While the weather did not cooperate for the formal dedication of Presumpscot Regional Land Trust’s newest acquisition, the Nelson Preserve, the Land Trust wants people to know that the Preserve is open and ready for public use.
The 1.5 mile trail looping around the 35 acre preserve passes through forest, wetlands, and thicket habitat and is marked with pink flagging and Land Trust logo directional signs. Hiking, biking snowshoeing, and x-country skiing are encouraged. This is a great place to find edible berries in the summer and is perfect for snowshoeing in the winter. Hunting is prohibited. Please remember to carry in carry out to leave no trace.
The trailhead and parking for three vehicles is located just west of 187 Flaggy Meadow Road in Gorham and is marked by a kiosk.
As with all the 1600 plus acres under the Land Trust’s care, there is a great deal of work involved not only in getting a new Preserve ready for the public to enjoy but also in providing ongoing maintenance and up keep. The Land Trust would like to especially thank the following:
• The Jane Nelson Estate for donating the land of the preserve to the Land Trust
• Neighbors Tom and Jane Johnson for supporting the project, aiding in trail design and building, and for being the volunteer Stewards of the new preserve
• The Town of Gorham for providing financial support for the trails and stewardship of the Preserve
• PRLT Summer Intern Melody Larson for taking the lead on design and construction of the trail
• Boy Scout Troop 83 of Westbrook who organized two work days
• Eagle Scout Ethan Boardman who built the kiosk
• The many Land Trust individual stewardship volunteers who helped build the trail
The Land Trust is a non-profit whose mission is to conserve, steward, and provide access to local lands and clean water for current and future generations to enjoy.
Visit www.prlt.org to learn more or to become a member.