The Maine Land Conservation Conference
The Maine Land Conservation Conference Is Coming — and I'll Be There
Every spring, just before the weather gets irresistibly sublime, Maine's land conservation community gathers indoors. The 2026 Maine Land Conservation Conference, presented by Maine Coast Heritage Trust, takes place April 28–29 at the Augusta Civic Center — and Maine Land Legacy will make its debut at the Land Fair.
What’s This Conference?
If you work with land in Maine — whether you own it, protect it, or care for it — this is a conference worth attending. The Maine Land Conservation Conference is an annual two-day event that brings together land trust professionals, stewardship staff, scientists, attorneys, educators, volunteers, students and land owners from across the state. It's presented each year by Maine Coast Heritage Trust and organized in collaboration with the Maine Land Trust Network.
This year's theme centers on the evolution of conservation — how the conservation sector continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of local communities, their people, plants, wildlife, and environment.
What Happens?
Tuesday, April 28 features focused full-day workshops and a Land Fair with networking — including sessions on trail projects, leadership strategies for conservation organizations, and topical cohort gatherings for executives, educators, and regional partnerships
Wednesday, April 29 opens with a plenary session featuring Forrest King-Cortes, Director of Community-Centered Conservation at the Land Trust Alliance, followed by 16 concurrent workshops across two sessions and a collaborative closing panel
The 2026 Espy Land Heritage Award will be presented on Wednesday, honoring outstanding contributions to Maine's land legacy
The Land Fair — where I will be both days — is where organizations, service providers and exhibitors share their offerings and connect with attendees.
Why I'm Going
I attended unaffiliated for many years before working at a land trust, because I wanted to learn how to help my own family care for our conserved land, and help my friends and neighbors understand their conservation options. It was also a great place to get ideas for new hikes!
Now, I'm attending to learn current trends and challenges and deepen the network of people I can call on when a family needs expertise. Working with Maine families to navigate land succession and legacy decisions, being connected in this community is key.
I'd love to meet you at the Land Fair. See you in Augusta!
