Presumpscot Regional Land Trust announces partnership with local libraries for Nature Story Times

By Ed Pierce

Combine the beauty of the outdoors with some fantastic children’s literature and you have the basis for some memorable times for kids. That’s the premise of an exciting new partnership between the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham, the Gray Public Library, Walker Memorial Library in Westbrook, and Windham Public Library.

Families and children will gather for a Nature Story Time
at Black Brook Preserve in Windham on April 10 as part
of a new partnership series between local libraries and
Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

According to a press release issued by the land trust, this new collaboration aims to bring the joy of reading and the wonders of nature together through a series of Nature Story Times on Presumpscot Regional Land Trust trails.

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust Community Engagement Manager Brenna Crothers says that the Nature Story Times are set to take place at local preserves within each town.

She said the free Nature Story Times events will incorporate themes such as streams, fish migration, fairies, gnomes, and more. Each event will be around an hour long, including one or two books read aloud, followed by a nature hike. These outings are geared toward families with kids ages 2 to 5, although older children will be welcome as well.

Families and nature enthusiasts alike can look forward to engaging storytelling sessions surrounded by the serene beauty of these preserved areas, Crothers said.

The Presumpscot Regional Land Trust believes that connecting children and families with the outdoors fosters a love for nature and a sense of environmental stewardship from an early age, she said, and the Nature Story Time Series offers engaging and interactive experiences for children and families to connect with the outdoors.

The first Nature Story Time was held at Pride Preserve in Westbrook in conjunction with Walker Memorial Library on Wednesday. Crothers said the theme revolved around fairies and gnomes, allowing participants to create their own fairy/gnome crown and explore the wooded terrain of Pride Preserve while searching for enchanting fairy houses along the trails.

The next event is what is being called a “Stream Explore Nature Story Time” at Black Brook Preserve in Windham with the Windham Public Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 10.

Crothers says Black Brook Preserve offers diverse habitats including meadows, woods, and wetlands where a variety of critters can be discovered along the trails, making it a perfect setting for children to explore and learn about nature.

“On May 15th, there will be another Nature Story Time event in anticipation of the annual Alewife Migration at Mill Brook Preserve in Westbrook with Walker Memorial Library from 10 to 11 a.m.,” Crothers said. “Participants can immerse themselves in this beautiful preserve, as they search for signs of fish making their way upstream every spring.”

She said Presumpscot Regional Land Trust staff members are enthusiastic about this new Nature Story Times project.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with our local libraries to combine the magic of storytelling with the natural wonders of our region,” Crothers said. “It's a fantastic opportunity for families to bond, learn, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors."

The Presumpscot Regional Land Trust is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural landscapes in the Presumpscot River watershed. Through conservation efforts, educational programs, and community engagement, the land trust strives to ensure that these valuable natural resources are enjoyed by generations to come.

PRLT has 20 public access preserves and 3,000 acres of conserved lands with miles of public access trails and water access in the area and partnered with the Town of Windham Land to create the East Windham Conservation Area. That site opened in December and is 99 percent forested and includes 661 acres with 1,545 feet of undeveloped water frontage on Little Duck Pond, some 38 acres of wetlands and numerous headwater streams.

For more details about the land trust’s collaborative project with the libraries, call Crothers at 207-200-4067 or send an email to brenna@prlt.org <

East Windham Conservation Area officially opens Saturday

By Ed Pierce

A dream more than three decades in the making is about to be realized when the East Windham Conservation Area officially opens to the public at noon on Saturday.

Ceremonies for the long anticipated opening of the East 
Windham Conservation Area will be at noon Saturday,
Dec. 2 at the Lowell Preserve Trailhead in Windham. The
site includes 661 acres of forested land and undeveloped
water frontage on Little Duck Pond as shown in this photo.
It also features the 150-acre Deer Wintering Area and the
580-foot Atherton Hill, the tallest hill in Windham.
COURTESY PHOTO  

Land at the site is 99 percent forested and includes 661 acres with 1,545 feet of undeveloped water frontage on Little Duck Pond, some 38 acres of wetlands and numerous headwater streams. Through its conservation the area will directly help protect the water quality for Little Duck Pond, Highland Lake, Forest Lake, and the Pleasant River.

Creating the conserved area has been accomplished as a partnership between the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the Town of Windham and a special dedication ceremony will be held at noon Saturday at the Lowell Preserve Trailhead in Windham featuring several guest speakers.

About 10 miles of new multi-use trails have been built at the site by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the land also includes a 150-acre Deer Wintering Area, a traditional site for hunting by permission, and the 580-foot Atherton Hill, the tallest spot in Windham.

With its completion, the East Windham Conservation Area will directly abut more than 1,000 acres of other conserved land in Windham and Falmouth, including Lowell Preserve, North Falmouth Community Forest, and Blackstrap Hill Preserve, providing 20 miles of interconnected trails and five trailheads for public access. It will become part of the largest wildlife habitat and trail access corridor in the Greater Portland area, providing 2,000 acres of conserved land and a 30-mile trail network connecting Lowell Preserve, North Falmouth Community Forest, and Blackstrap Hill Preserve.

Funding to create the area was about $3.7 million and included a $1 million grant from the Land for Maine’s Future initiative. In 2021, voters from Windham approved a $1.8 million conservation bond using open space impact fees and another $400,000 raised privately from public donations. A Land and Water Conservation Fund federal grant for $500,000 was obtained to pay for the infrastructure improvements at the site.

A town-wide survey in Windham conducted over a six-month period in 2021 and 2022 concluded that conserving the land to remain undeveloped for wildlife habitat, water quality protection and rural character was the top benefit to be derived from the project. The second-highest ranked community benefit was to provide multiple-use outdoor recreation and create access for the whole community.

Rachelle Curran Apse, executive director of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust says that the outdoor experience offered by the East Windham Conservation Area will make it a destination for walking, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and bird and wildlife watching.

“This regional scale project, which is both a destination for outdoor recreation and critical for wildlife habitat, has only been possible due to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Land for Maine’s Future Program, the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Town of Windham’s conservation bond, lead business partner Gorham Savings Bank, numerous private foundations, and over 400 local individuals and families donating to make this project a reality.”

Land for Maine’s Future officials say it was exciting to be part of such as expansive and significant conservation project which will provide recreational opportunities for future generations of Mainers.

“We have been excited about this project since the Town of Windham and Presumpscot Regional Land Trust first brought it to our attention in its exploratory phase,” said Steve Walker, Director of the Land for Maine’s Future. “This project embodies the best of public and private partnerships working together to protect the places that support our wildlife, our quality of life, and our economy.”

Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts said the town is grateful to the Lands for Maine’s Future organization for helping to fund this project.

“The timing of this land being available to be conserved for the future with recreational usage combined with the state’s renewed commitment to funding with the Land for Maine’s Future program has been ideal,” Tibbetts said. “The LMF Board’s award to grant the town nearly $1 million for the acquisition of this property is an opportunity we can’t afford to pass up.”

Windham’s Open Space Plan identifies developing and maintaining open space partnerships and relationships as key mechanisms to grow conservation efforts in the town. When the Windham Town Council formally adopted the Open Space Plan, Windham reached out to the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust in 2021 to be an open space partner by holding a conservation easement and sharing responsibility for the trail management on the adjacent 308-acre Lowell Preserve.

During a Windham Town Council meeting in 2022, Linda Brooks, Windham Parks and Recreation Director, said that the creation of the East Windham Conservation Area would expand the town’s growing tourist economy by creating a new outdoor destination with miles of accessible forested trails and a spectacular 360-degree view from which will be the only observation tower from on top of one of the highest points in the Greater Portland area.

"Four season recreational opportunities will help local business realize benefits from tourists throughout the year,” said Brooks. “Acquisition of this property will protect resources for hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, mountain biking, picnicking and other recreational activities. In addition to all the recreational benefits for all ages, there are educational benefits to be considered as well. We do have members from RSU 14 who will serve on the steering committee to help us with educational development. The East Windham Conservation Project offers a unique opportunity for K to 12 educational activities in a large and diverse outdoor classroom setting.”

The project will dramatically expand and diversify recreational opportunities in Windham with the purchase and conservation of 661 acres of land. Currently less than 4 percent of Windham is conserved with recreational access.

In addition to holding the conservation easement, the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust will have a shared management agreement for the project land with Windham.

The East Windham Conservation Area’s Phase Two opening will take place in the fall of 2024 once the remaining five miles of trails are built, including a universal access trail, which can be navigated by those with limited mobility and will lead to the scenic overlook and pond views. A third phase of the project is planned for future years and will include an observation tower.

Since the 1990s, Windham residents have identified the East Windham Conservation Area as an important area site to conserve during increasing concerns about local development. It features large undeveloped habitat blocks and superior water quality protection.

Tibbetts said conserving the land ensures that it remains undeveloped as future wildlife habitats and to preserve the town’s rural character while providing a multiple-use outdoor recreation site. <

Grand Opening nearing for East Windham Conservation Area

By Ed Pierce

Generations of Mainers will someday look back on efforts made to protect the East Windham Conservation Area as key to preserving recreational lands and ecosystems to be enjoyed in the future. According to officials from the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the Town of Windham, an area roughly the size of Bradbury Mountain State Park has now been conserved for open space and outdoor recreation and is the largest wildlife habitat filled with sparkling clean water and recreational trail corridor in Greater Portland.

Little Duck Pond in Windham is part of the 700 acres being
preserved and protected in the new East Windham
Conservation Area which will hold a Grand Opening 
Event on Saturday, Dec. 2. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

A Grand Opening Event has been scheduled for the public on Saturday, Dec. 2 for the East Windham Conservation Area and work is proceeding for construction of the area’s parking lot and trails. The Grand Opening Event will serve as the Phase One opening for the project and will include creation of a trailhead parking area, signage, five miles of trails, and views of the western mountains.

The conservation area’s Phase Two opening will take place in the fall of 2024 once the remaining five miles of trails are built, including a universal access trail, which can be navigated by those with limited mobility and will lead to the scenic overlook and pond views. A third phase of the project is planned for future years and will include an observation tower.

In June 2022, Windham residents voted during the Annual Town Meeting to allow the town to enter a partnership with Presumpscot Regional Land Trust to purchase and conserve 661 acres near Little Duck Pond in East Windham. The project acquired the forested acreage for recreational opportunities in Windham while also adding 1,545 feet of undeveloped water frontage on Little Duck Pond, the 150-acre Deer Wintering Area for hunting, and Atherton Hill.

Last year, the Lands for Maine’s Future organization awarded the East Windham Conservation partners $998,000 to help fund the initiative. The project directly abuts more than 1,000 acres of other conserved land in Windham and Falmouth, including Lowell Preserve, North Falmouth Community Forest, and Blackstrap Hill Preserve, providing 20 miles of interconnected trails and five trailheads for public access, and amounting to one of the largest unfragmented forests in the Greater Portland region. Windham voters also approved a bond to match the LMF award with open space impact fees, so there will be no impact upon the mil rate for local taxpayers.

Once finished, the entire East Windham Conservation Area project will preserve a part of Windham that residents have identified is an important area to conserve during increasing concerns about local development and it offers scenic views of the western mountains and a place for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

In the development of the town’s Open Space Plan, Windham surveys identified this area of East Windham as important to conserve for its large undeveloped habitat blocks and water quality protection. It also suggested conserving the land so it could remain undeveloped as future wildlife habitats and to preserve the town’s rural character. Another community benefit was identified for the area was to provide multiple-use outdoor recreation and creating access to the land for the community for walking, hiking, visiting an observation tower with 360-degree views, and experiencing scenic views of the White Mountains.

The conserved area includes Atherton Hill, which at nearly 600 feet, is the largest hill in Windham. It also features 2,000 feet of frontage along Little Duck Pond and 1,500 feet of pristine headwater streams that lead to Forest Lake, Highland Lake, and onto the Presumpscot River and an excellent wild brook trout habitat. Lowell Preserve, a 300-acre site owned by the town and for which the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust holds a conservation easement, is adjacent and includes an additional five miles of multi-use trails. The area will provide programming opportunities for school and afterschool groups and create an accessible one-mile trail for people of all ages to walk, push a stroller, and bike to visit Little Duck Pond.

“The purchase of this property and the open space it provides is consistent with our long-term comprehensive plan to preserve Windham’s rural character,” said Windham Town Councilor Brett Jones. “When you combine its 700 acres with other already established preserves, it will provide Windham and surrounding area residences with access to 2,000 acres of unspoiled nature and four seasons of outdoor recreational activities.”

Rachelle Curran Apse, executive director of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust says that the outdoor experience offered by the East Windham Conservation Area will be second to none in this part of Maine, making a destination for walking, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and bird and wildlife watching.

“This regional scale project, which is both a destination for outdoor recreation and critical for wildlife habitat, has only been possible due to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Land for Maine’s Future Program, the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Town of Windham’s conservation bond, lead business partner Gorham Savings Bank, numerous private foundations, and over 400 local individuals and families donating to make this project a reality.”

Last summer, the land trust received nearly 400 gifts for the East Windham Conservation Project, and the State of Maine also recognized the significance of the conservation project by approving a Lands for Maine’s Future grant which was matched by a bond created by the town.

“We have been excited about this project since the Town of Windham and Presumpscot Regional Land Trust first brought it to our attention in its exploratory phase,” said Steve Walker, Director of the Land for Maine’s Future. “This project embodies the best of public and private partnerships working together to protect the places that support our wildlife, our quality of life, and our economy.”

Linda Brooks, Windham Parks and Recreation Director, said that the town is excited about the multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities being made available by the acquisition and development of the properties creating this conserved area.

“Many partnerships have been formed already to see this project through to completion, and this unique outdoor recreation destination will be such an asset, providing opportunities for walking, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing, and cross-country skiing,” Brooks said. “ATV riding and snowmobiling will also be available on designated trails.” <

To learn more about the Grand Opening Event for the East Windham Conservation Area and review an overview of the project, go to www.windhammaine.us/766/East-Windham-Conservation-Project and www.prlt.org/east-windham-conservation-area <

East Windham Conservation Project on track for fall opening

By Ed Pierce

In a recent update from the Presumpscot Region Land Trust, officials say that work is progressing to create the East Windham Conservation Project, which when completed will become part of a 2,000-acre conservation corridor and larger than any currently existing state park in Southern Maine.

On track to open this fall, the East Windham
Conservation Project will conserve 750 acres
of forest land and build 10 miles of new 
multi-use trails that connect to 20 miles of
existing trails, making it a destination for
walking, hiking, mountain biking, trail
running, snowshoeing, cross country skiing,
and bird and wildlife watching.
COURTESY PHOTO  

In a newsletter, the land trust reports that the project, a collaborative effort with the town of Windham, will be roughly the size of Bradbury State Park and will become the largest wildlife habitat, clean water, and recreational trail corridor in Greater Portland. The corridor will include the Lowell Preserve, the North Falmouth Community Forest, and the Blackstrap Hill Preserve.

“We are on track to conserve the land this summer and build out miles of trails this year,” wrote Presumpscot Regional Land Trust Executive Director Rachelle Curran Apse in the newsletter. “This fall, we plan to host a Grand Opening. Stay tuned for an official notice that the land is conserved, followed by a date for the Grand Opening.”

In its update, the land trust says that the outdoor experience will feature a 30-mile trail network with 10 miles of new trails for walkers, hikers, bird and wildlife watchers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.

“We are delighted that it will also include a one-mile universal access trail for people of all ages and abilities to visit Little Duck Pond and an outlook with sweeping views of the White Mountains,” Curran Apse said.

The $4 million land protection and outdoor recreation project includes funding from the Land for Maine's Future program along with lead business partner Gorham Savings Bank, and from dozens of additional businesses and foundations, and hundreds of individuals and families.

Once open, the East Windham Conservation Project will conserve 750 acres of forestland and build 10 miles of new multi-use trails that connect to 20 miles of existing trails, making a destination for walking, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and bird and wildlife watching. It will protect 38 acres of wetlands, 1,500 feet of Little Duck Pond frontage, and miles of pristine headwater streams that lead to Forest Lake, Highland Lake, and onto the Presumpscot River.

The area will provide programming opportunities for school and afterschool groups and create an accessible one-mile trail for people of all ages to walk, push a stroller, and bike to visit Little Duck Pond and visit a scenic overlook with sweeping views of the White Mountains.

Windham’s Open Space Plan has identified developing and maintaining open space partnerships and relationships as key mechanisms to grow conservation efforts in the town. When the Windham Town Council formally adopted the Open Space Plan in 2021, Windham representatives reached out to the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust to become an open space partner by holding a conservation easement and sharing responsibility for the trail management on the adjacent 308-acre Lowell Preserve.

During a Windham Town Council meeting earlier in 2022, Linda Brooks, Windham Parks and Recreation Director, said that the creation of the East Windham Conservation project will expand the town’s growing tourist economy by creating a new outdoor destination with miles of accessible forested trails and a spectacular 360-degree view from which will be the only observation tower from on top of one of the highest points in the Greater Portland area.

"Four season recreational opportunities will help local business realize benefits from tourists throughout the year,” said Brooks. “Acquisition of this property will protect resources for hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, mountain biking, picnicking and other recreational activities. In addition to all the recreational benefits for all ages, there are educational benefits to be considered as well. We do have members from RSU 14 who will serve on the steering committee to help us with educational development. The East Windham Conservation Project offers a unique opportunity for K to 12 educational activities in a large and diverse outdoor classroom setting.”

Last summer, the land trust received nearly 400 gifts for the East Windham Conservation Project, and it is now in the final stages of conserving land for the project before construction of the trailhead and 10 miles of new trails can begin this summer.

The State of Maine also recognized the significance of the East Windham Conservation Project by approving $998,000 Lands for Maine’s Future grant and matched by a bond created by the town. During Windham’s Annual Town Meeting last June, Windham residents voted to allow the town to enter a partnership with Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and authorized a bond to purchase and conserve 661 acres near Little Duck Pond in East Windham for the conservation project.

Future plans envisioned for the site include creation of a year-round trailhead parking area, multi-use trails, access to fishing, hunting and wildlife observation area, a universal access trail connecting from Falmouth Road to Little Duck Pond and Atherton Hill, an observation tower that will provide scenic views to Casco Bay and Mount Washington, and destinations with scenic views of the western mountains and the pond for visitors. <

East Windham Conservation Project advances to next phase

By Abby Wilson

With plans to open in 2023, the East Windham Conservation Project promises to be one of the largest recreational conservation lands in the Greater Portland area.

Rachelle Curran Apse, executive director of the Presumpscot 
Regional Land Trust, talks about the new East Windham
Conservation Project while giving a guided tour of the site
in November. The site is expected to open next year.
PHOTO BY ABBY WILSON

Access to this property will be off Falmouth Road. The parking lot will have enough space for 60 cars and will feature a turnaround area for school buses.

Currently, a woods road runs through the property which will serve as a base for a paved ADA accessible trail. This trail will accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, opening the property up for visitors of all abilities.

This project has been supported by both the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the Town of Windham.

Several ‘sneak peek walk-throughs’ for the public have been coordinated. The last event in November brought more than 70 people to the property. A guided hike was led by the land trust and the town, with narration from Rachelle Curran Apse, PRLT Executive Director.

She spoke about the incredible qualities of the East Windham Conservation Project property including views of Mount Washington and the lack of invasive species which she said was “unique and delightful.” Minimal invasive species treatments will be needed in the future which will save staff the need to budget for this type of stewardship.

Curran Apse also said that the property has received necessary funding not only from grants but also individuals in the community. With 70-plus people showing up for early property visits, it’s clear that there is excitement for this project in the Greater Portland Area.

The project will promote accessibility but will also allow for other types of recreation besides walking. The trails will be open to bikes, horses, dogs and skiing. The property will be open for school groups to study nature and for families to get outside and explore. Curran Apse said that kids will be able to learn how to ride a bike on the easy trail system.

By next fall, there will be five miles of trails on the East Windham Conservation Project property. Trails will be completed in part by the Maine Conservation Corps, and by local trail builder Chris Cyr.

He is a resident of Gorham and has built multi-use trails for snowshoeing, hiking and biking. Cyr says that he plans to create green for easy, and blue for medium difficulty trails, with two miles of the five miles planned to be easy walking paths.

Future trail work will include creating an additional five miles with connections to the Town of Windham’s recreational properties. Another project within the next five years will be building an observation tower at the site to provide 360-degree mountain views.

Once the property is open next year, visitors will be able to view Mount Washington, the southern Presidential range, Pleasant Mountain and the White Mountains. This incredible mountain skyscape can be seen after only a third of a mile walk from the parking area.

The property also features spectacular views of Little Duck Pond. The land trust will protect 1,500 feet of pond frontage on top of the existing 38 acres of wetlands, increasing water quality and wildlife habitat.

Access to the pond will be from a short spur trail off the ADA trail. There will not be a put-in for watercraft as the pond is not ideal for swimming because of its shallowness and muddy bottom.

The previous owner had a small quarry on the site which is planned to become an observation area to study geology.

Most of this property is forested and was harvested within the last few years. Curran Apse said that there may be future plans to manage the forest for wildlife habitat but there is no need to support the project financially by harvesting and selling timber.

The East Windham Conservation Project is extremely significant because it will be easily accessible and within a dozen miles from 200,000 people in the state of Maine.

The property will connect to several other conservation areas such as Lowell Preserve, North Falmouth Community Forest and Blackstrap Hill Preserve. Curran Apse said that wildlife and people are expected to benefit from this project.

The property is 750 acres, making it the same size as Bradbury State Park. That state park currently has about 30 miles of trails, while the East Windham Conservation Project plans to create 10 miles of trails. That means this parcel will have ample space and habitat for wildlife to raise young but also to use as a migration corridor. <

Mushroom Discovery Walk confirms increased interest in mushroom studies by Lorraine Glowczak

Alan Seamans teaches mushroom identification

Approximately 25 amateur mycologists, gathered together at the Black Brook Preserve in Windham on Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon to walk and explore the trails and learn about the diversity of mushrooms.

Hosted by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (PRLT) and led by Alan Seamans of the Maine   

Mycological Association, participants discovered the array of mushrooms available in the area, learned the importance of mushrooms to forest ecology and learned how to identify the variety of species with a discussion on the edible variety.

It was not long into the walk before the participants discovered that the forest was a host to a beautiful collection of fungi. It truly was a science lab waiting to be discovered and to offer its knowledge to all 25 individuals.

With the help of Seamans, the participants identified a number of colorful fungi with names such as Chanterelle, Brittle Gill, Painted Bolete, Puff Balls, American Caesar and Amanita rubescens, to name a few. Seamans pointed out that the Amanita rubescens is also known as "The Blusher" because it develops ruddy discoloration when handled. 

Although identifying may get easier as one becomes more knowledgeable, it is always helpful to
have a book along with you to determine the species name. Many books are available to help one with identification but it is difficult to find one book that has all the varieties. “There are thousands upon thousands of mushroom species,” Seamans said. “No book has a list of all them.” In fact, Seamans stated that there are still many mushroom varieties that have yet to be identified.

Seamans also shared how important mushrooms are to the forest’s health. He stated that mushrooms play a variety of roles including that of decayers that remove rotting wood and provide nutrients to the forest floor. Mushrooms also play the role of a parasite which eliminates diseased and weakened trees. Mushrooms also live in a symbiotic relationship with the forest. “The tree and the mushroom work together in conjunction with each other, living together in close proximity so both receive benefits,” Seamans explained in detail about symbiosis. “One cannot survive without the other.”

Also, one cannot hike a mushroom discovery walk without including discussion of the edible

mushrooms available. “Any mushroom is edible,” Seamans began the conversation but then warned with humor; “At least once.”

There are mushrooms that are safe and healthy to eat if you are able to identify them correctly, but Seamans’ rule of thumb regarding the forage of mushrooms to eat is, “Is it worth it?” Is it worth the time, effort and taste? Chanterelles are one of the most safe and edible variety in the area but he advises to stay away from any fungi from the Amanitas family because almost any mushroom from this group can be deadly.

“However, for those safe mushrooms – they are much like milk and nuts, some people may have a sensitivity to edible mushrooms,” Seamans advised. “Always keep a mushroom aside in case of an emergency, so it can be identified.”

One participant in the discovery walk forages for mushrooms to eat with his meals. Stephen Signor, who is self-taught and has studied mycology for the past five years, incorporates wild mushrooms in many of his recipes. He tests his mushrooms using spore prints and samples to determine if it is safe to eat. “I incorporate wild mushrooms in my soups, stews, steak sandwiches or use it as a basic side dish,” Signor said. “I even make mushroom omelets.”

The two hour mushroom tour was over quickly and Seamans was thanked profusely by the participants for sharing his knowledge.

“Alan was a fantastic event leader as he was extremely knowledgeable about mushrooms on every level - from identifying groups and individual species to discussing the broad importance of fungi in the forest ecosystem,” stated Toby Jacobs, Stewardship and Outreach Coordinator for the PRLT. “He was great at relating all of that knowledge to a beginner audience in an accessible way. The 20 plus participants who came to the event showed great interest in both Alan's talk and the Preserve itself, and it was encouraging to see a lot of people out who had never visited the Black Brook Preserve before. We hope to have another walk like this in the future.”

For those who want to delve further into the world of mushroom education and/or foraging, Seamans suggested the book, “Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada: A Photographic Guidebook to Finding and Using Key Species” by David Spahr.

For those who wish to learn more about Black Brook Preserve or to volunteer and become a member with the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, visit their website at www.prlt.org.

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust offers opportunity to explore the great outdoors

By Elizabeth Richards - A hearty group of outdoor enthusiasts came together on Maine Great Outdoors Weekend for an Animal Tracks program put on by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (PRLT).  On Saturday, February 13^th, the group met at the Hawkes Preserve in Gorham for a one-mile snowshoe around the new nature loop trail. 

Though the day was cold and windy, almost two dozen people gathered to take part in the program.  Master Naturalist Karen Herold and PRLT Executive Director Rachelle Curran Apse led the family-friendly trek, stopping frequently to discuss tracks in the snow and how to identify the wild creatures that had recently been traveling that path.

A wide variety of tracks showed evidence of the many creatures who share the land at the Hawkes Preserve, including mice, squirrels, deer, otter and mink.  The trail winds its way through the woods behind Great Falls Elementary School and along the Presumpscot River. 

The one-mile nature loop trail was developed in partnership with the school, said Curran Apse.  The school uses the trail with students in the spring and fall.  A pamphlet guide details six marked stops along the path.  The brochure offers a brief description of what visitors can expect to see at the stop, including the shoreline, specific trees and plants, and a small wetland area.     The Animal Tracks program was one of many events put on by the non-profit PRLT, which manages just over 1000 acres of land on 20 preserves in Presumpscot River Watershed.  The goal, said Curran Apse, is to offer a program every month, to get people out enjoying and learning more about nature. 

“We’re focused on finding, preserving and protecting open space for wildlife and for public recreation,” said Curran Apse.  This includes creating trails, and seven of the preserves are free and open to the public for recreation.  “We want people to get out and enjoy nature on them,” said Curran Apse.  “That’s why we’re doing more programs, to make sure people know about them.  We hope that after programs like this people come back on their own and keep enjoying them,” she said.

The PRLT is in their 30^th year as an organization, and has had many exciting new recent developments.  One is their closure on the Randall Orchard preserve.  This is a conservation easement, meaning that although the land is still privately owned by the Randall family the 500 acres will always be protected as farm and forest, and will never be subdivided. 

Their newest preserve is the Millbrook preserve in Westbrook. “What is really exciting about it is that  thanks to the dam being removed on the lower Presumpscot about a decade ago, migratory  alewife now come from the ocean up Millbrook to Highland Lake and spawn,” said Curran Apse.  “Putting a preserve on there and putting in a trail is going to allow people from the region to come and see this amazing migratory fish.”  Although a trail won’t be completed until this summer, a program is planned at the reserve for World Fish Migration Day on Saturday, May 21^st.   

The next PRLT program is a Presumpscot River History Walk at the Gambo Preserve in Gorham on Saturday, March 19^th.  Information about all events can be found on the organizations website, at www.prlt.org