2023 Conservation Campaign
Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project, Westbrook
Trout Run Conservation Project, Gorham
Deer Woods Conservation Project, Gorham
CONSERVE
Less than 5% of the land in Westbrook and Gorham is protected as open space with trail access - yet these are two of the fastest-growing communities in the region. These projects together will forever conserve 104 acres of forestland.
WILDLIFE
Over one mile of Presumpscot and Little River shorefront and 30 acres of forested wetlands will be protected, providing important habitats for quickly declining species of reptiles, amphibians, pollinators, and migrating birds.
ACCESS
Four new miles of trails will be built near downtown Gorham and Westbrook, making them accessible to thousands of people.
TIMELINE
It is official - the Land Trust has raised the nearly $2 million needed for all 3 Conservation Projects in 2023. Our Land Trust can now conserve 104 acres of forestland and provide miles of trails in three projects near downtown Westbrook and Gorham this fall.
We received nearly 200 gifts for the three Conservation Projects in 2023. Thank you to everyone who supported the projects and to all ongoing Land Trust members and business partners who make conservation, clean water, and trails possible.
We plan to conserve all three projects this fall. In 2024 we will design and build trails with community involvement. We are planning for three grand openings next fall. We will continue to share updates on the projects throughout the year.
Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project, Westbrook:
CONSERVE: 44 acres of the last large forestland near downtown Westbrook.
WILDLIFE: 3,300 feet of Presumpscot River shoreline and 30 acres of forested wetlands will be protected.
ACCESS: Two miles of trails will be built within walking distance for thousands of residents.
Trout Run Conservation Project, Gorham:
CONSERVE: 30 acres within a large undeveloped block of forestland just northwest of downtown Gorham.
WILDLIFE: 3,500 feet of Little River and stream shoreline will be protected, which is wild Brook Trout habitat.
ACCESS: 1.5 miles of trail will be built with the potential opportunity to connect to downtown Gorham.
Deer Woods Conservation Project, Gorham:
CONSERVE: 30 acres within a large undeveloped block of forestland just southeast of Gorham.
WILDLIFE: An active deer wintering area.
ACCESS: One mile of trail will be built with the future option to connect to downtown Gorham.
Map of Conservation Areas:
THANK YOU
A huge thank you to Julie Abbott (Trout Run Conservation Project), Kathleen Ashley (Deer Woods Conservation Project), and Alan Wolf and Brian Goldberg (Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project) for generously donating their land to the Land Trust to forever conserve.
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Thank you to the organizations who are supporting these projects:
Casco Bay Estuary Partnership - Trout Run Conservation Project
Casco Bay Estuary Partnership - Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project
City of Westbrook - Recreation and Conservation Commission - Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project
Cornelia Warren Community Association - Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project
Evergreen Credit Union - Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project
The Town of Gorham - Trout Run Conservation Project
The Town of Gorham - Deer Woods Conservation Project
Westbrook Housing - Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project
Westbrook Development Corporation - Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project
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