Androscoggin Land Trust

CANCELED: Full Moon Snowshoe Hike at French Falls
2020-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | French Falls Recreation Area, French Falls Lane, Jay, ME, 04239, United States
CANCELED: Unfortunately, “due to the condition of the parking lot and the trails the moonlight snowshoe walk that was planned for Sunday night has been cancelled. We will try to plan one earlier in the season next year!”

Hosted by the Jay Recreation Committee
Join the Jay Recreation Committee on the (almost) full moon for an evening snowshoe hike! The riverside trail will give a great opportunity to see the moonlight on the river and beaming through the trees. There will be a fire near the trail entrance to enjoy. There is a parking lot along the ball field at the end of French Falls Lane and we will meet there at the trail entrance.
What to bring: snowshoes, headlamp/flashlight, poles (optional), water and a snack, warm clothing (layers suggested).
French Falls Park is owned and conserved by the Androscoggin Land Trust and leased to the Town of Jay. You can learn more about French Falls here: https://androscogginlandtrust.org/land-projects/french-falls-recreation-area/

Spruce Mountain Sled-In and Winter Family Day at French Falls
2020-02-15 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | French Falls Recreation Area, French Falls Lane, Jay, ME, 04239, United States
The Town of Jay Recreation Committee has organized this wonderful winter event. Ride or drive in to the Spruce Mountain Sled-In and Winter Family Day at French Falls Recreation Area in Jay! There will be sleigh rides, snow shoe races, snow shoeing on the trails, a snow sculpture contest, sledding, food, a fire pit, all the ingredients needed for a fun winter day! Don’t forget to bring your sleds, ice skates and snow shoes!
French Falls is a 29.4-acre riverside property with recreation trails for hiking, snowshoeing, X-country skiing, and more in Jay, Maine owned by Androscoggin Land Trust. The property is situated between Route 4 and the Androscoggin River and includes an approximately 10-acre recreational facility at the center leased by the Town of Jay. Incredible work has been done on the trail system there in recent years!

ALT Annual Meeting & 30th Anniversary Celebration
2019-11-12 17:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | L/A Arts, 221 Lisbon St, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
ALT Annual Meeting & 30th Anniversary Celebration 2019
Please join us!
The Vision to Conserve
Celebrating 30 years with the Androscoggin Land Trust:
Photographs By Courtney Mooney
Tuesday, November 12 | 5-7:30 PM | L/A Arts, 221 Lisbon St, Lewiston
Please join us for a celebration for our 30th year, which is all about our members and community. Be among the first to see an exhibit of photographic images of ALT conserved properties captured by Maine-based photographer, Courtney Mooney www.courtneymooney.com. Photos from the collection will be available for purchase, and raffle tickets will be sold to win a specific framed photo from the collection (buy raffle tickets in advance at this link!). We hope to see you there! All are welcome. Complimentary appetizers, dessert, and a cash bar will be available. FREE/$10 SUGGESTED DONATION. Recommended parking: The Centreville Parking Garage between Lisbon and Canal Street or nearby street parking if available. For questions, call 207-782-2302 or email info@androscogginlandtrust.org
Schedule:
5:00pm-6:00pm Social Hour: Photography Exhibit, Complimentary Appetizers, Art Raffle Tickets & Art for Sale, Conversation and Cash Bar
6:00pm-6:45pm Program: Welcome, Celebration of ALT Community, Remarks from Artist Courtney Mooney and Sponsors. Annual Meeting Business.
6:45pm-6:55pm Art Raffle Drawing, Cheers to 30 Years of Conservation and Cake
6:55pm-7:30pm Social Hour: Photography Exhibit, Art for Sale, Conversation and Cash Bar
Untitled. Photo by Courtney Mooney at ALT Conserved Property, Curtis Bog, Sabattus
Thank you to our event sponsors!

Explore ALT Nature Walk-Great ME Outdoor Weekend-Marden-Chittick Refuge
2019-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Marden-Chittick Refuge, 196 North Mountain Road, Greene, ME, 04236, United States
Join us on a Saturday morning in September for a walk as part of Great Maine Outdoor Weekend (this Fall, September 13-22, 2019) – part of a series of Explore ALT Nature Walks! This event will be at the Marden-Chittick Refuge in Greene led by Maine Master Naturalist, Travis Sparks. The focus of this walk will be Nature Conservation. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the Refuge after the walk!
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, but not appropriate for those under age 6. Also, because the goal is nature observation, no dogs please. Please check back here for any updates or changes.
Lean-to at Marden-Chittick Refuge in Greene
About the Marden-Chittick Refuge: Three conservation easements were donated by Judith Marden to ALT in 2003 as the Marden-Chittick Refuge as an initial effort to permanently conserve one of the few blocks of remaining undeveloped land of over 1000 acres still remaining in Androscoggin County and critical for the maintenance of wildlife habitat. The conservation easements protect over 200 acres of forests, scenic views and fields as well as the historic John Allen (1760-1834) farmstead and Mountain Purity Spring. This property is privately owned, although the landowner at her discretion allows for limited public access, via snowmobile and hiking trails. There is also permanent access for the Bates Outing Club to their lean-to. Further information about this property can be found here.
Directions: Enter 196 North Mountain Road, Greene, ME 04236 into GPS. This will take you to the top of the hill on a dirt road. When you reach the end of the road, you will see a small parking area on the right surrounded by woods.

Source to the Sea - ARWC - Auburn/David Rancourt Preserve
2019-08-11 08:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | North River Road Boat Launch, 81 North River Road, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Judy Marden, a past board member of ALT and experienced paddling leader, will lead this leg of the Androscoggin River Watershed Council’s (AWRC) Source to Sea Paddle event series and we hope you will join! This is a mellow and scenic round-trip paddle from Auburn to ALT’s David Rancourt River Preserve in Lewiston and back to Auburn. You just might see an eagle or two.
Put-in will be at the North River Road Boat Launch in Auburn (behind Wendy’s). The group will paddle about 1.75 miles (total round-trip is approximately 3.5 miles) to the David Rancourt Rancourt Preserve, just below Deer Rips Dam, take a short hike on the preserve, and then back to North River Road Boat Launch. The current along this stretch is slow unless you choose to paddle up into the rips. Meet at 8:30 am at the North River Road boat launch (behind Wendy’s on Center St. in downtown Auburn). Bring your kayak or canoe, sunscreen and bugspray, and plenty to drink, and meet us at the North River Road Boat Launch at 8:30AM!
Put in and take out: N44°27.977′ W070°13.513′
Notes: Put in at the North River Road launch in Auburn and paddle about 1.75 miles upstream until you reach a small sand beach on the Lewiston side of the river. Current is slow to non-existent because the put-in is just above Great Falls Dam and the Rancourt River Preserve is just below the Deer Rips Dam. Join for lunch at Rolly’s Diner in Auburn for lunch after the paddle.
Click below for map.
http://goo.gl/maps/TYj3Y
FMI about the Source to Sea Trek and to make a voluntary donation to support ARWC: http://arwc.camp7.org/event-3342448

CANCELLED 8/8/19-Paddle After Hours Lewiston/Auburn
2019-08-08 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Festival Plaza and Boat Launch, 112 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
PLEASE NOTE: This event has been cancelled for 8/8/19 due to the weather forecast, including possible thunderstorms. Please stay tuned for a possible reschedule date. Thank you.
Join us for an evening of twilight paddling on the Androscoggin River in downtown Lewiston Auburn!

This paddling event is also a leg of the Androscoggin River Watershed Council’s Source to Sea Trek, which over the course of a month, covers the River from Magalloway to Merrymeeting Bay.

Paddlers will leave Auburn’s Festival Plaza boat launch at 5:30 p.m. for a tour to explore the nearby river, hearing about local history, gazing up at the cities on either side and into the historic canals, and paddling to the confluence with the Little Androscoggin River, before regrouping at Gritty’s for refreshments and conversation.

The event is a great opportunity to learn more about the river and local history while enjoying a laid back paddle. We hope to see you there!

Please bring a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board (SUP) (experienced SUP paddlers only), and a United States Coast Guard approved flotation device (life-jacket). You can also contact Shaker Hill Outdoors at 207-998-5390 ASAP if you are interested in onsite rental. For more information about the event please contact ALT at 207.782.2302 or info@androscogginlandtrust.org

Thanks to our generous event sponsors!

Explore ALT Nature Walk: Spruce Mountain Conservation Area
2019-08-04 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Spruce Mountain Forest, Ski Slope Road, Jay, ME, 04210, United States
Join us on a Sunday morning in August for the third in a series of Explore ALT Nature Walks! This event will be at Spruce Mountain Conservation Area in Jay, Maine led by Maine Master Naturalist, Travis Sparks. The focus of this walk on trails at Spruce Mountain is Summer Tree Identification.
Explore ALT Nature Walks are 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, but not appropriate for those under age 6. 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.

Happy Hour Fundraiser at Baxter Brewing Co.
2019-08-03 12:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Baxter Brewing Co., 130 Mill Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Join us after the 8th Annual Androscoggin River Clean Up for a cool-down gathering and happy hour fundraiser at The Pub at Baxter Brewing Co! Baxter will donate $1 from every beer purchased to the forever-conservation, watershed protection, and outdoor recreation work of the Androscoggin Land Trust! There will also be menu of $5 appetizers available.
ALT is celebrating 30 years of conservation this year! There will be an opportunity at the event learn more about the work of ALT and how to enjoy the many preserves and trails we have worked to conserve, and how get involved as a new member, volunteer land steward, or board member. We appreciate all the support of our members, partners, and the wider community.

8th Annual Androscoggin River Clean Up
2019-08-03 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Little Andy Park, New Auburn, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Come and help clean the shores of the Androscoggin River in preparation for the Great Falls Balloon Festival and the City of Auburn’s Summer Fest!
Volunteers will help pick up trash and remove debris from the shores and the body of the Androscoggin River. This annual event is always a fun and rewarding community experience. The clean-up is followed by a cool-down gathering at The Pub at Baxter Brewing Company where from 12:30-4:30PM, volunteers will enjoy a $5 appetizer menu and Baxter will donate $1 from every beer purchased to the forever-conservation and outdoor recreation work of Androscoggin Land Trust!
If you bring a boat: Volunteers will paddle up and down both sides of the river picking up trash and debris
If you don’t bring a boat: There’s plenty to pick up on foot!

Who: Androscoggin Land Trust & community volunteers
What: 8th Annual Androscoggin River Clean Up, an environmental community service event
When: Saturday, August 3rd, 2019, 10AM-1PM, with a post-event cool-down and fundraiser at Baxter Brewing Co. 12:30-4:30PM
Where: Anniversary Park/ Little Andy Park & Hand-Carry Boat Launch in New Auburn (located on Pulsifer St. near Rolly’s Restaurant) & The Pub at Baxter Brewing Co. 130 Mill St, Lewiston
ALT provides: Water, snacks, trash bags, & gloves. We will also have a limited number of clean-up T-shirts available that will be first-come, first serve.
Volunteers Should Bring: boots/shoes that can get wet, work gloves to protect their hands (though we will have some to borrow), a water bottle to reduce waste, sun screen, and if you wish to collect trash/debris via boat — bring a canoe, skiff, or durable raft to access by the hand-carry boat launch.

We’ll also once again be joined by CES to learn how to prevent stormwater runoff with an interactive display, and they will also be doing a free raffle for a rain barrel! The Androscoggin Soil & Water District will also be joining us for the first time this year to share about their free technical assistance for landowners and farmers, as well as their educational programming.
Thanks also to the Public Works Departments of the Cities of Auburn & Lewiston for helping to make this event possible by providing trash hauling!

Questions? Please call 782-2302 or email info@androscogginlandtrust.org. We hope you’ll join us!

Thanks to our event sponsors!

Explore ALT Nature Walk: Sherwood Forest Conservation Area
2019-07-06 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Drive, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Join us on a Saturday morning in July for the second in a series of Explore ALT Nature Walks! This event will be at Sherwood Forest Conservation Area led by Maine Master Naturalists, Travis Sparks and Marygrace Barber. The focus of this walk on the just over 2 miles of trails at Sherwood is Natural Communities and Ferns. Natural Communities are groups of plants and animals that occur together based on soil types, water availability, light exposure, and other ecological conditions.
Explore ALT Nature Walks are 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, but not appropriate for those under age 6. Also, because the goal is nature observation, no dogs please.
Please check back here for any updates or changes.
About Sherwood Forest Conservation Area: 28 acres of woods and fields owned by the Androscoggin Land Trust adjacent to Sherwood Heights Elementary School and another 50 acres owned by the City of Auburn both of which have extensive trail systems and are also used by students for nature study and educational opportunities. The ALT owned property, also known as the Alexander-Harkins Preserve, was donated by Joseph Harkins to ALT in 2000. The property features an outdoor classroom space, a small pond, and bridges over streams. Additional property information here.
Directions: Follow South Main Street to New Auburn to the intersection with Cook Street. Take a right onto Cook Street and follow until the intersection with 19th Street. Take a left onto 19th Street and follow until it dead-ends. Park on the side of 19th Street and the trailhead will be on your left. We’ll meet at this trailhead, behind home plate of the ball field.

4th Annual ALT Canoe & Kayak River Race
2019-06-22 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Festival Plaza and Boat Launch, 112 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
ALT River Race

Saturday, June 22, 2019
You can find race results below. Thank you for all you came out to paddle on race day!

2019 race results
2018 race results
2017 race results
2016 race results

The Androscoggin Land Trust’s (ALT’s) annual event, proudly presented in 2019 by Spectrum Healthcare Partners, is open to all to launch canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, (and more!) into the Androscoggin River and complete one of three courses of varying length and challenge! Pick your paddle: Choose from a 7-mile course with rapids, a 3-mile rapid-free course with an up-river challenge, or a short, fun 1.5 miles. This event is held in conjunction with the Great Falls Brewfest, which takes place that afternoon a stones-throw across the river from our starting line (and thanks to Baxter Brewing, all pre-registered racers 21+ receive a discount on admission to the Brewfest!). All paddlers are entered to win raffle prizes from local businesses which are awarded after the race. This event is a unique opportunity to take in natural beauty of the Androscoggin River with a group of fellow paddlers.
Schedule:

7:30-8:30 AM – Registration and Check-in
9:00 AM – Race Start
10:45 AM – Awards Ceremony at Festival Plaza in Auburn – Volunteers will stay to watch boats left at all three finish locations so you can attend the awards ceremony worry-free!

River Race Rules and Safety (Link)
Our river safety crew is generously supported by Three Rivers Whitewater

The 2019 ALT River Race has three course options:
1.) The Long Distance Paddle – An approximately 7 mile course that includes a section of rapids typically rated class I or II (but could be class III depending on the water level on the day of the race). The event allows racers to experience unique sections of the Androscoggin River with many other recreational enthusiasts. Note: Due to the rapids, paddleboards are not recommended for this course. Average Time: 1 hr 22 min.

2.) Boomerang Paddle – An approximately 3 mile course, Auburn to Lewiston boat launch & back upriver to Auburn (no rapids). Average Time: 50 minutes

3. ) Twin City Paddle – An approximately 1.5 mile course. Short, fun paddle (no rapids) Auburn to Lewiston boat launch. Average Time: 30 minutes

Awards will go to the top 2 finishers in each category. One additional prize will be awarded to the boat or paddler with the best costume.

All racers will also receive 1 free raffle ticket in their race packet to enter to win raffle prizes donated by amazing local businesses. Learn more about 2019 raffle prizes! announced during the awards ceremony, FMI on the 2019 prizes here!
Thanks to the support of Baxter Brewing, all racers 21+ will receive a coupon code for 15% off a ticket to the Great Falls Brewfest (scheduled for 12PM VIP, and 2PM General Admission on June 22, 2019).

Entry fees:

$25 per single boat, $35 per double boat
Day-of: $30 per single boat, $40 per double boat

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS:

Register by April 30 to receive $10 off entry
Register by May 31 to receive $5 off entry

All event proceeds support the land conservation, watershed protection, and outdoor recreation work of the Androscoggin Land Trust.
REGISTER TODAY!

Start location for all three courses:

Festival Plaza/Auburn Boat Launch, Main St., Auburn (Map: Parking & Boat Unloading – volunteers will direct you)

Finish locations:

Course 1. Long Distance: Durham Boat Launch, Rt 136, Durham.
Course 2. Boomerang: Festival Plaza/Auburn Boat Launch
Course 3. Twin City: Lincoln Street Boat Launch, 509 Lincoln Street, Lewiston.

Shuttle Service – For racers on the Long Distance Paddle Course, there will be a free shuttle service from the Durham Boat Launch back to Festival Plaza in Auburn courtesy of NorthEast Charter & Tour Co.
Course Map: Long Distance Paddle
Course Maps: Twin City Paddle & Boomerang Paddle

Limited quantities and sizes of t-shirts will be available for purchase to day-of registrants and spectators.
The race will go on rain or shine.

Check out this video of the section of rapids on the 7-mile course:

Boat Rental Options – Racers are asked to bring their own boats to the race. There is a rental option offered by Shaker Hill Outdoors, 271 Maine St, Poland Spring. They are offering a package deal for the ALT River Race below. If interested in this option, call Shaker Hill at 207-998-5390 and mention the ALT River Race:

Pick up Friday night between 4-5:30 and return by Saturday by 4pm:

10 foot recreational kayak = $55
Canoe = $75

Return Sunday morning between 8-9am:

10 foot recreational kayak = $80
Canoe = $100

All rentals come with a life jacket and paddles.

Please email us at info@androscogginlandtrust.org or call 782-2302 if you have any questions and we hope to see you out on the river on June 22!
REGISTER

Thanks to our sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Paddle Power Sponsors

ALT Business Partner Leaders

In Kind Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Explore ALT Nature Walk: Purinton Homestead Preserve
2019-06-01 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Purinton Homestead Preserve, 54-10 West Rd, Bowdoin, ME 04287, Bowdoin, ME, 04287, United States
Join us on National Trails Day, June 1st, for the first in a series of Explore ALT Nature Walks! This first event will be at Purinton Homestead Preserve in West Bowdoin led by Maine Master Naturalist, Travis Sparks. The focus of this walk on the mile of trail at Purinton will be forest succession, a natural pattern of ecosystem change that takes place over time.
Explore ALT Nature Walks are 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 might observe!
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, but not appropriate for those under age 6. Also, because the goal is nature observation, no dogs please.
Please check back here for any updates or changes.
About Purinton Homestead Conservation Area: An undeveloped and traditional rural agrarian and forest preserve with 1 mile of wooded walking trails in the village of West Bowdoin. The land was generously donated to the Androscoggin Land Trust in 2001 by the Purinton Family. The Preserve includes a 40-acre field and 100 acres of woods with frontage along Gillespie Brook owned by ALT as well as the privately-owned historic Purinton family home and adjacent 9-acres which ALT holds a conservation easement on. Gillespie Brook, empties into Little River which is good potential salmon habitat. Hay is still being harvested from the fields. Additional property information here.
Directions: (GPS: 54-10 W Rd, Bowdoin, ME 04287) Follow Route 196 in Lewiston north to the intersection with South Lisbon Road in Lewiston. Turn left onto South Lisbon Road and follow to intersection with Crowley Road. Turn left onto Crowley Road and follow until the Town of Sabattus where it turns to Bowdoinham Road. Continue on Bowdoinham Road until you cross into the Town of Lisbon where it becomes the Store Road. At the intersection with West Road, turn left onto West Road and follow past the field on the right. When the fields turn to woods again, look for a sandy informal parking area on the right, which is adjacent to the trailhead.
Upcoming Explore ALT Nature Walks:

Saturday, July 6, 10:00am – 11:30am
Sherwood Forest Conservation Area, Auburn
Focus: TBD
Sunday, August 4, 10:00am – 11:30am
Spruce Mountain Conservation Area, Jay
Focus: TBD

Earth Day Trails Clean Up 2019
2019-04-20 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Drive, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
**ALT Trail Project as part of Earth Day event Cancelled**
The forecast over the next couple of days is not favorable for trail work conditions. In the interest of being good trail stewards we do not want to be tromping through wet muddy trails and impacting the terrain 🙂Therefore, we are cancelling with plans to reschedule TBD, depending on the extended forecast. PLEASE NOTE: the larger community event organized by UMVA Lewiston-Auburn and the Downtown Lewiston Arts District is being rescheduled to occur Saturday, April 27. Please check out the great opportunities for projects that will still be happening April 27 instead of April 20. We hope you find many ways to celebrate Earth Day this week and every week!
OUR PROJECT:
Help ALT prepare this special trail system for Summer use! We will be practicing good trail stewardship at Sherwood Forest Conservation Area by clearing the trails and the outdoor classroom of downed sticks and fallen trees. We will also be cleaning up any litter. We’ll meet at 10AM at the 19th Street entrance to the Sherwood Forest trail system near the picnic table.
EVENT BACKGROUND:
This is part of an Earth Day event organized by UMVA Lewiston-Auburn and the Downtown Lewiston Arts District. The full event in L-A will feature several different area clean ups in Auburn and Lewiston, and in addition, unveiling of painted side walk murals, fire hydrants, studio & public art tours, local music and a buy local cash mob. Check for updates about the other things happening on the Earth Day facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/329354037699793/
WHAT TO BRING:
ALT will provide trash bags, gloves, and some tools, and volunteers are asked to bring, if possible:
-Waterproof boots, as it may be muddy
-Layers of warm clothes, including rain jacket – just in case!
-A trail snack & Water
-Work Gloves
-Loppers
*You may wish to label your personal tools to make sure they don’t get mixed with others.
DIRECTIONS:
The Sherwood Forest Trails are accessed behind Sherwood Height’s Elementary School, located at 32 Sherwood Drive in Auburn. From where ME Route 136/Main Street intersects Mill Street in Auburn, leave ME Route 136 to continue onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street 0.5 miles to Bolster Steet. Turn onto Bolster Street and continue straight through the stop sign onto Sherwood Drive. Parking is available along 19th Street and Sherwood Drive. We’ll meet at 10AM at the 19th Street entrance near the picnic table.
FMI on Sherwood Forest trails via Maine Trail Finder:
https://mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/sherwood-forest-conservation-area

LA Region Farmland Access & Food Economy Conference
2019-03-07 08:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | ME
LA Region Farmland Access &
Food Economy Conference
Thursday, March 7, 2019
8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Auburn Senior Community Center
48 Pettengill Park, Auburn
For farm seekers, retiring farmers, land owners, service providers, city/town officials, staff, & economic development professionals in the Lewiston-Auburn (LA) Region.
– Are you a farmer looking for land in Maine?
– Are you a retiring farmer in the LA Region wondering what will happen when you’re ready to stop farming?
– Are you a landowner in the LA Region thinking about making your property available for farming?
– Are you a service provider who helps with issues related to farmland access?
– Are you a city/town official, staff person, or economic development professional in the LA Region interested in connecting with farmers and others about ways to grow the food and farm economy?
Join ALT and other local, state, and regional planning partners for an inspiring half-day of storytelling, relationship-building, and presentations to better understand opportunities for accessing, transferring, and saving farmland, and for growing the local food and farm business sector in the Lewiston-Auburn Region.
Registration & More Information

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike at French Falls
2019-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | French Falls Recreation Area, French Falls Lane, Jay, ME, 04239, United States
Join us on the full moon for an evening snow shoe hike! This riverside trail will give a great opportunity to see the moonlight on the river and beaming through the trees. There will be a fire near the trail entrance to enjoy. There is a parking lot along the ball field at the end of French Falls Lane and we will meet there at the trail entrance. This event is hosted by ALT and the Jay Recreation Committee.
What to bring: snowshoes, headlamp/flashlight, poles (optional), water and a snack, warm clothing (layers suggested). There will be some snow shoes available for people to borrow, if possible please contact us in advance to reserve a pair.
Hope to see you there!
French Falls Recreation Area is owned and conserved by the Androscoggin Land Trust and leased to the Town of Jay. You can learn more about French Falls here: https://androscogginlandtrust.org/land-projects/french-falls-recreation-area/

Cancelled-Great Maine Outdoor Weekend – Snowshoe Hike at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
2019-02-09 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, 1005 Center Bridge Road, Turner, ME, 04282, United States
**Based on the latest forecast of wind chill values as low as -4 and gusts as high as 45 mph, we are cancelling the Riverlands State Park Snowshoe Hike event on 2/9/19**
We will miss exploring beautiful Androscoggin Riverlands State Park with all of you, please check out our other upcoming invents including the Spruce Mountain Sled-in and Full Moon Snowshoe at French Falls.
CANCELLED: Hikers can choose to do the 2.2 mile loop to the picnic meadow and back, or continue on to complete a 4-mile loop trek. Come ready to explore the beautiful Androscoggin Riverlands State Park!
What to bring: snowshoes, water and a snack, warm clothing (layers suggested). Meet us at the Riverlands State Park parking lot located off Center Bridge Road at 10am.
We will have approximately 20 snowshoes available to borrow thanks to Maine IF&W. Please contact ALT in advance if you are interested in borrowing a pair: 782-2302 or info@androscogginlandtrust.org
The State Park was once a quaint Turner village that was destroyed in 1927 by rising waters caused by the construction of the Gulf Island dam. In the mid-1980s, the potential sale of this vast parcel of land along the Androscoggin River in Turner left a cherished local landscape vulnerable to development. Compelled toward action, a small group of area residents began brainstorming ways to preserve the land as open space and to maintain its longstanding public access. Drawing upon the expertise of statewide conservation organizations, they succeeded in securing funds from the fledgling Lands for Maine’s Future Program to purchase the land, which was then transferred to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands for management. Today, the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park is the fifth largest in the state park system, a 2675-acre expanse that offers miles of public trails, river access, year-round recreational opportunities, and significant natural habitat for wildlife. This successful grassroots effort at land protection was the catalyst for the creation of the Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) in 1989 as a vehicle for continuing conservation efforts in the region.
Hope to see you there!
You can check out these links for more information about Androscoggin Riverlands State Park:
Website
Historic Brochure
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park Guide

Snowshoe Hike at David Rancourt Preserve
2019-02-02 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | David Rancourt River Preserve, Tall Pines Drive, Lewiston , 04240, United States
Come join us for a snowshoe hike at David Rancourt Preserve in Lewiston. Missy Bilodeau, ALT board member, co-chair of our Stewardship Committee, and long-time volunteer, will lead a moderate walk along the trails that provide a beautiful view of the Androscoggin River. We will depart at 10 AM from the entrance on Tall Pines Drive. There is limited parking directly next to the entrance to the preserve and more parking available in the parking lot to the housing complex across the street from the entrance (please park closer to the road in the lot) and along Tall Pines Drive.
What to bring: snowshoes, poles (optional), water and a snack, dress warm and preferably in layers.
We will have approximately 20 snowshoes available to borrow for this event thanks to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife! Please contact us in advance if you are interested in reserving a pair: 782-2302 or info@androscogginlandtrust.org
The David Rancourt Preserve lets you enjoy beaches along the river and the trails make you feel like you are deep in the woods, while only minutes from Main Street. In 2007, with help from the Land for Maine’s Future Water Access Fund, the Androscoggin Land Trust purchased this 14.3-acre parcel of land from the City of Lewiston. The preserve was soon thereafter named in memory of Deputy Rancourt, a man whose affinity for the river and dedication to his country and community will forever be appreciated.
Hope to see you there!

Snowshoe Hikes at Sherwood Conservation Area for Auburn Winterfest
2019-01-27 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Drive, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Join Maine Master Naturalists and long-time ALT volunteers, Paula Curtis Everett and Michael Everett, on one of several family-friendly snowshoe hikes at ALT conserved property, Sherwood Forest Conservation Area behind Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn. Paula will lead several hikes on the White Trail trail (.3 miles) in approximately 30 min intervals starting at 11AM. For hikers interested in going out solo on the additional 2 miles of trails, see this trail map and rules: https://androscogginlandtrust.org/land-projects/sherwood-forest-conservation-area/
These showshoe hikes are part of an Auburn Winterfest event on Jan 27 sponsored by the United New Auburn Association who is also hosting sledding and skating at Sherwood Heights Elementary School 11AM-2PM. Come out for a day of family-friendly outdoor winter fun! FMI about Auburn Winterfest: http://auburnmaine.gov/Pages/Government/Winter-Festival-
Directions: Park along Sherwood Drive in Auburn and walk behind the school towards the playground/swingsets where there is a trailhead entrance. There will be a sign indicating the approximate times of the next guided hikes.
What to bring: snowshoes, poles (optional), water and a snack, warm clothing (layers suggested).
FYI – Several pairs of snowshoes will also be available to borrow thanks to the Auburn-Lewiston Boys & Girls Club and Maine IF&W.

Snowshoe Hike at Mt. Apatite for Auburn Winter Fest!
2019-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Mt. Apatite, 99 Small Road, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Please add ALT’s Mt. Apatite snowshoe hike to your list of fun Auburn Winter Fest activities! Paula Curtis-Everett, Michael Everett, & Ned Claxton, long-time ALT volunteers, will lead a moderate walk along a little over 2 miles of mild gradient trails at Mt. Apatite.
We will depart at 10 AM from the park entrance off Garfield Road, parking in the Auburn Suburban ball fields parking lot. (Please note the meeting location change due to high levels of interest in this event: we are NOT meeting off Small Road/Hatch Road-please meet us near the ball fields instead)
What to bring: snowshoes, poles (optional), water and a snack, warm clothing (layers suggested).
We will have approximately 20 snowshoes available to borrow thanks to Maine IF&W. Please contact ALT in advance if you are interested in borrowing a pair: 782-2302 or info@androscogginlandtrust.org

Mount Apatite is a 300 acre property owned by the City of Auburn. In the early 1800’s it was an established mine. For nearly 100 years semi-precious stones and minerals were mined there. There is now a network of nearly 8 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, X-country skiiing, and snowmobiling.

Mt. Apatite Trail Map & Rules: https://auburnmaine.gov/CMSContent/Parks_Recreation/100Mt._Apatite_Map__Brochure_-_Final_-_7-2-13.pdf

Hope to see you there!

ALT Annual Meeting
2018-11-13 17:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn, 14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
In case anyone was wondering, we’re pressing ahead with the meeting tonight no matter the weather!
–RSVP appreciated but not required-
Our Annual Meeting on November 13 will feature guest speaker, Brian Threlkeld, adventurer and photographer based out of Portland, Maine. A former public school teacher, Brian created Threlkeld Outdoors, a platform to create authentic, expedition-based content to safeguard public lands, advocate for logical environmental policies, and build engagement in the outdoors. His clients include Maine Outdoor Brands, Planet Dog, and Smartwool. He was also recently hired as full-time Team Storyteller for the nonprofit Outdoor Sport Institute. On Nov. 13, Brian will feature his outdoor adventure images and center this talk on how leading an active outdoor lifestyle has led to an understanding of the interconnectedness between land conservation, public health, economic health… and fun!
ALT will also share highlights from the last year, and recognize some people who have made an outstanding impact on the Androscoggin Land Trust, presenting the following awards:

Bonnie Lounsbury Environmental Award
Androscoggin Partner Award
Elliott Bates Stewardship Award
Community Business Stewardship Award

Schedule:
5:00pm – 6:00pm Complimentary Appetizers and Cash Bar
6:00pm-7:30pm Meeting and Guest Speaker, Brian Threlkeld, with a talk entitled, “Through the Lens of Adventure Photography: The Interconnectedness of Maine Land Conservation, Public and Economic Health”
Free / Suggested $10 Donation / Open to the Public

Email info@androscogginlandtrust.org or call 207.782.2302 with any questions. We hope to see you on November 13!

GMOW - Fall Foliage Paddle at Riverlands State Park
2018-09-22 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, 1005 Center Bridge Road, Turner, ME, 04282, United States
Join the Androscoggin Land Trust to celebrate fall and the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend with a paddle on Gulf Island Pond, along the shore of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park.
The paddling trip will depart from the boat access on Center Bridge Road in Turner at the northern end of the park, and include a round trip of approximately eight miles depending on the weather and water conditions. Paddlers will follow the shoreline of the state park. We’ll take a short hike on the Homestead Trail, midway, to see foundations of old farmsteads, all that is left of a thriving community flooded out by the construction of Gulf Island Dam in 1927. Then we will paddle downriver to an island, have lunch, and turn back. The Riverlands was first conserved in the early 1990s by conservationists who played a role in creating the Androscoggin Land Trust.
You can arrive at 10am. Please bring your own boat and paddling gear (life vests mandatory). Bring wind/rain/sun protection gear, binoculars, camera, water, and your lunch. You do not need to register in advance.
Paddle will be held rain or shine, unless conditions are treacherous. For directions and more information about the park, visit www.maine.gov/androscogginriverlands. The Center Bridge boat access is between the entrance to the park and the Greene-Turner Bridge. Look for a small blue sign with a boat on it.

Source to the Sea Paddle - ARWC - Turner to Greene
2018-07-28 08:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Turner Boat Launch, Center Bridge Road, Turner, ME, 04282, United States
Please join former long-time ALT Board member and leader extraordinaire, Judy Marden for the Center Bridge to Cherry Pond leg of the Source to Sea paddle event series, hosted by the Androscoggin River Watershed Council. The trip will include paddling through Gulf Island Pond, which is an impoundment that was formed by the Gulf Island Dam. Put-in is at Center Bridge and take out is at the Cherry Pond boat launch, which is located before you get to the dam. Trip length is about 10 miles. If time permits, the group will stop at the Riverlands State Park part way into the trip and have a short hike along a trail. The group will also stop for a picnic lunch at one of the islands along the way.
The Specifics:

Meet at 9AM at Center Bridge Boat launch in Turner
Take out at Cherry Pond
Distance is approximately 10 miles
Timeframe: 8:30AM – 3PM (or so)
What to bring: kayak or canoe, bug spray, sun screen, bag lunch with snacks and plenty of fluids

Learn to Fish with St. Mary's Nutrition Center's Summer Youth Gardener Program
2018-07-27 09:15 - 12:15, 2018-06-29 09:15 - 12:15 (America/New_York) | Simard-Payne Park, Lewiston, ME
St. Mary’s Nutrition Center’s Summer Youth Gardeners and ALT meet on the shore of the Androscoggin River for some morning fishing! While some participants have fished before, everyone shares in the excitement that comes when someone has their first catch!

Learn to Fish with Tree Street Youth
2018-07-19 09:30 - 15:00 UTC | Auburn
Tree Street Youth Summer Program participants and ALT meet on the shore of the Androscoggin River to spend a day fishing! While some participants have fished before, everyone shares in the excitement that comes when someone has their first catch!

National Trails Day - Celebrating Land Stewards!
2018-06-02 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Drive, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
ALT protects roughly 5,000 acres of forest and farmland and over ten miles of Androscoggin Riverfront, and we couldn’t do it without the dedicated work of our volunteer stewards! On National Trails Day, we would like to show our appreciation to the volunteer stewards who, over the years, have helped ALT maintain its high standard in land protection. We’ll enjoy breakfast at the outdoor classroom at Sherwood Forest Conservation Area, and we’ll also celebrating the recent installation of new signage on this trail system – scheduled to be completed in Spring 2018.
We welcome those interested in learning about our stewardship program as well. You can learn about the stewardship program, what ALT has been busy working on over the past year, and hopefully hear stories about experiences land stewards have had at the properties they help protect.
We will meet at the 19th street entrance where the kiosk is located (behind Sherwood Elementary School in New Auburn) at 10 AM and take a nice hike through the forest (under half a mile) to the outdoor classroom near a pond where we will have breakfast, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Directions: Follow South Main Street to New Auburn to the intersection with Cook Street. Take a right onto Cook Street and follow until the intersection with 19th Street. Take a left onto 19th Street and follow until it dead-ends. Park on the side of 19th Street and the trailhead will be on your left.

Spot a Woodcock Event
2018-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Purinton Homestead Conservation Area, 50 West Road, Bowdoin, ME, 04287, United States
Have you ever seen or heard a woodcock? They are spectacular birds! The male Woodcock performs a very interesting mating ritual during the twilight hours in early spring and on April 22 we’re heading out to catch a glimpse! Led by long-time board member and bird enthusiast Dana Little, we will walk the trails of the historic Purinton Homestead Conservation Area in West Bowdoin in hopes of observing this rare sight. We’ll also be listening for barred owls and other inhabitants of the preserve.
Check out this website with great information about the woodcock: musicofnature.com
We will meet at the entrance to the trail at 6:30pm. Please wear warm clothes and waterproof boots-preferably tall rain boots and bring water. We hope you will join us!
Directions: The Purinton Homestead Preserve kiosk and trail entrance is 600 feet west of the West Bowdoin Baptist Church (54 West Road, Bowdoin, ME). You can enter this address into your GPS and then look for a sandy informal parking area, which is adjacent to the trailhead.

Member Snowshoe Hike
2018-03-04 13:30 - 17:00 UTC | Marden-Chittick Refuge, 196 North Mountain Road, Greene, ME, 04236, United States
ALT members, we hope you can join us for a snowshoe hike on Sunday, March 4!
For several years Judy Marden, long-time ALT board member, has hosted Androscoggin Land Trust’s Members Only event! If you are not currently a member, it is not too late to join before the event!
Judy will lead the group on about a 2.5 mile snowshoe hike through the trails on Clark Mountain at the Marden-Chittick Refuge in Greene, her 200+ acre parcel of conserved land protected forever by an ALT conservation easement. At this event, we challenge members to bring at least one new member; someone who hasn’t joined yet, but that you think might really enjoy being a member of ALT.
After the hike everyone is invited to come back to Judy’s c.1795 farmhouse to sit by her old Glenwood B woodstove and enjoy chili, mulled wine, hot cider, good company and other treats! Bring your snowshoes if you have them (if not please let us know when you RSVP), water, warm clothing (preferably layers) a friend or two, and come ready to mingle and enjoy the outdoors!

Please register soon because we can only accommodate 30 guests! Reserve your spot by emailing us at info@androscogginlandtrust.org or by calling the ALT office at (207) 782-2302.
We are grateful for your support of ALT and hope you can join the fun!

Auburn Public Library Teen Summer Reading "Build a Better World" Program--Conservation Talk
2017-08-03 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Auburn Public Library
Teens from the Auburn Public Library Teen Summer Reading Program will join ALT learn about the importance of protecting land and what it means to them! This is part of their “Build a Better World” theme for the summer. They will also hear about the fantastic partnership between the Androscoggin Land Trust and the Lewiston and Auburn Water Districts and the role that conservation plays every time they take a drink of water. This program will be led by Deb Charest, former ALT Conservation Director and Lake Auburn Watershed Council Educator and current High School Biology Teacher. This program is for teens ages 12-18 and will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room.

Auburn Public Library Teen Summer Reading "Build a Better World" Program--Riverwalk History Tour
2017-07-27 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Auburn Public Library
Teens from the Auburn Public Library Teen Summer Reading Program will join ALT to walk the Riverwalk and learn about the history of the Androscoggin River and the Cities on its shores! This is part of their “Build a Better World” theme for the summer. Teens will walk down from the Library (near the Library Avenue entrance) to meet ALT on Main Street. From there, Board Member Jim Pross will lead the group on a walk along the bank of the river to talk about its history, clean up efforts through the years, and future plans. The walk should take about an hour. This program is for teens, ages 12-18 (entering grades 7-12). Jim Pross is a great tour guide for this event as he is the famous narrator of ALT’s Travelstorys History Tour Smartphone App available in both a walking and a paddling version in Lewiston/Auburn. Access more information about the history tour app here.
