An Elegy in Blue and Green Rare are those who leave a lasting legacy, for generations yet to come; beyond the stone inscriptions weathering in lonely plots, or the solemn commentaries posted briefly in the local press. And graced is one whose life has focused not on momentary fame or fortune, but on a purpose far more elemental: preservation of the Earth, which gave us origin. Tom Henderson’s true monuments are blue and green; the watersheds and forests he protected by way of what he called his dream job: preserving ecosystems with all the varied forms of life that populate Maine’s mountain spines of wooded slopes, its wild meadows, and its waters. For we, the fortunate who’ve known him well, he’ll be an absent presence, welcomely returning to our minds, when summoned by a pilgrimage through fields and forests, or a journey on the lakes or down the rivers. He was among the quintessential pillars of this land trust since well before the current century. He’s been its first and only Executive Director. Grievously diminished by his passing though we are, he’s bequeathed to us his inspiration. It’s more than bright enough to light our path, and certify our dedication to the mission that defined his life. ~Burgess Smith, GLLT Board President |