Harpswell has an abundance of preserves and trails, some created after purchase or donation of the land, others the result of an easement on the rights for development of the land. But how might a property embark on this journey so well described by Mary Connolly in her series “When Land Becomes Part of a… Read more
Don’t forget your blaze orange! Recreational hunting is a respected tradition in Maine. Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) is dedicated to providing public access to its preserves for many uses, including hunting, when appropriate. If you like to get outdoors during hunting season, we urge you (and your dogs) to wear blaze orange. In 2024, firearms… Read more
Why do we do It. Ask anyone participating in the hiking challenge why they do it and you will probably hear a wide range of responses. We do it to prove to ourselves that we have endurance. To make ourselves and others proud of our accomplishments. To test our navigation skills. To exercise and enjoy… Read more
I often wonder how the Land Trust’s trails come to be. Who figures out where they start, where they turn, and how long they are? And how do those decisions get made; what is influencing the trail designer, if in fact, there is such a thing as a trail designer? It turns out there is,… Read more
Explore, Play, Discover Take a step into the Forest Playground and you will quickly discover that it is not a typical playground. It is much more. This is a place where all of our senses are invited to play. The elements and materials here provide inspiration for fun, connection, creativity, movement and discovery. Children experience… Read more
(When Land Becomes Part of a Land Trust — Part II) This is a story about a journey. A land’s journey. One with many heroes pursuing a common goal despite tough decisions and challenges. And as with every story, there is a beginning, middle and end. This one begins when an opportunity to conserve… Read more
Picture it: a tidal cove flanked by salt marshes, exposed mud flats at low tide, and osprey hunting when the tide is high. A place where horseshoe crabs spawn in May and June, where ferns and trout lilies carpet the woodland floor, and evergreens lean and spire toward sunlight. Breathe the mixed scent of pine… Read more
This article is part one of a three-part series. Sign up for our e-news to read the rest! Did you know that Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) is one of 80 land trusts in the state and according to the Maine Land Trust Network, Maine has one of the lowest percentages of government-owned lands in… Read more
Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) closed on the new Anna M. Tondreau Preserve on June 12. This will be the land trust’s 19th preserve with public access in Harpswell. The acquisition was initiated by the owners’ deep commitment to conserve their family land and honor their mother’s memory. Five siblings – Beth Tondreau, Claire Tondreau,… Read more
It’s easy to feel cooped up during the cold and dark of winter. It’s worth the effort to overcome your inertia and get yourself and your family outside! Research shows that being outdoors helps our mood, our brain and our body. Luckily in Harpswell there are lots of options for where to go. This being… Read more