By Scarborough Land Trust
Scarborough Land Trust (SLT) has permanently protected 98 acres of forests, wetlands, and river corridors across three properties in Scarborough over the past few months. In the spring, SLT purchased 25 acres of mostly forested property adjacent to Pleasant Hill Preserve, expanding the preserve to 211 acres. The newly acquired property also borders part of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, creating a corridor of over 500 acres of protected land. Much of this area comprises the headwaters of the Spurwink River, which enters Saco Bay at Higgins Beach.
A few weeks later, SLT purchased 63 acres off Beech Ridge Road, along the Nonesuch River. The property includes 3,100 feet of river frontage. This parcel was a high priority for SLT as part of our Nonesuch River Focus Area project. The river corridor provides habitat for a number of species, including Brook Trout, Wood Turtle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Black Bear, Bobcat, River Otter, and many others.
Most recently, SLT received 10 acres that were transferred to the land trust as part of a wetland permit for Cottages at Sawyer. The newly acquired property is now part of our Warren Woods Preserve, bringing the total acreage of the preserve to 323. Most of the newly acquired lands are wetlands and will help buffer the state-significant pitch pine bog found on the preserve. be posted on our website, ScarboroughLandTrust.org.
Upcoming Free Events
Children’s Story Time: Monarch Butterflies | August 3, 10:00am, Pleasant Hill Preserve
Scarborough Marsh Day | August 15. Enjoy a variety of programs and activities throughout the day. Check the website for more details.
Bird Walks | August 22, 8:00am, Eastern Trail; September 12, 8:00am, Pleasant Hill Preserve; October 3, 8:00am, Warren Woods
Broadturn Farm Bash | August 27. Our most important fundraising event for the year. Join us for a vibrant night featuring food and drink, music, and a celebration of local conservation efforts.
More details and registration at ScarboroughLandTrust.org/Events.
From top/left: Adult Monarch Butterfly, Monarch Butterfly caterpillar, SLT volunteers building a bridge. Photos courtesy of Scarborough Land Trust.
