Planning with Partners to Face the Future
Sustainable solutions to the effects of climate change must address the needs of both people and nature.
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.
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.
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:
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At Least 65
towns and cities benefit from environmental risk reduction
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More than 25,000 Acres
of freshwater and coastal wetland habitat conserved or restored
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Expanded Access
to land and water for the Wabanaki Tribes of Maine
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.
Will You Join Us?
Your support will help Maine’s communities face the climate challenge with better planning and natural solutions.
More Maine Stories
Helping Maine’s Communities Prepare for Sea-Level Rise
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LED Lighting
A new initiative helps Maine's small towns save on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Katahdin Communities
Find out how we are working with partners in the Katahdin region to make a difference for people and nature.