The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s executive director is leaving his post after more than a decade.
When Chris Franklin became the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s executive director more than 12 years ago, he didn’t envision it being a long-term job.
After all, he was relatively new to Maine and was busy caring for his 1-year-old at the time. But as his work with the land trust became more demanding, the impact of his role in the community became clear.
“When I took this job I was excited by the conservation work happening in town with Robinson Woods and Jordan Farm, and over the years, I have developed a much stronger sense that this is some of the most important work for our community to do,” Franklin said.
“Cape Elizabeth Land Trust is literally saving the character of this town, and statewide, similar land trusts are doing the same,” the 48-year-old added. “When you step back and look at the cumulative impact land trusts are making in Maine, it is truly remarkable.”
Franklin, a Cumberland resident, is leaving his post in early November after serving as the land trust’s executive director since 2003. During his tenure, he has led several projects centered on acquiring and preserving land in Cape Elizabeth, he said which not only benefits current residents, but future generations, as well.
His position as executive director has also enabled the organization to focus on engaging the community by offering educational programs and volunteer opportunities, such as trail maintenance, Franklin said.
“It’s been great, and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people here,” he said.
Along with his administrative duties, Franklin has overseen major fundraising efforts, organized community events, regularly monitored properties, performed trail work, and built partnerships with other groups like the Cape Farm Alliance. He also helped the land trust become a nationally accredited organization.
Since the land trust’s inception 30 years ago, it has preserved more than 29 properties in Cape Elizabeth totaling 660 acres for public benefit. Since 2003 Franklin worked to conserve Robinson Woods I and II, Jordan Farm, Trundy Point and Turkey Hill Farm.
“Our job is not to tell people what they can and can’t do on the properties, as much as facilitate these places for them to pursue their interests,” such as hiking, or cross- country skiing, Franklin said.
Franklin has yet to line up a new job, he said, but he “is looking forward to some new opportunities,” perhaps with a focus on local agriculture – and spending more time with his wife and kids.
Franklin spoke with the Current recently about the work he’s accomplished as executive director, and what he’ll miss most about leading the land trust.
Q: As executive director, what have you helped the land trust achieve?
A: The land trust has steadily matured over the years. When I arrived the organization was still largely volunteer driven and my position enabled CELT to dedicate more time to working proactively toward achieving our mission and strategic goals. Our land acquisition work requires a great deal of relationship building with local landowners and I think that the consistency provided by a full-time staff member has helped to advance our work greatly.
Q: What has been your proudest moment with the land trust?
A: There is nothing like the feeling of celebrating a new property acquisition. The fundraising, planning and negotiations involved in these projects can sometimes take years, and not all projects make it all the way through. Securing the protection of the Robinson Woods properties in particular will always be special, though, not only because I personally love these properties, but also because they will forever be a part of the Cape landscape as public open space.
Q: Why is it important for communities to have a land trust?
A: While most communities support the idea of local land conservation, local government can only do so much. Fortunately the town of Cape Elizabeth has done great work in this area, but having a land trust working alongside the town efforts has enabled many more properties to be protected.
CELT has also integrated programs to get local students out on our properties to learn about natural systems and to help us maintain local trails. Engaging the next generation in this work is critically important because, after all, they are the ones who will need to care for them in the future.
Q: What properties in Cape Elizabeth are most important to you, and why?
A: Robinson Woods because of its outstanding wildlife habitat (60 percent of Robinson Woods I is essentially old-growth forest) and trails; Trundy Point because of its stunning oceanfront access and Jordan Farm because protecting agricultural lands is helping to maintain an important part of our local culture. Everyone has their own favorite property, but these three in particular really represent what is best about the work that we do.
Q: What did you find most rewarding about the job?
A: Knowing that these places, these trails and ponds and forests are always going to be available for people to use. I really believe that future generations are going to look back on this time, this short window we have to do this local land conservation, and say “thank goodness they preserved these places when they could.”
Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned while serving the town?
A: Probably something akin to the fact that when driving at night you cannot see your final destination, but if you keep driving, if you keep following the right directions, you will get to your destination eventually. Our work takes time, and being methodical and intentional in the decisions we make is something we work really hard at doing well, and is critically important when working on projects that will be forever protected, because forever is a long time.
Q: What will you miss most about working with the land trust?
A: Without a doubt it will be all of the volunteers, board and committee members I have worked with over the years. So much of what we have done as an organization can be linked back to a particular individual who walked into our office with an idea, with expertise and with enthusiasm to help preserve Cape’s most important natural areas; and in the words of Robert Frost, “That has made all the difference.”
Q: Do you have any advice for the next director?
A: Listen more than you talk, be patient, be excited and enthusiastic because we are in the midst of a singular moment in history when we can preserve these most important farms, woodlands, ponds and natural areas that will provide sustenance to area residents and resilience for the natural world to adapt to change. Be bold, and make sure to get out on the trails because there are some really beautiful places in Cape, and some really great people out there appreciating the places you are working to preserve.
Chris Franklin, from Cumberland, is stepping down as the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s executive director in early November. Above, Franklin stands in a large field in Robinson Woods off Shore Road.Staff photo by Kayla J. CollinsSend questions/comments to the editors.
