This ALT nature walk has been canceled so we can adhere to public health guidelines that help keep our communities safe.  We are watching closely for updated guidance around events from public health experts, government officials, and industry leaders, and will be reassessing future event plans as they get closer.  Thank you for your patience and understanding. In the meantime, please visit our Trail Maps page to find a place and for guidance on how to explore the outdoors on your own, safely.

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Join us on National Trails Day, part of a series of Explore ALT Nature Walks! This event will be at the Spruce Mountain Conservation Area led by Maine Master Naturalist, Travis Sparks. The focus of this walk is Birds and Blooms.

About Explore ALT Nature Walks: Free, guided adventures at Androscoggin Land Trust conservation areas. Led by trained Maine Master Naturalists and other volunteer leaders, these walks are a great chance to learn more about the natural world and local conservation efforts. Each walk will have a focus depending on the season and the location, but we will explore whatever we find!   Please dress according to the weather, and prepare appropriately for any weather or other conditions – proper footwear, snacks, water bottle, etc. The walks are great for engaged children, and most appropriate for those ages 6 and up. Also, because the goal is nature observation, no dogs please. Please check back here for any updates or changes.

About Spruce Mountain Conservation Area: This 143.6-acre property in Jay near the Spruce Mountain Ski Area overlooks the former French Falls in the Androscoggin River, a drop of six feet in the river that was blasted and mostly removed during the early industrialization of the area.  The original 117-acre property was previously conserved through a long-term conservation lease with Verso Paper, but ALT purchased it and an additional 26.6 acres, along with other properties in October 2014 as part of our Androscoggin Greenway Community Forest Project.  The project was generously funded by Land for Maine’s Future and numerous private foundations.  The property is managed for wildlife habitat, recreation and sustainable forestry.  Additional property information here.

Directions: The Spruce Mountain Conservation Area is accessed via Ski Slope Road from Route 4 in Livermore Falls.  Ski Slope Road narrows roughly around the Spruce Mountain Ski Area parking lot.  The road is closed from the parking lot north and access to the property is on foot only at this point.  We’ll meet in the parking lot just past the hydro dam and the Spruce Mountain Ski Slope.