Thirty years have now passed since I became the President of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.  Just months into my new position the decision was made to purchase Cape Island for $100,000.  We negotiated a five year payment plan but the first installment of $20,000 was due within a couple of weeks and our bank account didn't have enough money for a mailing's postage.  As we sat to discuss what to do, Sandy Brook, then the owner and editor of the York County Coast Star, summed up our position with a Groucho Marx quote.  "If we had some eggs we could have eggs and ham. . . if we had some ham."  We didn't have cash, but we did have friends, neighbors, fellow citizens and visitors who loved our community every bit as much as we did, and who wanted to see the best parts of it protected both for this generation and for all who would follow.  Then, as now, they stepped forward with their support and made a miracle happen.  With hard work the funds were raised and a new generation has been able to experience the wonder the island brings to all who step on its shore.

     We didn't stop there.  We received lots at Goose Rocks Beach, Lake-of-the-Woods, the Emmons Preserve, the Tyler Brook Preserve, the Grist Mill property and the Town Forest.  We became the owners of Goat Island Lighthouse, all of the islands but one, a new headquarters and more.  Each was special.  Each was deserving of protection.  Each added to the beauty of our town, the recreational enjoyment of our citizens and the ability of wildlife to survive, even as our population grew.

     Thirty years have now passed and we have made wonderful progress towards our goal of forever protecting the beauty and character of Kennebunkport.  But our work is not done.  The time is at hand to finish purchasing the remaining parcels that need to be protected and establishing an endowment large enough to guarantee that they will forever remain so.  We have to maintain all that we have.  We have to continue our special programs. The support of our members now is every bit as important as it was then.

     Some of you have been with us for our entire journey.  Some are new members.  To you, and to friends who have not yet joined in the cause, we encourage your support.  What we can accomplish is based entirely upon your membership. What we will be able to pass on to our children and grandchildren, the scenic vistas, the days at the beach, the picnics on the island, the walk in the woods, the access to the ocean, will all be up to us.  They will only remain if we are willing to work and contribute toward their protection.  As we have said since the beginning.  Together we can make a difference.  Together we can do great things.

Contributions of any size make you a member.  Donations can be sent to:

Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 7004, Cape Porpoise, Me. 04014     Thank You!