Advancing forest protection efforts at Reed Forest with Apple and The Conservation Fund

Magalloway lands and waters: More than 78,000 acres in western Maine conserved

July 27, 2026

There are still places where mighty rivers run cold and clear, ancient mountains rise from the valley floor, forests stretch as far as the eye can see, wildlife moves freely, and people find a connection to something truly wild.

The Magalloway region is one of those places—and now, thanks to you, it is conserved for future generations.

Together, we’ve conserved more than 78,000 acres in western Maine and connected more than half a million acres, creating a conserved, connected landscape across the Maine–New Hampshire border. In doing so, we’ve safeguarded clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, sustainable working forests, public access, and a landscape that will continue to benefit people and nature for generations to come.

This historic achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of hundreds of supporters and the extraordinary partnership of The Magalloway Collaborative partners, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, Forest Society of Maine, Northeast Wilderness Trust, and The Nature Conservancy.

This is a story of what can happen when people come together around a shared vision. We invite you to take a moment to watch this celebration video and share this milestone with your family and friends.

Read more about the project at our conserved lands page: Magalloway lands and waters or on magalloway.org

Thank you for helping make conservation history.

Photo by Jerry Monkman of EcoPhotography.

Nearly 1000 Acres Conserved in Milford and Greenfield

July 19, 2026

Great news! Nearly 1,000 acres are now permanently conserved in Milford and Greenfield, Maine! Wells Forest abuts Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge and adds to a corridor of more than 40,000 acres of conserved lands from Milford to Amherst (northeast of Bangor).

Sunkhaze Stream runs through the property, creating wet meadows, small gorges, and excellent habitat for brook trout, inland waterfowl, and many other species. The forest will continue to be managed sustainably by the landowner, Bryan Wells.

Also adjacent to the easement is Bryan’s dark sky observatory where he photographs distant galaxies and nebulae. In a recent article with Bangor Daily News, Bryan said: “The goal is always to keep forests intact and from being fragmented, to protect them from development and to prevent sprawl,” he said. “It also has the added bonus of protecting the dark skies we have in Maine, which helps everyone — including wildlife. And, well, it’s great for astrophotography too, though that’s just a nice bonus for me personally.”

A tremendous thank you to everyone who helped make this project a success, including the Land for Maine’s Future program.

Read more about the landowner’s history with the land here: Old Town man carries on his late wife’s legacy through their woodlot and observatory or on Bryan’s website: https://wellsforest.com/

Photos by Bryan and Pamela Wells.

Introducing our new Forestland Steward!

June 16, 2026

FSM would like to introduce you to our newest Forestland Steward, Rue Teel!

Rue got her BS in Wildlife & Conservation Biology with a minor in Forestry from UNH in 2019, and her MS in Natural Resources in 2025. She brings with her a background of stewardship and work for land trusts in southern New Hampshire, along with experience as a research scientist. Outside of work she loves to hike, swim, kayak, snowshoe, ski, read, and knit.

FSM is grateful to have her on board, stewarding the lands we help to conserve. Welcome, Rue!

Stetson Mountain Fund Celebration

June 3, 2026

In 2009, the Stetson Mountain Fund was established at FSM with funding from First Wind. This fund provides grants to local groups and communities seeking to maintain and enhance access to recreational opportunities in the Baskahegan Stream watershed, which arises from the slopes of Stetson Mountain in Washington County. In April, FSM celebrated 15 years of awarding grants, with a special event for past recipients and community members that included a morning tour of Baskahegan Landing, a walk at Harlow Trail, and a luncheon.

FSM is grateful for the opportunity to work with these local groups and fund projects that encourage recreation in the Baskahegan Stream watershed. This year, the Stetson Mountain Fund will support the following projects:

🌲 Woodie Wheaton Land Trust: Baskahegan Watershed Trail stewardship, including trail maintenance on the Cold Spring trail and East Grand Highlands trail

🌲 North Maine Woods: Support for grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming and trash removal of the parking and overflow area of the Baskahegan Landing

🌲Citizens Organization for Rural Education (CORE): Cold Spring Hill Hiking Trails Completion.

🌲Citizens Organization for Rural Education (CORE): The Baskahegan River Water Trails completion and remote campsite restoration

Welcoming our 2026 Swan Intern, Kaela Redman!

May 19, 2026

FSM would like to welcome our 2026 Swan Intern, Kaela Redman!

Kaela is a Master of Forest Conservation candidate at the University of Toronto and a recent Honours Bachelor of Arts graduate specializing in Forest Conservation and Environmental Studies. Her graduate work has focused on sustainable forest management, environmental policy and species at risk, oak wilt, and woodland caribou conservation. She is passionate about regeneration dynamics, forest pests and invasive species, environmental law, and community-centered conservation efforts.

Outside of her academic and professional work, Kaela enjoys exploring local trails and spotting new insects during hikes, sharing her passion for trees with her friends and family, and spending time out at camp. She is excited to work with FSM, explore hands-on experience with conservation easements, and spend time in the field!

The Swan Internship Program has been made possible by a generous bequest from long-time donors Hank and Freda Swan. To learn more about the program, visit our Swan Internship page.