Patrick Otto with his son. Otto is the new lands and stewardship director at the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust.

Harpswell Heritage Land Trust has hired a new lands and stewardship director. Patrick Otto began the job last month, taking over for Reed Coles, who retires March 31.

Coles had been with the Land Trust since 2006. He served as executive director until 2022, when he moved into a half-time role as lands and stewardship director. Coles led the Land Trust through several major projects during his tenure, including the acquisitions of Curtis Farm Preserve, Otter Brook Preserve, and Strawberry Creek Preserve.

Otto joins the Land Trust after 17 years as an environmental and geotechnical consultant. A resident of Brunswick and former resident of Harpswell, Otto shares the Land Trust’s passion for conservation in Maine.

“I’m excited to join HHLT,” Otto said. “I look forward to helping continue this meaningful work and meeting members, volunteers, and the Harpswell community on the trails and in the office this spring.”

The Land Trust welcomes Otto aboard and wishes Coles all the best in his well-deserved retirement.