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Friends of Unity Wetlands


Question:

How can Friends of Unity Wetlands transition to its new name - Sebasticook Regional Land Trust - without losing its existing successes and supporters?

Mission:  To recognize and conserve Central Maine’s rich wild and working landscape through land protection and public education.

Programs:

Land Protection & Stewardship: Conservation portfolio includes >3000 acres in five towns

Education: Nature-based programs for all ages, speaker series and workshops for adults.  More than 225 children and families and 150 adults served

Public Outreach: Public engagements and events designed to raise public awareness and mission support

History:

2004: Founded by local landowners and state staff

2005: Successful Board fund-raising allowed hire of full-time Executive Director

2006: Opened Education Center on Main St. in Unity

2007: Expanded Service Area beyond the Unity Wetlands Focus Area to include

watersheds of three streams flowing through the Focus Area

2008: Part-time Programs Assistant hired.

2009: AmeriCorps volunteer added to staff. Service area expanded to the Sebasticook River Watershed and new name adopted (Sebasticook Regional Land Trust) to go into effect in 2010.  $1.5 million raised to date for land protection.

Organizational Structure: FUW is governed by a 15-member board of directors.  Six board members are founding members.  Jennifer Irving has served as full-time Executive Director since 2005. Additional staff: part-time Programs Assistant and full-time Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator (AmeriCorps Volunteer).

Financials: The 2009 Budget is $389,420

Revenues:                                              Expenses:

Federal, State & Municipal: $278,900    Programs: $378,920

Foundation Grants: $80,000                   Land Protection:  $361,790

Individuals:  $   24,000                          Education: $11,167

Other:  $6,520                                     Outreach: $6,013

                                                       Management/General: $10,450

Demographics: FUW has traditionally served nine agricultural communities in rural Waldo and Kennebec Counties.  The service area expands to include all 25 communities in the Sebasticook River Watershed in 2010.  The expanded region remains predominantly rural, with “cities” of Waterville/Winslow, Newport and Pittsfield. 

Growth Goal: Increased fund-raising income, specifically increased individual giving.  Expanded membership and programs throughout the Sebasticook Watershed.

Strengths: Young but ambitious organization with significant conservation success in our first 5 years. Passionate and committed staff.

Challenges: Limited recognition beyond residents of Unity and our project partners.  Narrow support base relative to our service area. Securing operational funding is a greater challenge every year.

http://www.friendsofunitywetlands.org/