The population of Grand Lake Stream came out on May 27th to say “Good bye” and offer good wishes to the departing Executive Director of the Downeast Lakes Land Trust, Mark Berry.
“I remember the night he came here to interview with us,” recalled DLLT Education Committee Member, Laura Schaefer. “We had a community pot luck for Mark to meet us all. It was just pouring and had been raining like that for days. We were afraid any time that the bridge over Big Musquash would be washed out. I’m sure we were all thinking after that night ‘Well, we will never see that one again…'”
“Little did she know,” interjected a laughing Mark, “I had already decided to take the job.”
And a fine job done, it was roundly agreed over coffee and a plethora of homemade cakes, bagels, and cookies.
“Mark arrived at the DLLT 8 years ago to a young organization with a great vision but lots of growing pains. He leaves us in a strong position, better organized, more efficient and financially solid. This is in no small part a result of his hard work and great leadership.” said DLLT Board of Directors Vice-President, Lee Whitely after the event.
While Mark’s boundless energy and intelligence will be missed, he leaves the DLLT strongly positioned to continue its mission of contributing 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.