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Stories in Maine

Planning with Partners to Face the Future

Sustainable solutions to the effects of climate change must address the needs of both people and nature.

July 21, 2022

Overhead view of four young people looking at species in a tray on the ground.
Helping Communities Youth, led by TNC-supported Changemakers, carry out water quality research. © Ellen Hall

Hotter summers, warmer winters, shifting seasons, stronger storms—these changes affect natural and human communities alike. For solutions to be sustainable, they must address the needs of both. Across the state, TNC digs into work with communities and leaders at every level, strengthening our collective response to climate change through innovative policies, cutting-edge science and direct action.

This includes restoring wetlands and assisting towns as they prepare for escalating climate emergencies. It includes sustaining biodiversity on conserved lands and working with the Wabanaki Tribes to expand their access to Maine’s lands and waters. In all we do, helping communities face the future and address the inequities that prevent true resilience are at the core of our work.

We must join science with action to support just, resilient human and natural communities.

Samantha Horn

Director of Science
Samantha Horn with mountains behind her.
Science Driven Samantha Horn employs science to understand how communities are affected by climate change. © Samantha Horn/TNC

How We're Working with Communities

People and nature alike are suffering from the effects of climate change. TNC is joining science with action to help Maine’s people face the challenges of the future.

Pursuing Nature-Based Solutions

Maine is already feeling the effects of climate change. As we face this challenge, we have the opportunity to protect nature and people through innovative nature-based solutions—infrastructure projects designed to enhance nature rather than damage it, all while protecting communities from the effects of increased river flooding and sea level rise.

Engaging Communities in the Katahdin Region

As a major landowner in the region, we are partnering with a collaborative of local businesses and organizations to implement a region-wide vision that calls for nature-based solutions; clean, sustainable industry; and robust recreation opportunities as integral components of a diverse economic recovery. Throughout the state, we are working to make our preserves responsive to community needs.

Supporting Resilient Habitats and Communities

Climate change is already causing sea level rise and increasing the severity of rainstorms. We developed tools to help municipalities and local land trusts better prepare for these changes and are working with them to find solutions that also benefit nature. More than a dozen communities in Maine have used the Coastal Risk Explorer for their community planning.

Strengthening Social and Environmental Justice

Climate change impacts disproportionately affect disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing impacts from flooding, sea-level rise, heat and drought exacerbate this vulnerability. We are working to develop lasting, authentic partnerships with groups to support equity in climate adaptation to ensure a world where the diversity of life thrives.

Using Science to Set Conservation Priorities

Science has always directed our work, and innovative developments in spatial analysis are directing it in exciting new ways. We have identified a network of places that provide safe havens where species can live and thrive as the climate changes. This analysis drives our conservation strategy, focusing our efforts on key points of landscape connection and biodiversity.

Explore the Map RETURN
Climate-Community-Map Pursuing Nature-Based Solutions Engaging Communities in the Katahdin Region Supporting Resilient Habitats and Communities Strengthening Social and Environmental Justice Using Science to Set Conservation Priorities

What Community Success Looks Like

Across the state, TNC digs into work with communities and leaders at every level, strengthening our collective response to climate change through innovative policies, cutting-edge science and direct action. As part of our Join Maine campaign, we are working to ensure these critical successes by 2024:

  • Blue icon of a group of houses.

    At Least 65

    towns and cities benefit from environmental risk reduction

  • Blue icon of cattails in water.

    More than 25,000 Acres

    of freshwater and coastal wetland habitat conserved or restored

  • Blue icon of sun over water.

    Expanded Access

    to land and water for the Wabanaki Tribes of Maine

A booklet with a prescribed fire fighter on the cover sits in a blue background.
Join Maine The Nature Conservancy in Maine © TNC

To achieve these goals, we are working to raise $14 million specifically for our work in this area, including $6 million in support from people like you, $100 thousand in public and partner funding, $5.4 million in market-based funds and $2.5 million in conservation asset donations. Learn more about our conservation goals and Join Maine.

People stand in a circle with a lake behind them.
Community Circle TNC is taking part in the First Light Learning Journey, an effort to bridge the gap between conservation organizations and Wabanaki communities. © Peter Forbes

More Maine Stories

Aerial view of vast blue water framed by coastline including forest lands, islands, and small towns near the water.

Helping Maine’s Communities Prepare for Sea-Level Rise

A new tool tells first-responders and planners which streets will flood and where vulnerable citizens might lose access to help.

New LED fixtures light the fire station in Cornish, Maine.

LED Lighting

A new initiative helps Maine's small towns save on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

A view of a vast landscape of mountains surrounded by forest.

Katahdin Communities

Find out how we are working with partners in the Katahdin region to make a difference for people and nature.