The History

In 1994, Steve and Natalie Emmons approached the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust with an offer that was too good to refuse. The 37-acre parcel of land next to them was up for sale and they considered it too precious to be lost to development. If the Trust would buy it, they said, then they would donate their 108-acres, complete with their house, barn and farm equipment, asking only for life tenancy in return. “I want to see this property preserved for its vegetation and inhabitants: insects, frogs, deer, woodchucks, and many birds. And, I’d like to see us create a sense of wonder for our children, so that they will learn the value of nature.” Steve said.  The KCT agreed, and in this process and in their honor, the Emmons Preserve was created. Their legacy, however, is far from over.

The resting place of Steve and Natalie Emmons now overlooks the fields that are often filled with families, children, and school students, honoring their wishes to have young people learn and appreciate the natural world that they are a part of. The trail itself has grown into a 30-mile trail system which stretches throughout the community for public enjoyment.

Looking Forward

Recently, a new opportunity presented to the Trust, one which KCT Executive Director Tom Bradbury believes would’ve been met with delight and approval from Steve and Natalie Emmons.

 “A 17-acre property, stretching 1,800 feet along the opposite shore of the Batson River winds through the Emmons preserve has been offered to the Trust for a fair market value with favorable terms. Protecting this land is essential to maintaining the character, natural beauty, and wildlife habitat of the preserve, and is an opportunity to be able to conserve this additional special place for generations to come. We at the Trust want to do it for Steve and Natalie, because we know how deeply they would have felt. We also want to do it for all those who have come to love and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this preserve that has been created for all of us as part of the Emmons legacy, and we want to protect it for all those who will follow us, as our gift to the future,” Bradbury said.

Protecting Our Waterways

Let’s guard the abundance of wildlife that call this special place home. From cleaner water and erosion control to recreation and outdoor learning, conserving this riverfront benefits both the environment and our community in lasting ways. Protecting this land enhances our town’s ecological health by linking habitats for wildlife and providing open space for the community to connect with nature.

Help Protect This Legacy

We hope that you will find it in your hearts to join us in support of this most important effort to preserve a legacy. To help get the campaign underway, a $100,000 pledge has been received that will match initial contributions dollar for dollar. "Starting with a matching grant is very exciting," said Bradbury, "and we are extremely grateful to the donor. This is a property that is of great significance, and I hope that all will rally to the cause. This additional piece of land will extend the current Preserve property and be available for all creatures great and small to freely and peacefully enjoy, always."  

If you would like to contribute to the fund to purchase this property, please contact Tom Bradbury at: tom@kporttrust.org or donate directly by clicking the button below.

A check can also be made with a notation that the donation is for the 17 acre parcel of land to be matched and mailed to: Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 7004, Cape Porpoise, ME 04014.