"Through the responsible stewardship of Helen Douglas-Hart's gifts, the Douglas-Hart Foundation will be a leader in
promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of our natural resources by providing quality programs for all ages."

Water. Environment. Community.

To conserve the natural, scenic, historic and cultural resources of the Commonwealth, and provide recreational and educational opportunities consistent with the good stewardship of these lands, water and facilities that leave them unimpaired for future generations.

Downeast Institute, located on the shores of Great Wass island in the fishing village of Beals, is easternmost marine research facility, shellfish hatchery, and education center in the U.S. Downeast Institute was founded to generate new knowledge of the marine ecosystem for all who depend on it, and our specialty is shellfish. As the University of Maine at Machias Marine Science Field Station and local experiential classroom, DEI enriches the education of youth, university students and the visiting public. Our Pre-K through 12th grade Marine Science Program provides supplemental intensive hands-on science and math educational programming to schools in Washington and Hancock counties. We also work with schools across the coast of Maine to better understand their intertidal resources and changes occurring due to warming ocean waters, as well as shellfish husbandry techniques.

Downeast Lakes Land Trust contributes to the long-term economic and environmental well-being of the Downeast Lakes region through the conservation and exemplary management of its forests and waters. DLLT owns and manages the 57,703-acre Downeast Lakes Community Forest for wildlife habitat, public recreational access, and a sustainable timber economy.

Downeast Salmon Federation’s mission is to conserve wild Atlantic salmon, other sea-run fish and their habitats, restore a viable recreational salmon fishery, and protect other important river, scenic, recreational, and ecological resources in eastern Maine.