In 1901 concerned citizens formed the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, Woodlawn's governing board, in response to extensive lumbering and the increase in private land ownership in Hancock County. They were very successful in preserving thousands of acres on Mount Desert Island, and then donated their holdings to the Federal government 1916 which formed the core of Acadia National Park. In 1929 they accepted Woodlawn from the bequest of George Nixon Black, Jr. and have continued to maintain and govern it for public use ever since.

2012 Officers and Trustees
Sandra Blake-Leonard, President ~ Jon Marshall, Vice-President
Gregg Hannah, Treasurer ~ Elsa Teel, Secretary
Ruth Brenninkmeyer ~ Terry Carlisle ~ Todd Little-Siebold
Roger Moss ~ Thomas R. Nelson ~ Nancy Putnam ~ Dick Schloss ~ Wilmont M. Schwind, Jr.
Missy Shea-Hart ~ Walter Smalling ~ David Williams

Trustee Emeriti
Margaret Cunningham ~ Karen Dickes ~ Douglas Endicott ~ Natalie Knox ~ John Lynch, Past President
Herbert Silsby ~ Jane Shea ~ Stephen C. Shea, President Emeritus
Teresa Sargent Smith ~ Lowell S. Thomas, Jr., Past President
Laurie B. Williams ~ Dale Worthen