What becomes possible when we let a place change us? This sermon, first shared in the Evening Chapel on Star Island, reflects on how love of place evolves into attention, gratitude, and responsibility. Weaving together the words of Rachel Field, Celia Thaxter, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and R. P. T. Coffin with the story of my family’s Maine island, I invite you to notice the places that have claimed you—and to listen for what those places ask in return.

Maine's 2025 Wildlife Action Plan: Why Private Land Matters More Than Ever

An LLC is one of the most practical tools available to Maine families who want to protect their land, simplify shared ownership, and plan for what comes next.

The 2026 Maine Land Conservation Conference is April 28–29 in Augusta. Two days of workshops, peer connection, and interesting conversation about what it takes to protect land in this state for the benefit of all. See you there!

A conservation easement protects your land's conservation values — it doesn't hand over the keys. Public access is a negotiated term, not a default. Many easements include none at all.

Maine’s current use programs make land stewardship more affordable by lowering taxes based on how the land is used today, helping owners keep farmland, forest, open space, or waterfront property intact and full of future options.

Thoughtful land planning turns complex options into values-driven decisions that allow families to sustain their land and their relationships.

Today, while on a bike ride, I listened to Buddhist & environmental activist Joanna Macy read her translation of Rilke's Ninth Duino Elegy…