Before I was old enough to appreciate the effort behind their action, my father and his brothers placed a conservation easement on the land that raised them, and three generations before them. That decision deeply shaped my own values, education, and work—showing me how family choices create engrained relationships to place.

Rooted in Maine, my life reflects a steady pull toward nature. I’ve seen and felt how sharing time outdoors inspires people to protect the places that bring them together—whether through permanent conservation or creative ways of passing caregiving through generations.

With an MS in Resource Management & Conservation, I’ve worked with organizations dedicated to access and stewardship, including Teens to Trails, Maine GearShare, the Maine Island Trail Association, and several local land trusts. My path as an advocate, advisor, nonprofit leader, mentor, and outdoor educator has given me practical tools to help others create lasting legacies through collaborative planning, patient processes, and a deep respect for the relationships they have to each other and their land.

Personal experience informs my work the most. I am part‑owner of a permanently protected island, a neighborhood meadow in a National Historic District, and a multi‑generation ski house, and I’ve been both a member and manager of LLCs. I’ve seen how a thoughtful operating agreement can free families to enjoy their time together, instead of getting stuck in logistics. I’d love to help you explore creative, thoughtful options for how your land can carry your family’s legacy forward.

• Alicia Pulsifer Heyburn