#landtrust — Public Fediverse posts

A photo I took a few years ago of what is now the #BrandyBrowForest and #BeaverDam!

#SolarPunkSunday #LandConservation #LandTrust #ConservedLand #Massachusetts #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors

So, I spent a LOT of my childhood playing in a "swamp" -- wetlands and woods near my childhood home, which included a #BeaverDam. Part of the area was an abandoned quarry and sandpit owned by Brock Industries. Once the quarry was posted, the area was able to return to its wild state. I was pleased to find out that the area was sold to a #LandTrust, and the old entrance to the sandpit is now the trailhead for the #BrandyBrowForest! I'm hoping something similar can happen with a local sandpit near conservation lands here in Southern Maine. I'm working on it!

Let’s Hike Haverhill - Brandy Brow Forest - Myron's Road Trailhead

"Using funds from the Drinking Water Supply Protection Program, in 2025 the city purchased and protected 41-acres as part of the larger 600-acre Brandy Brow Forest. Shortly after the purchase, the Myron's Rd Trailhead was created.

City of Haverhill DPW Director Bob Ward will guide us through this vast area where the trails are mostly flat. We'll visit a 5-foot tall beaver dam along the way! "

Opening day was this past May, 2026!
https://www.ecga.org/event/lets-hike-haverhill-brandy-brow-forest-myrons-road-trailhead

FMI [still in-progress]:
https://www.haverhillma.gov/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails-and-conservation-areas/conservation-areas/brandy-brow-forest/

#SolarPunkSunday #ConservedLand #Massachusetts #NorthShoreMassachusetts #BeaverDams #ConserveNature #LandConservation #LandTrust #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors

Well, I suppose this is a good use of #AI money. At least for #JackieAndShadow and the rest of the #wildlife at #BigBear.

#OpenAI co-founder revealed as giant donor behind Big Bear bald eagle land
The contentious lakeside spot had been threatened with development for years

By Erin Rode, July 24, 2026

"The co-founder and president of OpenAI has donated $5.5 million to help environmental groups purchase a parcel of land near Big Bear Lake that had long been slated for development, according to an announcement from Friends of Big Bear Valley on Friday.

"Friends of Big Bear Valley and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust were staring down a July 31 deadline to raise $10 million to purchase the 63-acre chunk of land along the lake’s north shore under a purchase agreement with property owner RCK Properties. As of earlier this week, the total amount raised stood around $4.5 million.

"The parcel is near the nest of Jackie and Shadow, the internet-famous bald eagles who call the lake area home and use the proposed development site for hunting. Jackie is experiencing health issues and undergoing care at the Ojai Raptor Center.

" 'We did it together! With your help we were able to raise the $10 million needed to save #MoonCamp. Your love for Jackie, Shadow, their chicks and their habitat raised nearly half of the amount and culminating in the total amount being fulfilled thanks to a generous donation of more than $5.5 million from #AnnaBrockman and #GregBrockman,' states a Facebook post from Friends of Big Bear Valley on Friday.

"The nonprofit said the additional funds from the Brockmans, of OpenAI fortune, will allow the land trust to purchase the property 'and have funds remaining to cover closing costs, taxes, legal fees and help maintain the land.'

" '#FOBBV and #SBMLT would like to thank everyone that contributed to this cause. The boards and the team wish to recognize Anna and Greg for their amazing generosity for Jackie, Shadow, their chicks and this special place that so many people love,' states the Facebook post. "

Read more:
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/big-bear-openai-22359263.php

#SolarPunkSunday #LandConservation #ConserveNature #LandTrust #PreserveNature

So, many years ago, my colleagues at the #WildernessSchool had permission to pick blueberries at the #BlueberryBarrens at #CrystalSpringFarms, and also foraged in the surrounding areas. It's a lovely place and I'm so glad that it's being preserved -- despite all the development in #Maine!

Summer Four Season Walk at Crystal Spring Farm

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Crystal Spring Farm
277 Pleasant Hill Road
#BrunswickME, 04011 United States

Pre-registration required. Suggested donation $5-$20.

"Come walk the trails at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick as we get to know #NativePlants in summer.

Four season walks are a popular series and a staff favorite: each year, we pick a new location, and then take the same walk, once per season. We will all engage in observing and asking questions of our surroundings, and identify the varied plants, shrubs, trees, ferns, and wildlife along the trail. Each season brings something new and spectacular to look at. The goal of these walks is to foster relationships with place through relationships with plants, and encourage further #stewardship of our community spaces. Crystal Spring is home to a lovely blueberry barren #ecosystem that we look forward to visiting together. Thank you to #BrunswickTopshamLandTrust for hosting us!"

FMI and to register:
https://wildseedproject.net/events/summer-four-season-walk-at-crystal-spring-farm

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #MidcoastMaine #SpendTimeInNature #LandTrust #PreservedLand #ObserveNature #PlantIdentification #NativePlants

#OgunquitME - #Stewardship #Workday: #BeachPlumFarm

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
9:00 am

Beach Plum Farm
610 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907

"Beach Plum Farm is the last remaining #SaltWaterFarm in Ogunquit, home to #CommunityGardens, and the office of Great Works Regional #LandTrust.

Join #GWRLT for a Stewardship Workday on Wednesday, May 6th, 9am to noon at Beach Plum Farm, Ogunquit. We will be removing invasive species and a spring cleanup. Let us know if you can help out by registering below."

FMI and to register:
https://gwrlt.org/event/stewardship-2/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #InvasivePlants #SpringCleanup #EnvironmentalStewardship #LandTrusts #GreatWorksRegionalLandTrust

‘The environmental movement needs many hands’: saving Australia’s biodiversity is getting personal

Powered by individual donations and bequests, the country now has one of the world’s largest networks of privately protected and managed land

by James Norman, Fri 17 Apr 2026

Excerpt: "Over three decades later, #BushHeritage today owns and protects 45 bought or gifted bush reserves around #Australia – covering more than 1.4m hectares of land and providing habitat for over 9,000 native species. Working with #FirstNations communities and farmers, it supports the management of an additional 20.5m hectares beyond what it owns directly.

" 'Some of Australia’s most threatened and fragile #ecosystems and #wildlife sit outside of the national reserve system,' says Rachel Lowry, Bush Heritage Australia’s chief executive officer.

" 'They’re found on private land or pastoral country, and they may have deep cultural and ecological values, but they’re not protected from threats such as #LandClearing, #mining or #InvasiveSpecies.'

"The organisation reports a rise in the number of personal bequests, from 2,500 in 2022 to more than 4,600 bequests last year. Lowry puts the increase down to a personal desire to have a meaningful impact on the worsening global climate and #biodiversity crisis.

"Bush Heritage’s model has inspired other groups around Australia to acquire and conserve lands and forests of significant ecological value. One such example is the #NorthEastTasmania #LandTrust (#NETLT), which secretary Dr Christine Hosking describes as 'a microcosm of Bush Heritage'.

"Formed in 2009, the organisation manages donated land through weed control and regeneration of the native environment.

" 'Currently, we have 10 acres [4 hectares] of endangered eucalyptus forest in #BinalongBay that adjoins the #BayOfFires #Conservation Area, and a smaller patch of coastal habitat for the endangered swift parrot,' she says."

#SolarPunkSunday #LandConservation #EndangeredSpecies #ClimateCrisis #ProtectTheForest #ProtectTheForests #Regeneration #PreserveNature #Conservationists #IndigenousAustralians #TraditionalLandManagement

#SanfordME, #SpringvaleME - #LandTrust Receives Donation for #AccessibleGarden

March 20, 2023

"The Sanford Community Garden will further expand this year with new wheelchair-accessible garden beds, thanks to a generous donation from Kennebunk Savings Bank.

According to Bud Johnston, President of MWLT, the gift will enable the Land Trust to build six beds for the benefit of those unable to use the existing beds at the garden. Each bed will have two sections – a 3 x 8-foot elevated growing table and a 3 x 4-foot raised bed, 20-inches high. This combination will allow for different gardening activities. The beds will sit on a concrete slab for ease of movement and convenience. Gardeners also will park on a paved surface.

Kennebunk Savings has been the official sponsor of the community garden since its inception in the spring of 2019. In 2022, funding was provided to double the garden’s size in response to demand, and to provide each gardener with everything needed to have a successful harvest without cost. Altogether Kennebunk Savings has provided $30,000 in support of the garden. Dr. Johnston said “I am certain I speak for all those involved with the Garden in saying that we are truly grateful for the generous support of Kennebunk Savings.”

'A community garden grows more than just nutritious food. It benefits the public by building connections – we engage with the earth and we engage with each other,' said Bradford C. Paige, President and CEO of Kennebunk Savings. 'We are pleased to present the #MousamWayLandTrust with a $7,500 donation in support of the creation of an #ADAAccessible garden beds so people of all abilities – everyone in this growing community – can enjoy this space. At Kennebunk Savings, we believe being a good neighbor means investing in our community.'

The Sanford Community Garden is located at the David and Linda Pence Community Ecology Center and the McKeon Environmental Reserve off Blanchard Rd. in #SpringvaleME. It is managed by Patty and Kevin McKeon, University of Maine Extension York County Master Gardener Volunteers."

FMI:
https://mousamwaylandtrust.org/2023/03/20/land-trust-receives-donation-for-accessible-garden/

#SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity

#GardeningForWildlife Habitat

#PrinceMemorialLibrary
Mar 29, 2023

"Explore #gardening and #landscaping with an eye toward creating and maintaining habitat for local #wildlife. Speaker: #AaronParker, Edgewood Nursery in Falmouth, Maine.

A #LawnsGoneWild series event. This presentation was recorded at Prince Memorial Library and was offered in partnership with the Town of Cumberland's Sustainability Committee and Chebeague and Cumberland #LandTrust."

https://youtu.be/cJnmS3fPPlA?si=MXlkTMdPOXL4frIg

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening
#MaineGardens
#WildlifeCorridors #ChebagueLandTrust #CumberlandLandTrust #LibrariesRule #GardeningForWildlife #WildlifeCorridors #WildlifeHabitats #RewildYourGarden

#FoodForest design

LAWNS GONE WILD is a sustainable backyard education series and is offered in collaboration with #PrinceMemorialLibrary, Town of Cumberland's LCC Sustainability Committee , and Chebeague and #CumberlandME #LandTrust.

"A food forest is a way of laying out a landscape to mimic a natural forest, providing food and other human needs with a minimum amount of external inputs and maximum benefits to #wildlife and the greater #environment. Guest speaker #AaronParker introduces the concepts of ecological niches, analogs, and resource partitioning so you can design your own home-scale food forest. He also covers best practices for starting a food forest and recommended species to plant."

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9DVifxdQqU&t=2s

Source:
https://www.cumberlandorchard.org/learn/lawns-gone-wild-food-forest-design

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #MaineGardens #WildlifeCorridors

This photo was sent to me via text.
It's from my friend, Jeff, whom I originally met off of Mastodon, back in 2022. We met in person in 2023 & exchanged plants🪴We've stayed friends over the years. We are working towards similar community building goals, in separate areas of the island. Ideally, would love to have a full food security, localized food systems 'spine', running West-East/South-North, across #VancouverIsland.
Jeff lives up island with his wife & kids. He also works in #nonprofit #FoodSecurity & #environmental #stewardship. He works for #Greenways #LandTrust in #CampbellRiver :
https://www.greenwaystrust.ca/projects/food-security

This shows some of the work they've done at Maple Park Community Garden in partnership with #Strathcona Regional District. They acquired that land to steward/grow, earlier this year 💚👩‍🌾👨‍🌾👏

#GrowFood #CommunityBuilding #CommunityGarden #CommunityPark #CommunitySpaces #Greenspaces #VanIsle #GrowFoodNotLawns #FoodEquity #Gardens #Nonprofits #ClimateAction #CommunityWork #BritishColumbia #Canada #GrowPlants #Grassroots

#ScarboroughLandTrust acquires 130 acres to expand #conservation area

The 130-acre addition to #SilverBrookPreserve expands contiguous conserved lands.

Dana Richie, July 30, 2025

"The Scarborough Land Trust is expanding its green footprint in Western Scarborough with the addition of a 130-acre parcel to the Silver Brook Preserve at 65 Hanson Road.

"This is a sizable boost to the preserve that was previously made up of a 19-acre parcel purchased in 2001 and an 18-acre parcel purchased in 2024. And it expands the contiguous block of conserved land in the area to 943 acres, 600 of which are within the SLT’s stewardship.

" 'It really rounds out 25 years of conservation efforts,' said Christine Labaree, president of the land trust’s board of directors.

"The Silver Brook Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife including wild brook trout, spotted turtles, deer, bobcats, bats and maybe even a black bear or two.
And the land directly abuts #BroadturnFarm, a 434-acre parcel under the SLT’s stewardship complete with a working farm and wooded trails — the spot where Andrew Mackie, executive director of the land trust, and Labaree met on a hot and sticky afternoon.

"While walking along the #MapleSugarTrail by the edge of an open field full of tall grasses speckled with trees, Mackie said that the Silver Brook Preserve is across the tree line in the distance. Plunging deeper in the woods, past a still brook surrounded by a canopy of green, he pointed to a tree that bore a sign for the Stonewall Loop, a 1-mile trail in the Western corner of the property.

"Mackie explained that the land trust plans to extend that loop into the Silver Lake Preserve property, adding about 2 miles of trails and parking onto the new parcel within the next two years.

"Right now, the Silver Brook Preserve is open to the public for activities like hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife observation, hunting and fishing, and Mackie said that the land trust is still figuring out a lot of the policies for the preserve, like whether dogs will be required to be leashed.

"Western Scarborough isn’t the only area in town where the land trust is working to 'seed and grow' its conserved areas. There are 500 acres of contiguous conserved land in Pleasant Hill, made up of the 187-acre #PleasantHillPreserve and 300-acre #RachelCarsonNationalWildlifeRefuge. And #WarrenWoods, which was originally 162 acres in 2012, is now 313 acres, with plans in the works to connect trails to The Downs.

" 'The goal is that every neighborhood in Scarborough has opportunities to have access to open land,' Labaree said. The land trust is working with the town to achieve its goal of '30 by 30' — to preserve 30% of its land by 2030. According to Labaree, the town is currently at 23%.

"And Mackie said that these larger land parcels are more attractive in the long term because they are more ecologically sustainable, provide varying habitats for #wildlife and are easier to maintain."

Source:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/07/30/scarborough-land-trust-acquires-130-acres-to-expand-conservation-area/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/qaDNC

#SolarPunkSunday #WildlifeCorridor #WaterIsLife #SaveTheMarshes #SaveTheFarms #Maine #SouthernMaine #LandTrust #BlueCarbon #SaveTheWetlands #SaltMarshes #ScarboroughMarsh #WebOfLife #Wetlands #SaveTheForests
#PreserveNature #LandConservation #LandForMainesFuture #SpendTimeInNature #RachelCarson

Opponents buy #Maine blueberry barren where housing plan was rejected

by Elizabeth Walztoni, 8/5/2025

"The group has plenty more work to do; it will have to repay a purchase loan within 18 months so it can donate the land to the Blue Hill Heritage Trust. Then, the trust will need time to prepare the site before opening it for public recreation, according to the group. "

Read more:
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/08/05/hancock/hancock-environment/blue-hill-blueberry-barren-purchased-donate-land-trust-n6hjn1me0n/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/QoOza

#LandTrust #Nature #SolarPunkSunday #PreservingNature #BlueberryBarrens #SpendTimeInNature

#Maine - #Agricultural #ConservationEasements

"The primary purpose of an Agricultural Conservation Easement is to protect the agricultural soils, agricultural viability, and agricultural productivity of a property in perpetuity by limiting non-agricultural uses of the property.

What is it?

"It is a voluntary, legally recorded permanent deed restriction place on the property. The easement or 'development right' may be donated or sold (or a combination of the two) usually to a land trust which then holds (and manages) the easement. Land protected from development with an easement remains in private ownership.

Agricultural easements help farmers balance goals of:

- generating revenue for farming or retirement;
- making their land more affordable to future farmers;
- keeping their farmland in farming;
- maintaining a treasured legacy of #SustainableFarm #stewardship.

"Agricultural conservation easements are private transactions, entered into for perpetuity, and thus harder to undo compared to other land protection land use strategies.

"The process can take some time to negotiate and carry out. The cost of buying easements on a significant scale can be prohibitive. It is also important that the 'holder' of the easements has the capacity to ensure that the agricultural land is managed as intended.

"You can contact your local #LandTrust or the statewide #MaineFarmlandTrust when considering easements as a farm viability and farmland protection tool."

Read more (via #GrowSmartMaine):
https://growsmartmaine.org/agricultural-conservation-easements/

Learn more about Maine Farmland Trust:
https://www.mainefarmlandtrust.org/farmland/protect-farmland

#FarmsForMainesFuture #SaveTheFarms #Sprawl #LandPreservation #SolarPunkSunday #Farmland #FoodSecurity #MaineFarms #GrowLocal #EatLocal

Learn to Clam at #ReidStatePark

Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 375 Seguinland Road, #GeorgetownME 04548
State Park: Reid
Event Type: #NatureExploration

"Learn about Maine's clams and try your hand at clam digging with Shellfish Warden John Hentz and the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust. Meet at Todd's Point parking lot near the Clam Trail. Bring mud boots and gloves.

"Program may be canceled due to continuous precipitation or lightning in the area."

Contact Name: The Park
Contact Phone: 207-371-2303

Cost: Programs are free with park admission. Day use: $1.00 ages 5-11, $6.00 Maine residents age 12-64, $8.00 non residents age 12-64, $2.00 non residents 65+; persons under 5 & Maine residents 65+ free

Co-Sponsor: #KennebecEstuary #LandTrust

#MaineEvents #NatureEvents
#CitizenScience #NatureObservation
#Maine #SolarPunkSunday #NatureBasedLearning

"The #LandTrust Alliance & Open Space Institute are offering #grants through the 2025 Land & Climate Grant Program to support land trusts in #LosAngelesCounty. These grants aim to integrate #climate change considerations into land conservation, stewardship, policy, or communications plans, focusing on issues such as habitat resilience, carbon mitigation, renewable energy siting, & community adaptation to climate impacts like extreme #heat, #drought, & #wildfires. "

https://landtrustalliance.org/resources/learn/topics/climate-change/Programs/land-and-climate-program/land-and-climate-grant-program

On the other side of the #SacoRiver is #PleasantPointPark ...

"If you like jumping off cliffs, this is the park for you. This 60-acre town park borders more than a mile of the Saco River.

"The river here must be very deep, because there are many places people have strung up rope swings from riverside cliffs. It looks dangerous but it must be okay since so many kids do it. On a hot summer day, this place is busy! (I have heard from a couple of people that unfortunately this place has become a haven for underage drinking. I didn’t run into many people mid-day during the week, and I have a high tolerance for scruffy trails!

"Both recommended the lovely Indian Cellar Preserve, on the other side of the river.)

"For me, the nicest part of the park was the southern side, where there are several benches and picnic tables by the river, as well as an old cemetery (and no rope swings).

"The interior paths are less used, so are overgrown. But they do allow you to make a loop from one end of the park to the other. Once you leave the quiet side and go to the cliff-y side, the ground becomes well trammeled.

"Although it’s easy to make your way through the #forests here, the paths here are blazed. There are many spots along the river that make good #swimming launch sites.

"Directions: From #Route202 in #BuxtonMaine, turn onto Route 117. Soon after turning, you’ll come across an old entrance to the park (it’s been around a long time), but you are not allowed to park alongside the street here. Continue up the 117 a little bit farther, and turn into Simpson Road. On your right will be a large parking lot."

https://mainebyfoot.com/pleasant-point-park-buxton/

#IndianCellarPreserve #LandTrust #HikingTrails
#SacoRiver #SalmonFalls
#MaineDOT #Maine #SouthernMaine #SalmonFallsBridge #MaineByFoot #WildlifeCorridor #SolarPunkSunday

On one side of the #SacoRiver in #HollisMaine is #IndianCellarPreserve ...

"This is a lovely 81-acre preserve by the Saco River, with great #WalkingTrails. All together, there are about 3 miles of trails here, as well as some #swimming spots. There is a promontory with a great vista of the Saco River and a little picnic table. This preserve seems to be less trammeled than its neighbor across the river — #PleasantPointPark — and also somewhat popular with #MountainBikers. The perimeter trail, which is about 1.6 miles or so, is very well blazed. The interior trails are less well marked and seemingly less used.

"There is also more information about the site at the #TrustForPublicLand.

"Directions: If you’re coming from #Route202 east, you will turn left after crossing the bridge over the Saco River from Buxton. Take a left onto Old Alfred Road, and the parking lot is immediately on your left. You’ll see a sign for the preserve, and some stone steps."

https://mainebyfoot.com/indian-cellar-preserve-hollis/

#IndianCellarPreserve #LandTrust #HikingTrails #SacoRiver #SalmonFalls
#MaineDOT #Maine #SouthernMaine #SalmonFallsBridge #Wildlife #SolarPunkSunday `

So, unfortunately, the town of #BuxtonMaine said "No," to the #PedestrianWalkway and the additional cost, and so did #HollisMaine (at #MDOT's urging). Having a separate pedestrian walkway on this bridge would make it safer for EVERYONE -- and a lot of pedestrians and bicyclists use the bridge, as it is the way to get from one track of preserved land to another, and also the areas where local teens swim! The traffic on #Route202 on either side of the bridge is always going too fast, and there's a lot of large trucks and SUVs. Widening the bridge is not enough! (And yes, speed limits should be strictly enforced in this area, which includes an ice cream stand and a local library)!

I should probably contact #MainersForSmarterTransportation and #BicycleCoalitionOfMaine and let them know what's going on...

Article from 2020, which shows the existing bridge and how much it's used by young people, as it is a popular spot in the summer!

Salmon Falls Bridge to be redesigned to deter jumping
The bridge between Buxton and Hollis has long been popular with youth who leap from it into the Saco River, but a planned upgrade should put a stop to that risky pastime and make it safer for all, the state says.

by Robert Lowell
June 1, 2020
Original story:
https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/01/salmon-falls-bridge-to-be-redesigned-to-deter-jumping/

Archived version:
Hollis-Buxton, Route 202, Salmon Falls Bridge

On-Demand Formal Public Meeting for replacing the Salmon Falls Bridge on Route 2020 over the Saco River at the Hollis-Buxton town line

"The Scope of Work for this project consists of a full replacement of the Salmon Falls Bridge. The preliminary scope of work that was presented at the preliminary public meeting in 2019 consisted of a deck and superstructure replacement while leaving the substructure (piers and abutments) in place since that component is in fair condition as opposed to the deck and superstructure, which are both in poor condition. After further design review, it was determined that a full replacement is a better and more cost-effective option in the long term, with reduced maintenance costs and an overall longer lifespan. The new bridge will have 5' shoulders, which accomplishes the request as noted at the preliminary meeting of providing for better bicyclist and pedestrian accommodations."

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/483457df232143ba94cdbf9fe8173724

Hollis-Buxton, Route 202, Salmon Falls Bridge

On-Demand Formal Public Meeting for replacing the Salmon Falls Bridge on Route 2020 over the Saco River at the Hollis-Buxton town line

"The Scope of Work for this project consists of a full replacement of the Salmon Falls Bridge. The preliminary scope of work that was presented at the preliminary public meeting in 2019 consisted of a deck and superstructure replacement while leaving the substructure (piers and abutments) in place since that component is in fair condition as opposed to the deck and superstructure, which are both in poor condition. After further design review, it was determined that a full replacement is a better and more cost-effective option in the long term, with reduced maintenance costs and an overall longer lifespan. The new bridge will have 5' shoulders, which accomplishes the request as noted at the preliminary meeting of providing for better bicyclist and pedestrian accommodations."

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/483457df232143ba94cdbf9fe8173724

Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System

Guidelines/Priorities for Sidewalks and Walkways
Introduction

"A 1.5-m- (5-ft-) wide shoulder is acceptable for pedestrians along low-volume roads"

Route 202 is NOT a low-volume road, by any means!

http://www.pedbikesafe.org/PEDSAFE/resources_guidelines_sidwalkswalkways.cfm

#IndianCellarPreserve #LandTrust #HikingTrails #SacoRiver #SalmonFalls #MaineDOT #Maine #SouthernMaine #SalmonFallsBridge

On the ballot in #ScarboroughMaine!

Council Corner: A path to continued #LandConservation in Scarborough

Posted July 18
Karin Shupe, Scarborough Town Councillor

"On July 17 at 5:30 p.m. the Town Council held a workshop to discuss the potential referendum questions for this November’s ballot. One of these questions includes a request to replenish the land bond fund. The land bond fund is a town fund that was created in 2000 for the purpose of purchasing land for conservation. Unlike what a traditional bond referendum looks like, the land bond does not have an immediate impact on taxpayers, as it authorizes future bonding for land conservation.

"Scarborough voters have overwhelmingly supported every land bond referendum that has come forward since the creation of the land bond fund. The town has contributed $7.5 million towards the acquisition of land for conservation in this 24-year span. Scarborough’s commitment to land conservation has helped successfully obtain grants from the federal and state government and attract donors and matching funds from organizations like the #ScarboroughLandTrust, #LandForMainesFuture and the #MaineFarmlandTrust. These partnerships have led to conservation and preservation of land throughout the town, including #PleasantHillPreserve, #WarrenWoods, #FullerFarm, #BroadturnFarm and #SilverBrookPreserve.

"As of today, there is approximately $14,000 remaining in the town’s land bond fund. With a Town Council goal to conserve 30% of Scarborough land by 2030, more funds are needed. There are many public and economic benefits to land conservation that make this goal so important for Scarborough. The No. 1 concern expressed by our community in the recent survey was the rapid pace of growth and expansion. By conserving land, not only are we protecting our natural resources from development and preserving drinking water and water quality in our rivers, streams and marsh, we are also providing open space for our residents and visitors to enjoy.

"Historically, conserving land is cost neutral to a town budget, while residential development adds more to a town’s cost of services and infrastructure beyond the tax revenues it receives. As one of the fastest growing communities in the state, it is even more important for us to act now to protect our natural resources and maintain the open space that has attracted residents to Scarborough.

"The request before the Town Council is for a $6 million replenishment of the land bond, which accounts for the rising cost of land and the town’s 30×30 goal. This recommendation comes from the town’s Parks and Conservation Land Board, which is responsible for evaluating the applications the town receives for land bond funds. The board has developed a detailed acquisition evaluation process for properties, based on factors such as size, preservation of natural resources, location to habitat, public access and creating connectivity.

"Most recently the board recommended, and Town Council approved, the use of $800,000 towards the preservation of an additional 130 acres at Silver Brook Preserve in western Scarborough. This recent Silver Brook Preserve expansion now connects 813 acres of continuous conserved land between Scarborough, #SacoMaine and #BuxtonMaine. With no further funds available in the land bond, the town may miss opportunities like Silver Brook Preserve in the future. The town is also currently in the process of developing an Open Space Conservation Plan. This plan will guide and prioritize land conservation efforts. With no funds in the land bond, we will be unable to act on the land conservation recommendations from this plan.

"Scarborough is a leader in land conservation. No other town in Maine has spent as many local dollars on conserving their natural resources. I will try to continue our leadership in land conservation by encouraging my fellow councilors to support placing this $6 million land bond on the November ballot. To learn more about the land bond I invite residents to attend our upcoming Council Corner Live on Aug. 7 to learn more about the land bond – stay tuned for details."

https://www.pressherald.com/2024/07/18/council-corner-a-path-to-continued-land-conservation-in-scarborough/

#WaterIsLife #SaveTheMarshes #SaveTheFarms #Maine #SouthernMaine #LandTrust #LandConservation #BlueCarbon #SaveTheWetlands #SaltMarshes #ScarboroughMarsh #WebOfLife #Wetlands #SaveTheForests #PreserveNature #SolarPunkSunday

#lahaina #mauiStrong #landTrust #hawaii https://mauinow.com/2024/08/15/lahaina-community-land-trust-secures-first-piece-of-land-to-steward-in-lahaina-hands/

#Lahaina Community Land Trust

Land protection & land justice

"Keeping Lahaina Lands in Lahaina Hands. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to protect and perpetuate Lahaina, by empowering the Lahaina community to live, engage and prosper while protecting, restoring and caring for its ‘āina and ea."

https://lahainacommunitylandtrust.org/

#NativeHawaiians #LandTrust #LandBack #AffordableHousing #Hawaii #JohnOliver #SolarPunkSunday

Clare Fonstein: The story behind California’s only Black-led land trust

"So, two years ago, Stevens founded the 40 Acre Conservation League, the first and only Black-led conservation land trust in #California. The trust’s goal is to protect California’s lands in an inclusive way, by creating greater access and business opportunities for people of color. The league will close on its first major purchase in January — a 650-acre expanse surrounded by Tahoe National Forest in #Placer County."

#giftarticle #landtrust #tahoe
https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/black-land-trust-18338795.php?sid=57f2d62b1acbcdb5538b4a4e&ss=A&st_rid=98ebc417-046c-4639-bbc2-4643319705bc&utm_source=marketing&utm_medium=copy-url-link&utm_term=briefing&utm_campaign=article-share&hash=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2ZjaHJvbmljbGUuY29tL2NhbGlmb3JuaWEvYXJ0aWNsZS9ibGFjay1sYW5kLXRydXN0LTE4MzM4Nzk1LnBocA%3D%3D&time=MTcwMTEwOTM3MTM1MQ%3D%3D&rid=OThlYmM0MTctMDQ2Yy00NjM5LWJiYzItNDY0MzMxOTcwNWJj&sharecount=MQ%3D%3D

Community Land Trusts: Could this be a Solution to Gentrification?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h46WVCr4zk0

#youtube #landtrust #politics #news

Community Organizations Are Taking Ownership Of Boston’s Local Food Systems

#CommunityOrganising #FoodSystems #LandTrust #FoodCoop #UrbanGardens #SolidarityEconomy

https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/community-organizations-are-taking-ownership-of-bostons-local-food-systems

Land Trust and Co-op Save Mobile Home Park
#LandTrust #coop #HomePark

https://geo.coop/gleanings/land-trust-and-co-op-save-mobile-home-park

For this #SilentSunday... An image taken earlier this week of a place where my friends and I had #Beltaine / #MayDay rituals years ago. I'm not sure if #ThomasMorton had ever visited #Newbury, but if he had visited #Quascacunquen / #OldTownHill, I'm sure he would have wanted to erect a Maypole there. Now under the stewardship of the Trustees of Reservations, there is a circle of 12 large rocks around a tree there now -- and evidence that even today, folks are still having rituals atop this sacred spot!

#PaganPlace #LandTrust #PreservedLand #Pagan #Nature #Massachusetts #NewburyMassachusetts

Save Compton Community Garden!

#MutualAid #landtrust
https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-compton-community-garden9