An online program hosted by Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, will explore how individual property owners can contribute to wildlife conservation on a larger scale.

Research Ecologist and Conservation Planner Peter McKinley, who also serves on the Coastal Rivers Board of Trustees, will explain how the ecology of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid area ties into other regions.

Participants will learn how the patchwork management of land affects birds and other wildlife, and what they can do with their own property, no matter what size, to benefit wildlife on a local and regional level. Participants will come away with management ideas they can apply on their own, regardless of where they live.

In McKinley’s words, “Everything counts. The plants and animals do not know who owns what! Your backyard can in fact, have an impact on regional wildlife disproportionate to its size.”

The program is free. To receive a link to join via Zoom, participants must register online at coastalrivers.org/events

McKinley is a research ecologist and conservation planner with The Wilderness Society (TWS) based in their northeastern office in Hallowell, Maine. His work includes development of conservation priorities for TWS projects and campaigns nationally with a particular focus on the northern and southern Appalachians. McKinley is also vice president of the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust, which is active in conserving large tracts of land along the extent of the Appalachian Trail in Maine.

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is a non-profit, nationally accredited land trust with active programs in land conservation, water quality, trails and public access, and nature education in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region.

For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit www.coastalrivers.org