One of the most remarkable things about the Land & Garden Preserve is the number of people who care deeply about it. Some of that care takes the form of the daily work accomplished by our team. Across the gardens and natural lands of the Preserve, our gardeners, land stewards, and greenhouse teams spend the whole year tending plants, maintaining trails, and preparing landscapes for the season ahead. Others contribute through volunteer service, offering their time and knowledg

As spring returns to Mount Desert Island, we’re delighted to share the opening dates for the Preserve’s beloved gardens, each one offering its own seasonal magic. Online reservations on the Preserve's website :  Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden visits: reservations open on March 20   Guided Field Walks and Garden Tours: reservations open on May 6* Asticou Azalea Garden Lantern Stroll: reservations open on May 6* *May 20 for non-members   Photo by Bob Thayer Asticou Azalea Gar

As we head into spring, a friendly reminder that the Preserve’s seasonal dog leash policies go back into effect on May 1, 2026. For the safety of wildlife, visitors, and your pups, all dogs must be kept on leash between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. through September. Policies are in effect year-round at Hunters Cliffs and on the trails around Thuya Garden where dogs must always be leased. Dogs are not permitted on Harbor Brook Trail. Before your next walk, please take a moment to revie

When Andy Brand talks about plants, his whole face lights up. It’s the unmistakable glow of someone who has spent a lifetime, quite literally, growing things. Andy grew up in the northeastern corner of Connecticut, in a family where agriculture wasn’t just an interest, but a way of life. His father, a professor in agricultural economics at the University of Connecticut, also ran the two-year agriculture school and served as interim dean more times than Andy can count. The fam

Geology was certainly not my first love, but geology has grown on me since I learned to use it to better understand the living landscape around me. For example, soil can influence the plants found in a given area, while simultaneously telling us about the past. In this article I will describe some soil found at Little Long Pond natural lands and the historic environment in which it was formed. I dig a lot of holes. Setting posts, setting rocks, building trails, and planting

The Preserve honors the lives and legacies of two wonderful individuals who brought out the best in people with their kindness, humility, and warmth. Their presence will be profoundly missed at the Preserve and across Mount Desert Island. Sheldon (left) and Cliff (right) participate in volunteer lands maintenance with the Preserve team led by Director of Natural Lands, Tate Bushell (center). Sheldon Goldthwait, Jr 1938 – 2026 Sheldon’s deep roots on Mount Desert Island shaped

Dive into the inner workings of a healthy garden by watching the recording of our February 25 webinar, “Understanding and Managing Pests for Healthy and Resilient Gardens.” Cassie Banning, the Preserve’s Director of Farm & Gardens, shares an inside look at the pests commonly found in our gardens and the thoughtful, sustainable strategies we use to manage them. The presentation is followed by a lively Q&A with members of our gardening team, offering practical insights for gard

We are delighted to share the digital edition of our new biennial report, an inspiring look back at the past two years across the lands and gardens of the Preserve. Inside, you will find compelling stories and beautiful photography that capture the dedication, stewardship, and creativity that shaped this remarkable period. Explore the full report and celebrate all that we have accomplished together. Return to the newsletter.

If you’re like me, during the cold and dark months of winter you may spend quite a bit of time dreaming of the ebullient spirit of a garden in midsummer...

The Preserve is honored to share exciting news. Longtime supporter and former board director Eileen Rockefeller Growald...

Every path, stone wall, and planting at the Land & Garden Preserve holds a story...

The Preserve, in partnership with Maine Coast Heritage Trust, has taken an exciting step to permanently protect 168 acres of forest, cliffs, and wetlands

Behind every garden, trail, and landscape at the Preserve is a team of remarkably skilled and dedicated professionals...

Sometimes all it takes to spark a newsletter story is a curious question from a thoughtful visitor...

This fall, I had the pleasure of taking our garden leadership team on a remarkable learning trip...

Learn how Preserve staff identify and mitigate damage from garden pests...

One of the privileges of leading the Land & Garden Preserve...

As autumn settles in, our gardens are preparing for their winter rest...