CELT's Photo Contest: Celebrating our Living Landscapes  

For our 2015 Photo Contest, we're looking for images that celebrate 'Cape Elizabeth's Living Landscapes' and the important connection between people and the natural environment. Photographs should represent natural areas, agricultural lands, and preserved lands in Cape Elizabeth.

• Work must be submitted in the form of an 8" x 10" print or digital image of equal resolution.
• All entries must clearly identify photographer's name, address, phone number, and location of photo.
• Submissions should not be digitally manipulated.

  photo by Molly Chase

• Up to five images may be submitted.

Three overall winning photos will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be reproduced as note  cards and used in promotional materials to support CELT land acquisition efforts.  The top three participants chosen will receive a framed print and note cards bearing their winning images. 

All submissions must be received by August 15th, and may be posted on the CELT website for the duration of the contest.  Winners will be announced at our 30th Anniversary Celebration on August 29th. Entries may be mailed to the CELT office at 330 Ocean House Rd. or e-mailed to [email protected].  Larger files may be submitted on CD or via cloud-based storage site.  For additional information, visit our website or call the CELT office at 767-6054.  

New Donor Initiatives Launched for Planned Giving

CELT is excited to announce the creation of a planned giving program, designed to assure the continued protection and care of lands cherished by our community and to provide long-term stability to CELT's operations.  Supporters who express their intention to donate through their estate plans, those who select CELT as the beneficiary of various tax-advantaged lifetime giving options, and those who make substantial contributions to a newly established General Endowment Fund, will join a growing list of Oak Society members.  Their donations will help CELT meet its obligation for the perpetual stewardship of i ts conservation properties, support future land conservation efforts, and deliver educational programs designed to foster appreciation of natural areas.

Included in the program materials is a comprehensive Gift Acceptance Policy, outlining the types of gifts CELT accepts and providing information regarding a variety of giving options.  While we have routinely spoken to supporters about planned giving, we now have a robust program in place to provide donors the opportunity to support the permanent protection and celebration of Cape Elizabeth's most treasured lands.

CELT has also created a General Endowment Fund, with seed funding approved by the Board.  With donor support, income generated by the fund will provide CELT with a perpetual source of annual 

Special Oak Society pin made for CELT by Lisa Gent

revenue that will play a critical role in achieving CELT's mission.  Over the course of a single generation, CELT's efforts have permanently preserved many of the iconic beaches, forests, farmlands, marshes, and trails that will continue to be treasured by residents and visitors for generations to come. Your support will have a lasting impact on preserving Cape Elizabeth's natural beauty.

We hope you'll consider joining our inaugural Oak Society; we encourage you to learn more on our website or by contacting Chris Franklin ([email protected]) at the CELT office.  If you have already remembered CELT in your estate plans, please let us know so that we may welcome you to The Oak Society.

CELT Board Member Profile: Elizabeth Goodspeed   

Elizabeth Goodspeed is our youngest and one of our newest board members, but she's gotten the  

'lay of the land' very quickly.  From her first volunteer stint as a parking attendant at one our events, she joined the Wet Paint Committee and the Membership and Development Committee, and is now not only our Secretary, but also chair this year of our big summer fundraiser, Paint for Preservation.

Elizabeth knew she wanted to work with the land trust even before signing papers on the house she and her husband Aaron purchased in the Cranbrook neighborhood in 2013. The property abuts Robinson Woods II, and Elizabeth and her beloved greyhound Bella are, "out in Robinson Woods daily; in the summers walking, in the winters snowshoeing, cross-county skiing, and even skating on the pond.  Cape is a unique town in that we're so close to Portland and yet we maintain a rural feel thanks to the large parcels we're fortunate to have preserved."

Elizabeth was raised in New Hampshire, but her family has Maine roots, and after 12 years in Maryland, she was determined to get back 'home'.   "I had followed my husband around for his medical training, so it was my turn to choose our next location!  I drew a circle on a map that covered southern Maine and New Hampshire.  Aaron [who is an eye surgeon] got a great job in Portland, so we jumped at the opportunity.   We looked at several towns surrounding Portland, but chose Cape for its rural character."  And for the opportunity to keep chickens.

"One of the selling points of our house was that it came with a chicken coop and Cape allows chickens!  This is my first foray into 'homesteading', but it's something I've always wanted to do." Elizabeth has beehives as well, and is Membership Chair of the Cumberland County Beekeepers Association.   She is also an international education consultant for Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and has most recently been involved with projects in Malaysia, Turkey and China.

She's looking forward to July's Paint for Preservation event.  "This will be our 8th year, and we have a new venue for the evening auction - Garrison Field, the beautiful seaside estate of Van Stewart. We'll have 30 juried artists painting that day en plein air. Tickets for the auction have sold out for six consecutive years, so don't delay when tickets go on sale soon!"

Come Play in the Woods This May - Two Special Walks     

We have two educational and fun explorations planned next month; one for adults and one for our youngest naturalists.  The morning of May 12th, we'll be in Robinson Woods, discussing, "Vernal Pools and Wild Flowers."  Learn more about Cape's natural habitats and their unique flora and fauna from our resident naturalist Tony Owens.  Group size is limited and all participants must register at least 48 hours in advance. 

On May 21st, CELT volunteer Lisa Gent will lead one of our popular "Little Explorers" walks through Robinson Woods, from  

9 - 11 a.m.  Children (ages 3-5, with an adult caregiver) will enjoy a gentle hike and search for birds, reptiles and amphibians, mammals and plant life.  Lots of hands on explorations and games included!  All participants must pre-register.

Visit the Events page on our website for more details and registration information.  

Intern Needed For Summer Events Assistance      

CELT is anxious to hire a part-time intern who can assist with our busy summer schedule in June and July.  Application deadline is May 1st.  Please visit our website for more details on the position.