TNC Next is a new membership group that brings together Maine’s brightest young professionals who share a love of nature, a concern for the environment, and a belief that hope and action are indispensable to make a difference. 

Our goal is to ensure that our peers and the next generation of young Mainers learn about and participate in conservation activities at a local, regional and global level.

Participation in TNC Next provides the opportunity to collaborate and network with like-minded people in conservation-themed pursuits such as receptions, informative lectures and field trips to some of the most beautiful and pristine places in Maine.  

TNC Next Steering Committee
The TNC Next Steering Committee is a group of dedicated volunteers who work to broaden awareness of and support for TNC Next among our peers. Among the criteria for election to the committee is familiarity with and commitment to the Conservancy and TNC Next. Click to view a list of our current Steering Committee members.

TNC Next Committees
TNC Next activities are also heavily guided by the involvement of various committees, in the areas of event planning, membership recruitment, and marketing and communications. These committees are open to anyone who is a current TNC Next member. Committees meet regularly throughout the year and are chaired by TNC Next Steering Committee members. Click to view a list of our current committees and their members.

What's Next?

Sign up for one of our upcoming events and network with other young professionals.

• Do you like to ski or snowshoe? Signup for our event on February 28th, 2009 with Maine Huts and Trails. TNC Next members will receive a special rate for a day of winter adventure. Register today, space is limited!

Not a member of TNC Next?
Join now to take advantage of this and other upcoming TNC Next events.

Past Events

TNC Next Member Reception
On October 22, 2008, over 45 people joined TNC Next at Frontier Cafe, Cinema and Gallery in Brunswick for the first exclusive member event. This celebration of TNC Next boasted a cocktail hour accompanied by the photography exhibits, Irreplaceable Wildlife in a Warming World and Stranded: The Sea Turtles of Baja California Sur, Mexico. We were extremely lucky to have TNC Next member Brian Wedge speak to us about his experiences documenting the critically endangered caguamas (Loggerhead sea turtles) and their relationship with an impoverished fishing village on the Baja Peninsula. Following Brian's presentation, members were the first to hear of a special new partnership with Maine Huts and Trails. Please see What's Next for more information.  

Boat Tour of the Kennebec River
Despite the rainy weather, over 40 young professionals joined us on July 31, 2008 for an exploration of the area of The Nature Conservancy's Kennebec Estuary Project. We are thankful that the rain held off and that the fog was light enough to allow for some spectacular views of the bald eagles, sturgeons, harbor seals, islands, forests, sea, rivers and farmlands that make up this unique tidal estuary of mid-coast Maine. Click to see photos from the boat tour.

TNC Next Kick-Off Event
TNC Next celebrated an overwhelmingly successful kick-off event on April 9, 2008 at the new Ocean Gateway Terminal in Portland. Over 275 people showed up to show their support and learn more about TNC Next. The event attracted the local media including MPBN (Maine NPR). Hear the story by Susan Sharon of MPBN here and check out photos of the kick-off event.

How Can I Join?

We welcome anyone who is interested in conservation to join us at our events throughout the year.  However, please note that because many times our activities — especially trips — have limited capacity, current members of the group will receive first notification, and in some cases only current TNC Next members will be eligible to sign up.

You can join TNC Next with a minimum donation of $80 per individual or $120 per family. Your gift is fully tax-deductible, and you will receive all the standard benefits of becoming a Conservancy member in addition to extra benefits as a member of TNC Next. If you're interested in becoming a TNC Next member, please download our membership form (pdf, 86KB).

For credit card payments over the phone, call Jo Cooley at 207-373-5216. To renew your TNC Next membership, simply maintain your annual membership with the Conservancy at TNC Next membership levels.

If you'd like to join our mailing list to learn about upcoming TNC Next events, or if you have any questions about TNC Next, please contact Penney Ward at pward@tnc.org. 

Already a member of The Nature Conservancy?
Your gift of $80 or more ($120 family) to The Nature Conservancy in 2008 qualifies you for TNC Next membership. Just send an email to jcooley@tnc.org notifying us of your qualifying gift and we will set up your TNC Next membership.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Margaret Pizer/TNC (silhoutte on Rainbow Lake); Photo © Margaret Pizer/TNC (leaf); Photo © TNC (Canoeing on the Machias River).