Androscoggin Land Trust

Vernal pools w/LAWPC
2022-04-30 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | ME, United States
Join as at (TBD) as we explore vernal pools! Led by Paula Curtis-Everitt
9:00am-10:30am

Earth Day! Signs of Spring and Woodcock Walk w/Stanton Bird Club
2022-04-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Marden-Chittick Refuge, 196 North Mountain Road, Greene, ME, 04236, United States
Signs of Spring Walk at the Marden-Chittick Refuge, Greene
April 22, 2022 – 6:30 PM (rain date April 23 at 6:30 PM)
Celebrate Earth Day with the Androscoggin Land Trust and the Stanton Bird Club, with an evening nature walk to find signs of spring! We will gather at the lower field of the Marden-Chittick Refuge in Greene (see directions below) at 6:30 PM. Dana Little and Judy Marden will lead a walk around the field and nearby woods, looking for signs of spring: vernal pools by the field edge, emerging spring wildflowers and plants, calling owls, and, when it begins to get dark, woodcocks displaying spring mating behavior.
The ground will be wet, and ticks will be out, so we recommend tall waterproof boots or gaiters, and tick repellent. Bring a flashlight and/or headlight.
Directions: The field is on Copper Ridge Road, off the dirt section of North Mountain Road in Greene. The nearest house address is 19 Copper Ridge Road, Greene ME 04236, and there is plenty of parking along the side of the field beyond that house. Dan Marquis has volunteered to meet participants at Gowell’s Grocery Store on Route 202 in Greene and lead them in, if you prefer an in-person guide. He’ll be in the parking lot at 6:15, driving a Marquis Signs vehicle.
The theme for Earth Day is the fashion industry. Seemed strange to us too! Please consider donating or upcycling any clothing you might have to organizations in our community that accept and upcycle clothing. Ponder the effects that the fashion industry has had over the years in our local region and the entire world.

David Rancourt Trash pick-up w/City of Lewiston
2022-04-16 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | David Rancourt River Preserve, Tall Pines Drive, Lewiston , 04240, United States

Snowshoe Hike at Sherwood Conservation Area for Auburn Winterfest
2022-01-30 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Drive, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Join the Auburn Conservation Commission, ALT volunteers and staff on one of several family-friendly snowshoe hikes at ALT conserved property, Sherwood Forest Conservation Area behind Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn. Several hikes on the White Trail trail will be led (.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/…/sherwood-forest…/
This showshoe hike is part of an Auburn Winterfest event on the weekend of 28-30 January sponsored by the city of Auburn. 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/swing sets 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 if the request is made in advance. Please message ALT via messenger, via email or by calling the office to request them.

2021 Annual Meeting (virtual)
2021-11-16 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual, ME
Please join us for this year’s annual meeting for Androscoggin Land Trust. We will be virtual again for the safety of our members and guests. Join us to listen to our wonderful keynote speaker, celebrate this year’s award winners, and welcome a new slate of board members. And of course, learn about how we have been focusing on our land conservation mission this past year.
Keynote speaker: Mitch Thomashow, author of “To Know the World”. How can we respond to the current planetary ecological emergency? In To Know the World, Mitchell Thomashow proposes that we revitalize, revisit, and reinvigorate how we think about our residency on Earth. First, we must understand that the major challenges of our time—migration, race, inequity, climate justice, and democracy—connect to the biosphere.
Register in advance for this 2021 Annual Meeting – Androscoggin Land Trust:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3V8fxgj2QoKccoWH9je6eQ.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Fall Trail Workday
2021-10-24 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Join us and lend a hand with some trail maintenance. We will be working on the Sherwood trails systems in Auburn and Jones Bonney trail system at the Hannaford in Turner. For more information info@androscogginglandtrust.org

Explore ALT Nature Walk: Sherwood Forest
2021-09-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Drive, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Join us for a walk – part of a series of Explore ALT Nature Walks. This event will be at the Sherwood Forest Conservation Area in Auburn led by Maine Master Naturalist, Travis Sparks. The focus of this walk will be Ferns.

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 and prepare appropriately for any weather or other conditions – proper footwear, snacks, water bottle, etc. The walks are good for kids, but inappropriate for those under age 6. Our curriculum is targeted at adults and engaged youth. Also, because the goal is nature observation, no dogs please.
Check back here for any updates or changes due to weather or other factors.

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.

Explore ALT Nature Walk: Purinton Homestead Preserve
2021-08-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Purinton Homestead Preserve, 54-10 West Rd, Bowdoin, ME 04287, Bowdoin, ME, 04287, United States
*** UPDATE ***
The forecast has improved, and it looks like the thunderstorms will hold off until this afternoon. See you at 10:00!
Join us for the first Explore ALT Nature Walk of 2021! This event will be at the Purinton Homestead Preserve in Bowdoin led by Maine Master Naturalist, Travis Sparks. The focus of this walk will be Trees in Summer.
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 appropriate for engaged children ages 6 and up. 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 1.5 miles 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.

Lewiston Auburn River Race at Riverfest!
2021-07-25 07:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Simard-Payne Park, Lewiston, ME
The Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) and the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce are proud to partner for this year’s River Race as part of the 2021 RiverFest lineup of activities. For prior participants, please note the changes to the racecourses this year. These changes have enabled you to register for up to two races. The River Race is an exciting, family-oriented day celebrating the Androscoggin River, the Auburn and Lewiston Downtowns, and highlighting the contributions the river makes to outdoor recreation opportunities and the local economy. Observers, race team supporters, family, and friends are welcome to participate in the festivities at no charge.

2021 Race Course Options

Family Fun Paddle:
An approximately 1.5-mile course, where racers put in at the docks in Simard Payne, line up under the pedestrian bridge, and compete to the finish line at the Lewiston boat launch on Lincoln Street.
Falls Run:
An approximately 2.25-mile length course, where racers put in at the docks in Simard Payne, line up at pedestrian bridge, paddle upstream ½ of a mile, to the Great Falls, and then race down to the Lewiston boat launch on Lincoln Street.
LA Scavenger:
An approximately 1 mile, fun and silly course, where racers put in at the docks in Simard Payne, paddle across to Auburn’s Little Andy Park for a quick scavenger hunt for your team’s marker, and resume back to the docks in Lewiston.

Prizes will be awarded after the race at Simard-Payne Park to the top 2 finishers in each category.
Learn more and register by following this link: https://business.lametrochamber.com/events/details/2021-riverrace-hosted-by-the-androscoggin-land-trust-alt-and-the-lewiston-auburn-metropolitan-chamber-18962

Paddle After Hours
2021-07-23 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Festival Plaza and Boat Launch, 112 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Meet us at 5:00 pm at Festival Plaza and we will depart by 5:30 PM. You can experience the downtown in about one hour plus, so we’d be back at Festival Plaza by 6:45/7:00 pm or so.
Come experience the beauty and history of the L/A region!

Stream Explorers
2021-06-19 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | YMCA Outdoor Learning and Education Center, 167 Stetson Road, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
ALT is working with Maine Audubon and the YMCA Outdoor Learning and Recreation Center to put on a Stream Explorers program. You can read all about it on the Maine Audubon website. Dana Little from ALT and Wil Libby from the YMCA is assisting in this project. We already have 8 people signed up and can accommodate up to 45 people including children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult).
As a participant you will learn about aquatic invertebrates and how they can be used as indicators of water quality. The event will take place on the YMCA land on Bobbin Brook, a spectacular site for aquatic invertebrates. The program will be led by an expert, Tom Danielson, PhD, of the DEP who has been conducting these surveys for years. In preparation for this event we recommend you view the two videos (Training Part 1 and Training Part 2) on the website and you might wish to download the manual. Some photos from the site where we will be working, off 167 Stetson Road in Auburn, can be found here. We hope to see some of you there!

10th Annual Androscoggin River Clean Up
2021-06-19 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Festival Plaza and Boat Launch, 112 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Come and help clean the shores of the Androscoggin River in preparation for the River Race events in July.
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.
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!
More details available at: 10th Annual River Clean Up

2020 Annual Meeting
2020-11-17 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual, ME
You are cordially invited to join Androscoggin Land Trust for our first ever online virtual annual meeting Tuesday, November 17th at 6:00pm. We hope to ‘see’ you during the meeting! To register for this event, please click here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email info@androscogginlandtrust.org or call 207.782.2302.
We will be introducing our new Executive Director, Aimee Dorval; sharing feedback on our work in the past year and our plans for the future; appointing new members to our Board; honoring individuals and groups that have stood out as exemplary partners and leaders in the field of local conservation; and hosting a very special and prescient presentation on Best Practices for Cultural Inclusion in conservation, which directly addresses the future of our organization and the ways we engage and empower our community in our mission.
In a difficult year fraught with new challenges, ALT has found ways to thrive in a demanding landscape for Land Trusts that required the ability to adapt and change. These unprecedented times have presented an opportunity for ALT to refocus on our core mission, highlighting conservation and care for the lands we are entrusted to maintain and protect while building the relationships that make our work possible. As we have learned, our publicly accessible properties have new interest and engagement due to the national pandemic and changing trends in recreational habits. In the coming year, we are committed to building stronger, lasting relationships with the people, businesses and organizations that are tied to our lands and service area by proximity and interest.
Community support is central to our mission in the form of engagement, volunteers and financial support. Your philanthropy makes our work possible. Please consider joining or renewing your membership by going to https://androscogginlandtrust.org/become-a-member/, or making a one time or recurring donation here: https://androscogginlandtrust.org/donate-now/.

Postponed: Explore ALT Nature Walk - Marden-Chittick Refuge
2020-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Marden-Chittick Refuge, 196 North Mountain Road, Greene, ME, 04236, United States
All of our events have been postponed until further notice. Please visit our Trail Maps page to find and explore beautiful trails and preserves for yourself and your family. Thank you for understanding.
Original event post:
Join us for a walk – 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.
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.

Postponed: Explore ALT Nature Walk - Purinton Homestead Preserve
2020-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Purinton Homestead Preserve, 54-10 West Rd, Bowdoin, ME 04287, Bowdoin, ME, 04287, United States
All our events have been postponed until further notice. Please visit our Trail Maps page to find and explore beautiful trails and preserves for yourself and your family. Thank you for understanding.

Join us for this event as part of our series, Explore ALT Nature Walks! This event will be at the Purinton Homestead Preserve in Bowdoin led by Maine Master Naturalist, Travis Sparks. The focus of this walk will be Trees in Summer.
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 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.

Canceled - Explore ALT Nature Walk: Spruce Mountain
2020-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Spruce Mountain, Jay, 04210
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.
[WRAP][/WRAP]
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.

Canceled: Explore ALT Nature Walk - Sherwood Forest
2020-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Drive, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
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.
_________________________________________________________
Original event post:
Join us for a walk – part of a series of Explore ALT Nature Walks. This event will be at the Sherwood Forest Conservation Area in Auburn led by Maine Master Naturalist, Travis Sparks. The focus of this walk will be Spring Returns.

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 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.

Cancelled: Quantifying Carbon Stocks On Conserved Land
2020-04-25 | Mt. Ararat Middle School, 50 Republic Ave, Topsham, ME, 04086, United States
2020 Maine Land Conservation Conference Cancelled – “Although exceedingly disappointing, we must put the well-being of our communities first, which means complying with state and federal recommendations not to hold large gatherings.”
— Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Sustainable land management practices improve the carbon capture potential of land, thus are an important local solution to reduce the effects of global warming. At the 2020 Maine Land Conservation Conference on Saturday, April 25 in Topsham, ALT, with Bates College students, Kristin Pelletier and Eric Viera, will present a workshop titled, “Quantifying Carbon Stocks On Conserved Land”. The presentation will review a recent collaborative research project to quantify the carbon stock on select conserved properties in and effort to demonstrate and communicate the value of land conservation to local climate efforts.
The 2020 Maine Land Conservation Conference will have a strong focus on climate change and resilience. Regisration & FMI: https://www.mltn.org/conference-2020/
Full Workshop Description:
Because of how efficiently ecosystems such as mixed wood forests and wetlands store carbon, conserving these lands is intrinsically tied to carbon sequestration. Given the urgency of reducing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, it is important to implement sustainable land management strategies to protect against deforestation and improve the land’s sequestration potential (Lacher et al., 2019). Land trusts play a big role in this effort, and the value of this work is not widely understood.
In Fall 2019, Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) worked with a small team of students at Bates College for a capstone project with the aims of quantifying the carbon stock on select conserved properties in a manner that could be replicated by other land trusts and academic partners, and additionally, to communicate in a meaningful way about how conserved land plays a role in mitigating climate change.
Workshop attendees will gain insight on the preliminary results of this project, and lessons learned. They will also leave with links to access the final report and lab manual outlining the methods and techniques of data collection.
Presenters:
Kirsten Pelletier, Student, Bates College
Eric Viera, Student, Bates College
Julia Harper, Associate Director, 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
