ROCKPORT – Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization, announced that Heidi Baker will assume the role of general manager of Aldermere Farm on January 15. Baker will be advancing from her position as Aldermere's Herd Manager, a role she has served in since 2013.

Baker brings almost 20 years of experience in agriculture and animal husbandry as well as a passion for working with young people. As a child, she raised her own flock of Southdown sheep and was active in 4-H. While earning her bachelor’s of education from the University of Maine in Farmington, she worked at two of Maine's leading dairy farms where she gained a wealth of knowledge in animal husbandry. In 2006, she began working for MCHT at Aldermere Farm, helping advance the Farm Hands youth program and 4-H Club. Prior to joining MCHT, Baker was a school librarian and member of Partners for Enrichment. Today, she is the Vice President of the New England Galloway Group, President of the Camden Rockport PTA and is actively involved in local and national youth agriculture initiatives.

"I am thrilled to assume the role of General Manager at Aldermere Farm and to continue the legacy of Aldermere's prized Belted Galloway herd and as a place that is integral to the local community,” said Baker, in a news release. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with MCHT's great team, and to managing the operations at Aldermere and also at our nearby Erickson Fields Preserve. It is an honor to do this work—supporting agricultural education initiatives and community programs that benefit local farmers and those who live here."

In the role of General Manager, Baker will oversee the operations and outreach of MCHT's Rockport preserves, Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields. MCHT maintains both preserves as working farms and educational centers, helping visitors deepen their appreciation for land conservation and sustainable agriculture.