CAMDEN — Each year, Coastal Mountains Land Trust recognizes volunteers, community groups, and land donors for their extraordinary service and contributions to the benefit of local land conservation.

Awarded at the annual membership celebration in Belfast this year were two recipients for the Connecting Community & Nature Award, established by the Board in 2018. Camden-Rockport Elementary vice-principal Katie Bauer and Morrill-Searsmont Elementary Schools principal Glen Widmer were both honored for their dedication to providing access to meaningful, place-based learning opportunities for students and teachers in the community.

Three special persons received the Zwartjes Volunteer Award, presented in honor of the first Board Chairman, William J. Zwartjes, for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the Land Trust. Jim Ritter of Camden was honored for his steadfast dedication to preserve and trail stewardship in Knox County over the years. Erica Buswell and Scott Giroux of Searsport were recognized for their remarkable and loving stewardship of the Long Cove Headwaters Preserve.

“Our work would not be possible nor as successful without the genuine commitment, time, talents, and involvement of these and so many other volunteers,” said Coastal Mountains Land Trust, in a news release.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of the western Penobscot Bay. The Land Trust has protected over 13,000 acres, offering 55+ miles of trails for public recreation on 38 preserves from Rockport to Prospect.