diverse populations facilitating adventure-based learning. He lives in Morrill with his partner Shana and children Nnenaya and Dawud.
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. Erica lives in Montville.
Buck O'Herin was SWLA’s first Executive Director from 2006-2011 after serving on the SWLA Board from 1999-2006. He has returned to the SWLA Board. Buck 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.
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.