To all of you who follow Scarborough Land Trust, participate in our programs, volunteer your time on the work we do, and support us financially in furthering our mission, I’d like to say a sincere thank you… and hello. I was recently elected by SLT’s Board of Directors as its next President, taking over from Betts Armstrong, who retired from the Board after 12 very active years of service. At that meeting, Dawn Piccolo and Rick Shinay also completed their board terms and we are so grateful to all of them for their leadership and their continuing service as volunteers for the organization.
I am honored to have this opportunity to work closely with SLT’s talented team and dedicated volunteers. I joined the board in January 2024 and I’ve been inspired by what the organization has achieved in just the past 18 months. Notable accomplishments include adding 237 acres to what is now 2,000 conserved around Scarborough, securing a $1.4 million grant from NOAA to support collaborative efforts to protect and restore Scarborough Marsh, and completing our five-year strategic plan. These are on top of the day-to-day work of protecting Scarborough’s greenspace and waterways and engaging with the community through our educational programs and events.
I grew up in Maine and was fortunate to return in 2020 and make Scarborough my home. I quickly discovered my local preserves and was impressed that they were established and stewarded by SLT, a non-profit entity, not the town. It felt important to me that I support SLT in some way… initially with an annual donation, then as a volunteer, and now with the Board. I look forward to connecting with many of you over the coming months and years and thanking you personally for the ways you embrace and support the work we do.
Christine Labaree
Board President