“This is a beautiful, fun record of a pretty extraordinary story. When you see how the Trust started and how its work has grown over time to what is now, it's pretty awe-inspiring. As Tom describes it, each decade has come with its particular environmental challenges to address. Some of these have been pretty daunting, yet they have been met. The book is a historical record, but it also serves as a witness to hope, courage, hard work and generosity. Given the environmental challenges we are facing today, that witness is much needed.”

-Juliet Altham

“I just purchased the book. It will be a great gift for my granddaughter who loves Goat Island. Thanks to Goat Island Light House keepers Karen and Scott Dombrowski for their hospitality welcoming visitors to the island.”

-Jacqueline DeRoche Lyons

“The Trust in Education program at KCT has had a significant impact on the youngsters in our community. Over the years, the staff at KCT have partnered with teachers at Kennebunkport Consolidated School to bring wonderful learning opportunities aligned with state learning standards. In addition, many community members have volunteered their time to be part of the experiences. KCT staff and volunteers have not just taught specific science and social studies standards, but also about appreciating the resources in your community and caring for the environment. After years of learning experiences with KCT, our students feel a strong sense of community and place, because of the experiences that they've had through the Trust in Education program. We are grateful to continue this partnership for years to come and hope that sponsors and community members will continue to value and support this program and all that it offers our community.”

-Karen Bubar, Principal Kennebunkport Consolidated

"For this small group of individuals to have such a profound vision 50 years ago and then be able to achieve and share said vision through stories and photographs is genius.  We immediately added it to the Graves Library collection.  It truly is a keepsake to be enjoyed time and time again!" 

- Mary-Lou Boucouvalas, Graves Memorial Library Director

“When I think of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, what immediately comes to mind is all the laughter and fun at the gatherings I've attended there over the years.  The KCT serves as such a lovely meeting spot both indoors in the large, vaulted ‘living room’ around the stone fireplace, outdoors on the deck, out back on the patio, and on the trails and properties.  In all seasons, the KCT is a like a community center for the three towns and I'm so grateful for its existence. This book not only explains the importance of the KCT it also supports it.”

-Kerri Walker, President,  Kennebunk Rotary Club

“My first night living in Cape Porpoise, as a young girl, is a memory I treasure. I fell asleep listening to the sound of the ocean, foghorn, and church bells surrounded by so much history and beauty. As a young girl from California, I saw how special Kennebunkport was. My father, Charlie Wright’s, involvement with the Trust made me more aware of the important work that was being done to help preserve our land and history. Because of that ongoing work our harbor and islands as well as acres of land on and around the coast have been preserved for all of us to explore and enjoy. I hate to contemplate what this town would look like without Tom and the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. I am looking forward to adding this book to my library knowing that my contribution will help continue this valuable work.”

-Bree W. Clark

“Having grown up in Kennebunkport and raising my three children here I have an appreciation for the work and dedication of those that have volunteered time and financial support to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust! So proud to be a native and deeply grateful for the KCT purchasing and preserving large areas of land and islands for all to enjoy. Consider buying this beautiful book as a way to support the Trust. Thank you KCT!”

- Helena Clark Brook

“There is something for everyone in this well-documented chronicle of the Trust’s first fifty years: stunning photos of beloved outdoor places, humorous anecdotes of the early years, historical markers of town and world events, and much more. But above all, we enjoyed learning about the backgrounds of the people who came together over the decades to accomplish what many thought impossible. Their shared sense of community and dedication to preserving natural spaces for future generations to enjoy provide stories worth telling and lessons worth heeding. These names and faces from the past merit capturing because they helped develop not only a conservation organization but also a movement that will shape our town’s ability to thrive long into the future. We’re pleased and proud to add this book to our collection and pass it along to our children, especially knowing the proceeds help continue our heritage of land protection for the next fifty years, and beyond.”

-Jon (KCT Trustee) and Connie Dykstra

“The KCT 50th anniversary book is a monument to the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers who have understood the need to preserve Kennebunkport for future generations.  Over the past century, many people have fallen in love with the culture and character of Kennebunkport, which has been in danger due to development demands.  The Conservation Trust has been dedicated to preserving this special place since 1973 and protecting the public’s access from the woodlands to the beach.  This book serves as a reminder of the challenges overcome to create the success of today, and the importance of continuing the work ahead.”

-Laurie Smith, Kennebunkport’s Town Manager

“I don’t have sufficient words to describe what a truly fantastic job David Jourdan did in authoring, editing, and organizing this book. It’s an unbelievably impressive and incredibly well researched tribute to a wonderful organization that’s done so much to preserve the special beauty and character of our town. It’s going to take a while to fully read all the text but I’ve already seen and read enough to make me extra proud to be a member of KCT.  Thank you for the countless hours of work you put in to produce this wonderful and important book.”

-Bob Dennis, photographer