The Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (Land Trust) is growing again. The Land Trust has the opportunity to preserve 60 acres of land in two unique projects near downtown Gorham. While the town is blessed with many acres of open field and farmland, Gorham is one of the fast- est growing communities in the state and has less than 4% of the land conserved and protected for future generations. By comparison, triple that percentage has been conserved in Cumberland County.

In a new Gorham Conservation Campaign launched this summer, the Land Trust will forever conserve 60 acres of land: Trout Run and Deer Woods Conservation Projects.

“The Land Trust has the incredible opportunity this fall to conserve two forested parcels of land, nearly a mile of Little River and stream shorefront and to create two new miles of trails that will be accessible to the many people who live nearby these projects,” stated Rachelle Curran Apse, Executive Director of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. She added, “While they are close to downtown Gorham, they still provide important habitats for a wide diversity of species from deer and hawks to quickly declining species of reptiles, fish, amphibians, pollinators, and migrating birds.”

Trout Run Conservation Project is just past the roundabout off Route 25, heading towards Standish, northwest of downtown Gorham. Gorham resident Julie Abbott has generously offered the Land Trust the gift of 30 acres of forestland. This land is a priority for conservation because it includes over 3,500 feet of Little River and stream shoreline identified as Wild Brook Trout habitat. In addition, this parcel is part of one of the largest remaining undeveloped forest blocks (850 acres) near downtown Gorham.

Abbott said, “I would now like to share my land with the community by donating it to the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, allowing more people to have the opportunity to enjoy nature just like I did in my childhood.”

Deer Woods Conservation Project is near the farm pond along Day Road, just southeast of downtown Gorham. Kathleen Ashley has generously offered the Land Trust the gift of 30 acres of forestland. This land is part of the largest remaining undeveloped forested block (300 acres) east of downtown Gorham to the coast. These lands have been important deer wintering lands for decades.

“For over 40 years, this land has been an unfailing source of pleasure to us and our neighbors. It contributes to Day Road’s reputation as a scenic route. I would now like to gift this land to the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust to help preserve the natural resources and wildlife habitat in Gorham, providing a means of sharing our enjoyment with a wider public,” said Kathleen Ashley, Gorham resident.

According to Apse, the trails that will be built on these two projects also have the possibility of connecting to downtown Gorham.

Discussing funding, she said, “These projects cost nearly half a million to conserve, and the great news is that the Land Trust has now secured 85% of the funds needed to protect both projects.” The Trout Run project received a $10,000 grant from the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership (CBEP). She added, “We hope to raise the final $70,000 for these two projects this summer from individuals and families for trail building, project management, and long-term stewardship.”

Once the project funding is final, Apse said the Land Trust can conserve both projects by this fall, begin building trails next spring, and have project grand openings next summer.

The Land Trust was also awarded a $25,000 CBEP grant for separate costs associated with a third project in Westbrook: Rivermeadow Nature Conservation Project, which will conserve 44 acres near downtown Westbrook, including 3,300 feet of shoreline on the Presumpscot River.

To learn more about these exciting Presumpscot Regional Land Trust projects or to donate, visit www.prlt.org/2023-conservation-projects.