The Presumpscot Regional Land Trust has announced that, after almost a decade of outstanding leadership, Rachelle Curran Apse will be stepping down as Executive Director at the end of this year. She will leave an enduring legacy in her hometown of Gorham (GHS ’95) as well as in the large region west of Portland: Westbrook, Windham, Standish, and Gray, all fast-growing areas where open space is vanishing under pressure from development. She will be greatly missed by her co-workers, Board Members and the many volunteers she has come to know over the years.
Curran Apse’s vision and enthusiasm have helped the Land Trust grow from its humble beginnings as the Gorham Land Trust into a regional organization which has protected nearly 3000 acres of preserved land. About 500 acres are located in Gorham, spread among 10 different preserves. The Land Trust is now supported by 500 families in the greater Portland area. With 25 years in the environmental field, Curran Apse’s exceptional contributions were recognized when she was named one of Maine Magazine’s 2022 “Mainers of the Year,” for her work in Outdoor Recreation.
Photo credit: Lisa VickersRachelle, Colin, Tobin and Mara hiking the Owl in Baxter State Park, with a view of Mt. Katahdin in the background.
Matt Streeter, co-President of the Land Trust Board of Directors said, “Rachelle has led the land trust through the transformational change from an all-volunteer to a professionally led organization. She built and cultivated the processes that have made us more effective and earned national accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance.” Among other benefits, national accreditation provides wider access to grant funds.
Curran-Apse said “Having the opportunity to lead the Land Trust for nearly a decade has been such an honor. I have enjoyed working with hundreds of volunteers and supporters throughout Gorham and surrounding towns who share my passion for the outdoors.” She added, “I will miss giving back to the community of Gorham where I grew up.”
According to Streeter, the search for a new Executive Director has already begun. Curran Apse will continue in her position as Executive Director through the end of this calendar year and plans to work with the next Executive Director so the transition will be smooth. The three-person staff team will continue with Toby Jacobs as Program Manager and Brenna Crothers as Community Engagement Manager. To see the job announcement, go to www.prlt.org/jobopening.
In addition to managing and maintaining its Preserves, The Land Trust monitors the water quality of the Presumpscot River watershed for the Maine DEP to keep it safe for wildlife and humans to enjoy. It also coordinates the 28-mile Sebago to the Sea Trail. Each year, it provides a variety of educational programming for hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Curran Apse and her family will be moving to Cape Town, South Africa this December. Her husband, Colin Apse, is the Freshwater Strategy Director, supporting the conservation of rivers and lakes for the Nature Conservancy in Africa.
Curran Apse is excited about this new adventure. She said, “Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It has a dramatic coastline, mile-high mountains, over 200 hiking trails, and penguins, all within the city limits.” She looks forward to regularly getting out with her family to hike, swim, surf, or learn about the incredible diversity of wildlife.
Not a person to be inactive, while abroad Curran Apse says she will continue to help with the Land Trust transition remotely. She plans to volunteer with local environmental and conservation organizations and also looks forward to participating in activities with her children.