In 1964, Jane Sewall bought an abandoned Maine island; later, she gave it away to keep it wild

ECONOMIC TIMES • August 19, 2026

Jane Sewall's childhood dream came true when she purchased Witch Island near South Bristol, Maine. In a generous move, she donated it in two stages to prevent commercialization, carefully timing the gifts to sidestep impending tax regulations affecting property values. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Maine Audubon Society were the fortunate recipients, while Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust now oversees the island as a protected wildlife haven.