From the desk of Lisa Linehan, Executive Director
Growing up, you could find me on a different sports team each season. Given my height, short arms, and little legs I would not be MVP, but that wasn’t why I played. For me, it was all about being part of a team. Sharing joy over our victories, sharing sorrow over a loss to our rival, working hard at practice before a big game, singing on the bus with our team’s “mixed tape” blaring on a boom box, going wild when my best friend knocked in the winning run, making banners and practicing chants for the homecoming celebrations – all of it was true camaraderie.
All these years later, I’m not any taller or getting picked first for a team, but I’m still fueled by camaraderie. In my five years with the Kittery Land Trust, it has become clear – we are part of something bigger and it’s pretty darn exciting! We are not just a little land trust working on our own in a silo – the KLT of today is strengthened by partnerships, more powerful because of col- laborations, and is part of a larger movement to better our community.
Land protection efforts are supported by the town of Kittery and our members. An amazing partnership with the Kittery School District connects our youth to the natural world. An army of volunteers is caring for KLT’s conserved properties and tending the fields at the farm. Collaborations with other non- profits are working to combat food insecurity in our region. Working groups within our community are joining forces for a “greener, cleaner Kittery”. Conversations are happening at the Block Party, in the Kittery Community Center, on the beaches, at the farm, in the woods, at meetings, and in restaurants that add to the momentum. The energy is palpable and instills a sense of pride knowing that the Kittery Land Trust is part of such an important movement.
Coretta Scott King was correct when she said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassion- ate actions of its members.” Within our community, we are safeguarding the environment, inspiring the next generation of stewards, supporting our neighbors in need, and making lasting relationships that create pure joy. Thanks to all who make me so proud to be on this team – Kittery for the win!
With gratitude, Lisa