Who Are We?
Saco Valley Land Trust is a Federal 501c(3) nonprofit, chartered to hold conservation easements and own land, as well as to promote the concepts of value of preservation of open spaces to wildlife, water quality and quality of place for southern Maine residents.
SVLT is an all-volunteer organization with a highly involved Board of Directors and a core group of volunteers from the community. We are also supported by a loyal group of paying members, a cadre of professionals who work pro-bono or for reduced fees, and receive financial support form several businesses.
SVLT owns almost 700 acres in Biddeford, Saco and Buxton, as well as conservation easements on 530 acres. Most of our land and easements have been generously donated to us. Our holdings are diverse; from small woodlots to two working farms. Many of our recent acquisitions have been open spaces attached to development plans in rural Biddeford. These pieces will provide immediate neighbors and the general public easy access to quiet areas, and are proving to be 'magnets' for other conservation components as nearby development occurs.
SVLT is conscious of its responsibilities to its donors. In response to our own growth and in response to the encouragement of national and regional Trust networks, SVLT has made extraordinary efforts to improve its internal structure, secure financial resources for future protection, and build up the board. SVLT's all-volunteer board, for instance, has been attending workshops and courses designed to give boards the information they need to operate effectively.