We connect our community to the land through outdoor recreation and education
In wildness lies the preservation of the world” – Henry David Thoreau
KLT promotes environmental literacy and appreciation of the natural world in our community. Our goal is to provide educational and recreational alternatives to our tech-focused culture. The tool we use is what we have always done and are really good at – protecting special natural places in Kittery. This provides the ‘stage’ upon which programs and activities can occur.
KLT’s education program strives to:
- connect adults to the natural wonder and beauty that surrounds us in Kittery
- provide outdoor recreational opportunities to families
- ensure that today’s children have the environmental literacy necessary to love and care for these lands in the future
People will only care for what they know and love and tomorrow’s stewards of the land are today’s school children.
Land conservation starts in the present with a legal pledge to the future; these lands will remain natural and in the public trust forever. The seeds of future conservation success lie within our youth and our community.
Service Learning
Traip sophomores have completed group projects such as building bridges on Preserves and found individual volunteer opportunities with KLT as part of their service learning curriculum.
Adult Education
Walks, talks and films from local and regional experts on history, biology, landscaping and more.
Outdoor Classrooms
KLT provides the “stage” for Kittery Schools to hands-on experiential learning. Students in grades K-8 enjoy in outdoor education on our abutting properties that match the curriculum they are learning in the classroom. Shapleigh school 6th grade students come to Nooney Farm for a 6-week farm to school program where they learn about all aspect of agriculture and the importance of giving back to their community by growing food to support those in our community who are food insecure. Traip Earth Science students are learning the scientific method while gathering data on invasive species and using GIS mapping to create story maps of the properties.
KLT’s goal is to create opportunities for Kittery educators, students, and families to experience outdoor education
KLT’s goal is to create opportunities for Kittery educators, students, and families to experience outdoor education and a greater commitment to conservation through strong partnerships between KLT and Kittery schools and educational organizations.
We strive to provide outdoor education for all learner ages 1-100!
“By immersing themselves in outdoor classrooms, students have gained a deep understanding of ecological systems, sustainability, and the importance of preserving our natural heritage. The impact of this partnership extends far beyond academic growth.”
— Eric Waddell, Kittery School District Super Intendent
“Thank you for teaching us about the importance of community and support. I know that if you help your community you get something back. Thank you for giving us a chance to learn and help! I Love Nooney Farm”
— Shapleigh School 6th grader, Farm to School Program
Programs
Kittery Land Trust/ Kittery School District Partnership
Outdoor education for grade K-8 – The collaboration provides a wide range of activities tailored to students of all ages and abilities. Nature hikes, field trips, conservation projects, and similar adventures infuse a love of nature, and fosters a real sense of environmental responsibility, in the young participants. Students reap the benefits of spending time outdoors that are known to include increased physical fitness, improved cognitive ability, and enhanced emotional well-being. Much of the curriculum for Kittery Land Trust educational programs is designed to meet the Maine Learning Standards. This intentional model aims to enhance what students are learning in the classroom and provides a resource for teachers to meet grade level standards.
6th Grade Farm to School Program
The farm-to-school program with Shapleigh School students is indeed a model of collaboration. All Kittery sixth-graders participate in a six-week program at Nooney Farm. They help with every aspect of preparing the Giving Garden, which grows and donates fresh produce each year to help fight food insecurity in our community. Students assist with growing seedlings, transplanting, laying irrigation lines, working with compost, and weeding. The program also includes visitors from local food pantries to call attention to the fact that the students’ work at the farm is helping others in their community.
Farm Camp at Nooney Farm
Campers enjoy the experience of the outdoors in the field and forest of Nooney Farm. The kids help on the farm, create unique crafts, and play games with their friends.
Muddy Boots Club
Free preschool program for children 5 and under and their caregivers. Join KLT Staff at Nooney Farm for child-led exploration to uncover their curiosities about the natural world. We will explore the farm, the wetlands, and trails in the forest.
- When:September 9, 16, 23
October 7, 14, 21
November 4, 18
December 2, 16
**No program September 30, October 28, November 11 and 25, December 9 and 23
- Time: 9:30-10:30
- Where: Nooney Farm 22 Stevenson Rd Kittery, ME 03904
- Cost: Free. All are welcome.
- If you would like to help us grow this program, please consider making a donation of $5/class here.
StoryMap of Brave Boat Headwaters Preserve
Created by R.W. Traip Academy Science students
Education In the News
Kittery Land Trust Received 2023 Business Friend of Education Award Presented at the Maine School Management Association Conference in Augusta
In 2023 the Kittery Land Trust (KLT) was selected as a recipient of the MSBA Business Friend of Education Award. This annual award is presented by the Maine School Management Association (MSMA) in recognition of organizations that have made significant contributions to public education in the state of Maine.
The nomination that led to this recognition came from Kittery School Districts superintendent Eric Waddell, for KLTs contribution to the education of Kittery students. In his nomination letter, Mr. Waddell highlights the extraordinary collaboration formed by the Kittery Land Trust and the Kittery School District, and describes how the partnership “enhances outdoor learning opportunities for students.” Waddell goes on to state that “by venturing beyond the confines of traditional classrooms and immersing students in the natural world, the Kittery School District has embraced an innovative approach to education that fosters curiosity, engagement, and a deeper connection to the environment, and they could not have done it without the Kittery Land Trust.”
The effort has proven to be beneficial to both partners. The Kittery Land Trust, founded in 1987, is a member-supported conservation organization that has protected nearly 1000 acres of land in Kittery. KLT’s mission is to “Save Land and Build Community.” The organization has shown that this mission has only been strengthened by its unique partnership with the Kittery public schools.
“The Kittery Land Trust is incredibly honored to receive this statewide recognition,” said Lisa Linehan. “It highlights the power of collaboration. Through our partnership with the Kittery School District we are inspiring the next generation of conservationists, environmentalists, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts.”
To illustrate, Mr. Waddell notes that Further, KLT has helped students by “setting them on a path to become environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.”
This past spring, the Kittery School District and the Kittery Land Trust were invited to present at the School Redesign in Action Conference held in Newport, Rhode Island. The presentation highlighted the power of partnerships and innovative programming taught outside of the classroom. KLT’s farm-to-school program was featured as a model to show how schools can collaborate with community partners to enhance student learning.
The substantial contribution of the Kittery Land Trust to its schools and greater community is summed up by the Superintendent: “The KLT’s dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to helping to nurture Kittery students’ love for the outdoors and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship is certainly worthy of the MSBA’s Business Friend of Education Award…This collaboration will continue to flourish and positively impact the lives of generations to come.”