Downeast Coastal Conservancy

06/12/2026

As warmer days continue to come, and you spend time enjoying the natural beauty of coastal Washington County, remember DCC works to protect the landscapes that define Downeast Maine.

The bold and rocky coastline, near-shore islands, and watersheds feeding into our bays, DCC works to conserve them all. For the future of our ecosystems and for people to be able to experience. With 7,400 acres conserved, 30 miles of trails, campsites, educational events, and more, DCC is coastal Washington County's local land trust.

All that DCC does is only possible because of the generosity of our donors. Every donation, of every size, makes an impact. If you want to see the natural wonder of Downeast Maine protected, enjoy appreciating the beauty of our coastal region, you can donate to DCC and make a difference with this link. ⬇

https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/j2j2QbunqsSlFdCCiODx0

06/08/2026

We are so excited for Middle River Park and the Make Here Better stage to play host to the Kitchen Concert Series this summer!

Come to the park, walk the trails, and for 9 Thursday's in a row, enjoy some great music from local Downeast bands and artists!

🎶 THE KITCHEN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES IS BACK 🎶

Join us Thursday, June 18, as we kick off the 2026 Kitchen Concert Series in its new home at Middle River Park!

New this year, each concert will feature an opening act beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the main performance at 6 p.m.

We're SO excited to welcome Charone, fresh out of Machiasport, as our first opening act! Then stick around for The SwampWalkers, AMAZING BAND, who will launch us into another summer of music by the river.

A HUGE thank you to our generous series sponsors, RH Foster Energy and Freshies, whose support helps make these free community concerts possible.

We're also grateful to Downeast Coastal Conservancy and its many partners and sponsors for constructing the stunning 'Make Here Better' Stage, perched high above the Middle and Machias Rivers at Middle River Park.

Bring a lawn chair, bring a friend, bring money to buy hot dogs from the Machias Ridge Riders Trail Club, and join us for an evening of GREAT music in one of Maine's most beautiful settings.

PLEASE SHARE!

06/08/2026

Putting the finishing touches on the Make Here Better stage at Middle River Park. 🛠️🎶

The stage will be ready by June 18th to kick off the Kitchen Concert Series, organized by the Machias Town Office, which will be quickly followed by Margaretta Days Festival of Machias, Maine happening at Middle River Park from the 19th to the 21st.

We are so excited for the first summer of events at the stage and cannot wait for all that is to come, this year and beyond.

06/05/2026

🌲 Still thinking about your next leadership opportunity... or know someone who should be?

Downeast Coastal Conservancy is searching for its next Executive Director, and we’re excited to keep building a strong and diverse pool of candidates for this important leadership role.

Based in Machias, Maine, DCC is a nationally accredited land trust dedicated to conserving and stewarding the remarkable landscapes, waters, wildlife habitat, and communities of Downeast Maine. This role offers the opportunity to lead a respected and community-rooted conservation organization while helping shape its next chapter of strategic growth, stewardship, and impact.

We’re seeking a collaborative and mission-driven leader with strengths in organizational leadership, relationship-building, communication, fundraising, and team management - someone excited by the opportunity to support conservation and community connection in one of the most distinctive and beautiful regions in the Northeast.

🌊 Washington County offers an extraordinary quality of life for people who value community, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and meaningful connection to place.

📄 We continue to welcome strong candidates from both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds.

Please help spread the word within your networks!

https://downeastcoastalconservancy.org/about/jobs/

06/03/2026

Message from Outreach Director Matt: Please don't knock over porta potties!!! 🛑🙏

DCC is thrilled that the Make Here Better stage will be complete in just a few weeks. With the addition of this to Middle River Park, bathrooms became an important topic. DCC chose to pay for a porta potty for the park this summer, please respect this and all other parts of the park so it can continue to be more and more of a community resource.

We are so excited for the first summer of events at the Make Here Better stage. It kicks off in just a few weeks!

06/01/2026

With the change of the month comes the change of the book on the Story Trail! 🌲📘

During June at Middle River Park, you can follow the incredible journey of the Cerulean Warbler as it migrates across the Gulf of Mexico to Owen and Nora's backyard, where they are anxiously awaiting the bird's return.

05/30/2026

Join DCC and partners on June 13th for the Orange River Community Paddle! 🛶

This annual event is a celebration of the multi-organization effort of protecting the Orange River Watershed. We will stop at the Estey Mountain trailhead for an optional hike up Estey Mountain, which is only accessible via the water! Then, we will finish with a group picnic.

This is a flat water paddle; canoes, life jackets, and paddles can all be provided, but participants are also welcome to bring their own gear.

Be sure to register if you plan to attend! ⬇️

https://events.blackthorn.io/en/f44mofL7/paddle-the-orange-river-watershed-4a3UUpE2I5/overview

05/29/2026

Thank you to teacher Allison Paprocki and these National Honor Society Students of MMHS Bulldogs!

On Wednesday, this great group joined our Stewardship team at Orange River Conservation Area and helped with some major trail improvements at the Estey Mountain Trail.

Not a bad day at school. 😎

05/27/2026

Downeast Coastal Conservancy is excited to launch the search for our next Executive Director – an inspiring leadership opportunity for someone passionate about conservation, community, and the future of Downeast Maine.

Based in Machias, DCC is a nationally accredited land trust dedicated to conserving and stewarding the remarkable landscapes, waters, wildlife habitat, and communities of Washington County. As we enter an important new chapter, we are seeking a collaborative and mission-driven leader to help guide the organization’s future growth, impact, and long-term sustainability.

This is an opportunity to:
🌲 Lead a respected and community-rooted conservation organization
🌊 Help shape the future of land conservation in Downeast Maine
🤝 Partner with a dedicated Board, staff, volunteers, and supporters
📍 Live and work in one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions in the Northeast

We recognize that strong nonprofit leadership comes from many backgrounds and experiences. If this opportunity speaks to you – or someone you know – we encourage you to learn more and apply.

📄 View the full prospectus and application information here:

https://downeastcoastalconservancy.org/about/jobs/

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post!

05/26/2026

Next Tuesday, DCC Outreach Director Matt Kelley will lead a course for Sunrise Senior College at UMM about the history of land trusts on a broad scale and the multifaceted functions of DCC.

The course is free! Use the link below to learn more and register!

https://machias.edu/ssc/class/what-is-a-land-trust-the-basics-of-non-profit-conservation-in-downeast-maine/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSCpmBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe9v6gk4w_v9yNG5RBxR2VudF4I0Hp0h55wemMoyvkKC4uU26nDk0CpuQPlFM_aem_xuMuvc3T82hFsq7JoRNKqA