WHO WE ARE

We envision a thriving region where protected lands and healthy waters sustain vibrant ecosystems, resilient communities, and equitable access to the outdoors for all. By integrating conservation, stewardship, and education, we aim to inspire a lasting legacy of environmental connection and climate resilience.

Our Values

Effective Long-Term Impact and Viability: We value the long-term health and effectiveness of our organization, ensuring that our financial resources and operational capacity are responsibly managed to support our mission, advance strategic priorities, and maximize our impact and viability for generations to come.

Community Connection: We prioritize meaningful engagement with local communities, ensuring that conservation efforts reflect shared values and enhance access to natural spaces.

Sustainability and Resilience: We focus on protecting lands and waters that support biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and safeguard future generations.

Equity and Inclusion: We are dedicated to making nature accessible and welcoming to all, addressing barriers and fostering inclusivity in our work and partnerships.

Collaboration and Partnerships: We value the strength of working together with municipalities, organizations, and individuals to amplify our collective impact.

Stewardship Excellence: We uphold a commitment to maintaining the integrity, ecosystem health, and usability of the lands we conserve - for wildlife and humans - through active and adaptive management.

Transparency and Accountability: We build trust through clear communication, responsible decision-making, and a commitment to community input in shaping our goals.

Education and Advocacy: We empower communities through education about conservation and advocate for policies that protect water quality, wildlife, and open spaces.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gretchen Anderson, Buxton
David Cole, Gorham
Chris Goodall, Gorham
Amanda Lessard, Westbrook
Jim McBride, Windham
Casey Skovran, Westbrook
Matt Streeter, Portland
Sandy Truslow, Standish
Mikki vanSummern, Windham

Staff

William Sedlack
Executive Director
(207) 839-4633, will@prlt.org

Will began as the Executive Director of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust in 2023. He has been in the nonprofit and education fields for over a decade, working for Maine Conservation Voters and the Gorham School System. Will also worked for Friends of Casco Bay, Calendar Island Mussels, and Maine Farmland Trust as a legal fellow. Will has a Law Degree from the University of Maine School of Law and a Master of Policy, Planning, and Management from the Muskie School of Public Service at USM. In his free time, Will enjoys fly fishing, cross-country skiing, gardening, walking, and getting outdoors with his wife, Maye.

Toby Jacobs
Program Manager
(207) 536-8623, toby@prlt.org

Toby began working at the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust in 2016. He has spent over 15 years working for environmental organizations and has a Master’s in Conservation Biology. Internationally, he has managed conservation projects in Costa Rica and Honduras. In Maine, he has surveyed the City of Portland’s trees, managed volunteers in Portland’s urban gardens, monitored shellfish areas for the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and maintained miles of land trust trails. He also serves as a Board Member of the Freeport Conservation Trust. In his free time, Toby enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, and exploring the Maine woods with his family.

History

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust was founded in 1986 and has conserved land in Gorham, Gray, Sebago, Standish, Windham and Westbrook.  Windham Land Trust was founded in 2000 and had conserved lands in Gorham, Gray, and Windham.  Gorham Trails Inc, a town land trust in Gorham, had conserved lands in Gorham, Windham and Westbrook. The three land trusts shared much of the same coverage area, along with many members and values–making the three organizations a natural fit to merge.

Founded in 1989, Presumpscot River Watch uses volunteers to sample and test water quality at points on the Presumpscot River and its tributaries. This work has now become an ongoing program of our land trust called the Water Quality Monitoring Program.

In October 2016, members of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, Windham Land Trust, and Presumpscot River Watch voted to merge as one organization with the name Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.

In September of 2017, members of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and Gorham Trails Inc voted to incorporate all Gorham Trails Inc’ conserved lands within the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.

To learn more about our vision and long-term plans, see our Strategic Plan.