Land Protection Priority: Lower Union River Watershed

Goal: Conserve and connect community green spaces within Ellsworth and the Lower Union River watershed.

The lower Union River watershed, which includes the City of Ellsworth, is a rapidly developing region. As the City grows, FBC has the opportunity to establish trails that connect residents and visitors to current and future green spaces, expanding opportunities for all to get outdoors and contributing to the qualities that make Ellsworth a desirable city to live, work, and play.

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FBC’s community-based conservation in Ellsworth is made possible by a strong network of partners. FBC worked with other community leaders to develop the Ellsworth Green Plan, which now acts as road map for the city to become a model green community. Example community projects include opening an accessible Riverwalk Trail in downtown Ellsworth and establishing an Urban Tree Farm to help re-green city streets.

Continued land conservation in the watershed will:

  • Establish connected greenways to increase walkability and access to nature in Ellsworth;
  • Restore urban tree canopy cover and re-green city streets; and
  • Promote public access to the Union River.
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FBC Conserved Lands

Since 1987, FBC has conserved over 10,000 acres of land. Our land protection efforts focus on areas that are essential to maintaining the ecological, social, and economic health of our region, from the Union River and Frenchman Bay watersheds east to the Hancock County line.

Land trusts help local harvesters by protecting our watersheds and preserving public access. Harvesters aren’t looking for more access, but we need help protecting what we currently have.

- Joe Porada, Frenchman Bay Regional Shellfish Commission
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Lower Union River Watershed News

Ellsworth Riverwalk Grand Opening Ellsworth Riverwalk Grand Opening FBC and our community partners are holding a Grand Opening Celebration for the Ellsworth Riverwalk, which was completed this October. Community partners include Heart of... Read More
Branch Lake Public Forest: A Public Good and a Great Afternoon Branch Lake Public Forest: A Public Good and a Great Afternoon Conservation can often be a tricky balancing act. On the one hand, it encourages the smart and healthy utilization of natural resources. (This differentiates it... Read More
Jordan Homestead Preserve & Trail Opened Fall 2019 Jordan Homestead Preserve & Trail Opened Fall 2019 ELLSWORTH — On Oct. 29, Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) opened a new trail at its new preserve, Jordan Homestead, in Ellsworth. The preserve — 31 acres... Read More
Protecting an Ellsworth Legacy Protecting an Ellsworth Legacy Following the purchase of a historic 31-acre property on the Bayside Road in Ellsworth from Alice Jordan, Frenchman Bay Conservancy is raising funds to provide... Read More
The Jordan Homestead Property: an Ellsworth Treasure The Jordan Homestead Property: an Ellsworth Treasure At Frenchman Bay Conservancy, Community Conservation is a central part of our work. We have a tremendous opportunity right now, in Ellsworth, to conserve one... Read More
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Get to know us a bit better!

People are our greatest strength. FBC’s passionate staff, board members, and volunteers are working behind the scenes to develop and implement effective land protection, stewardship, and community engagement projects. Your support makes it possible for us to do our work, and we encourage you to reach out and say hello!

Meet FBC’s Board & Staff

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