A selection of work from the youth segment of FBC’s inaugural creative writing contest, Stories from Here. Learn more about the contest and its connection to our mission here. Youth Fiction Winner Selected by Hazel Stark Bear Needs a Friend Anna-Leigh Turner, age 10 It was a hot summer day and the animals went… Read more
This Journal is for Everyone! When visiting the Ellsworth Riverwalk, be sure to check out our Community Nature Journal! The Frenchman Bay Conservancy Nature Journal can be borrowed from the Ellsworth Public Library‘s front desk for use along the Ellsworth Riverwalk Trail. The Nature Journal comes in a kit with colored pencils and everything you… Read more
A selection of essays from FBC’s inaugural creative writing contest, Stories from Here. Learn more about the contest and its connection to our mission here. Essay Winner Selected by Margie Patlak Barnacle Dreams Karen Olga Zimmermann Do you look up when you walk, like my hiking pal who is always on the watch for… Read more
A selection of stories from FBC’s inaugural creative writing contest, Stories from Here. Learn more about the contest and its connection to our mission here. Fiction Winner Selected by Cynthia Thayer Goodbye, Annette Ben Emory Rowing on the bay in the early mornings, I often greet the seals. “Hi, friend. Curious?” … Read more
A selection of poems from FBC’s inaugural creative writing contest, Stories from Here. Learn more about the contest and its connection to our mission here. Poetry Winner In defense of a small life Nina Barufaldi Where we lived was the end of the earth A terrific sea to the… Read more
Announcing the winners and honorable mentions of Stories from Here In 2026, Frenchman Bay Conservancy hosted our inaugural creative writing contest. We invited writers of all ages to share stories, poems, and essays inspired by the lands, waters, and communities of Downeast Maine. We received an inspiring range of submissions, each offering a unique perspective… Read more
This week, we had the chance to sit down with WABI to talk about the why behind Headwater Bluffs and the collaboration, care, and long-term commitment it takes to protect land at this scale. We’re especially grateful to Austin Schuver, our Director of Land Protection, whose steady leadership and deep knowledge carried this project from… Read more
This week, Frenchman Bay Conservancy joined WERU to talk about Headwater Bluffs—our newest conservation success and the largest land protection project in our organization’s history. During the segment, we shared why this 5,793-acre landscape in Amherst matters so much to Downeast Maine. Located at the headwaters of the Union River, Headwater Bluffs helps protect clean… Read more
AMHERST, ME—Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) announces the purchase of 5793 acres in Amherst to be known as Headwater Bluffs. Frenchman Bay Conservancy has conserved nearly 6000 acres of land crucial to the health of the woods and waters of eastern Hancock County. “Headwater Bluffs is a key piece to a larger conservation puzzle in Downeast… Read more
A letter from Executive Director, Aaron Dority After 12 wonderful and rewarding years leading Frenchman Bay Conservancy, I will step down from serving as FBC’s Executive Director at the end of 2026. I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished together! I am also well aware of the imperative for organizational leadership to pass the torch… Read more