In the fall of 1985, a group of Cape Elizabeth residents serving on the Town’s Conservation Commission (as it was named at that time) formed a non-profit organization to protect natural, scenic and historic open space in the public interest. Since then, it has been the mission of CELT to connect people with the magnificent properties we have been privileged to conserve.
Says Carol Fritz, one of CELT’s founders, “There was a lot of pressure from development in Cape Elizabeth, and we didn’t really have adequate ordinances in place. So, we were all looking around for some solutions and there was this land trust option, and we just decided we would go for it.” Thanks to that vision and dedication to conservation, CELT was born.
That was 40 years ago! CELT has steadily grown from its first operating budget of $997 and an all-volunteer operation to a staff of 5 full time employees, 31 board and advisory council members, hundreds of volunteers, and the permanent conservation of 865 acres on 35 parcels of land. CELT’s local efforts have permanently preserved many of the iconic beaches, forests, farmlands, marshes, and trails that will continue to be treasured by local residents and visitors for generations to come.
At its heart, CELT is a community organization, continuing to serve the public interest, to engage Cape Elizabeth residents and visitors in conserving and caring for the land, and offering programs in schools in Cape and beyond to inspire the next generation of land stewards.
And so, throughout 2025 we will be celebrating our 40th Anniversary with YOU! Beginning with our Launch Party on February 25th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Mast Landing Brewing Co. (Cottage Road, South Portland), we’ll be bringing you a series of events where you can get involved, learn about the environment in your own backyard, and celebrate your community.
Please join us on February 25th as we kick-off this grand celebration and learn more about what’s ahead this year!
