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
Whether a result of her Quaker upbringing or because she came of age in the cauldron of the 1960s, Wendy Batson has been committed to causes throughout her life and has backed up her beliefs with hard work. That effort has taken Wendy from the front lines of the antiwar movement during the Vietnam conflict,… Read more
Explore, Play, Discover Take a step into the Forest Funzone and you will quickly discover that it is not a typical forest. 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
Every season of the year offers special times, unique experiences, and lasting memories. Following mud season, we all look forward to getting outside for fresh air, green grass, and early flowers like the crocus and hyacinth. This is a time of reawakening for the Earth and all her creatures. It can also be a time… Read more
June 1-2, 2024 Are you looking for an excuse to spend time outdoors? Consider the Harpswell Hiking Challenge as a way to get outside and get to know both HHLT and town-owned trails and preserves. This year’s challenge covers eight trails (four if choosing the modified route), including four of HHLT’s preserves. Don’t forget to… Read more
My introduction to partnering writing with land trusts in a formal way was ushered in by an unexpected Barred Owl at the Oven’s Mouth Preserve in Edgecomb. As a lifelong writer, an announcement in the Maine Writer’s and Publisher’s Alliance newsletter seeking partnership between poets and land trusts in Maine caught my eye. I made… Read more
“What’s the big deal, Ed?” asked Thad, “It’s just an old swamp.” To be fair, Thad is not as thick-headed as he sounded, and I knew he was baiting me. Rather than snap at him I said quietly, “That ‘swamp’ is a salt marsh and some of the best wildlife habitat in our state.” We… Read more
For the past two years, scores of people have spent hundreds of hours discussing what might sound like a simple question: “What is your vision for Harpswell 10 years from now?” These fellow residents have been thinking about lands, jobs, housing and water resources. They talk about the changing climate and economic trends. It turns… Read more
Lately I have been chasing vagrants. My quest has been specific to birds, including some species that are exceedingly rare for this region. In recent months Maine’s birding community has been flush with opportunities to view creatures that would normally involve long distance travel in building a life list. We should start with a definition… Read more
Approved by the Board of Trustees January 19, 2021 Mission To preserve and protect Harpswell’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and access to the outdoors now and forever through conservation, stewardship, and education. Our Vision for Harpswell Key areas of Harpswell’s natural environment are preserved to sustain a healthy marine and terrestrial environment and maintain scenic… Read more