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...

The Preserve is excited to welcome three incredibly talented individuals to our leadership team...

Amid the beauty of the gardens and landscapes, the Preserve is home to a collection of treasured objects...

Two weeks ago I had the great opportunity to study the Asteraceae (aka composite family)...

This summer, the Preserve accomplished a remarkable feat of restoration, artistry, and stewardship...