WINTHROP — Kennebec Land Trust events on Sept. 30 and Oct. 20 will highlight new Winthrop conservation lands.
KLT is raising funds to acquire two properties in Winthrop: an additional 60 acres adjoining the 735-acre Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area, and 90 acres on Little Cobbossee Lake.
The Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area, a popular outdoor recreation area, includes 735 acres and a network of trails through beautiful woodlands and wetlands. This KLT conservation property provides opportunities for walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hunting.
KLT has entered into a contract for the purchase of a new 60-acre parcel adjacent to the Town of Winthrop’s Mt. Pisgah Tower parcel. The parcel includes a former homestead of Dr. Ezekiel Holmes, Maine’s 19th century agricultural leader, advocate and teacher. An expanded Mount Pisgah hiking trail network and former blueberry picking areas will be available to the public once the property is purchased.
KLT needs to raise $83,000 by October for the purchase and stewardship of the property. Generous donors and business sponsors have contributed $15,000 to date.
An all-abilities excursion to the fire tower and visit to the blueberry fields will be held on Sept. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. The gated road to the fire tower will be open to automobiles for those unable to hike the trails. Pre-register with KLT to ride with one of their drivers.
In addition to the new parcel on Mt. Pisgah, the KLT is raising funds for the future Little Cobbossee Oatway Preserve, a 90-acre property currently owned by Winthrop resident Mary Oatway. In 2008, Winthrop resident and naturalist Mary Oatway approached KLT about conservation planning and a proposal for a bargain sale for her property. Mary recognized that the commercial sale of her property would likely lead to subdivision and shoreline development. When purchased and conserved, this property will include 4,000 feet of undeveloped shoreline and important wetlands and uplands.
KLT received $155,000 for the Oatway project in November from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program, an awards program that funds the restoration, enhancement or preservation of wetlands and other important habitats in Maine. Generous KLT members, directors and area business have contributed $12,000 of the remaining $30,000 needed for this campaign. The public is invited to a dedication of KLT’s Oatway Preserve on Saturday, Oct. 20 from noon to 2 p.m.
For more information about the September and October public events, directions and to donate contact KLT at 377-2848 or www.tklt.org.
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