Members of Great Bay Services who have volunteered many times at Sanford Community Forest, check out the new universal access trail.
Photo: Ruth Gutman
By Lee Burnett
Three Rivers Land Trust is showcasing Sanford Community Forest later this month, inviting folks to walk the city’s first wheelchair-accessible trail and learn about woodlands restoration efforts.
The event on Sunday, Oct. 26, runs from 1 to 6 pm at 433 Oak St. Parking is limited so folks are encouraged to drop in at any time during the afternoon.
The smooth, gently graded trail is the land trust’s first project to open the woods to wider public use. It meanders 2,000 feet to a former log landing and eventual program space.
“This project has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to open a trail that truly belongs to everyone,” said Ruth Gutman, executive director of Three Rivers Land Trust. “It reflects what’s best about Sanford—people coming together to create something lasting for the whole community.”
The trail was built by Town 4 Trail Services, a professional trail construction company from Troy, with extensive help from volunteers.
Since acquiring 547 acres of heavily logged woods four years ago, the land trust has been busy with multiple restoration projects.
An existing trail was closed to manage an infestation of Japanese stiltgrass, an aggressive invasive species. The new accessible trail is part of a network of accessible trails that will connect to Harvey Butler Rhododendron Sanctuary and to the Sanford Rail Trail. A second trail project is funded, while another is pending funding approval.
Companion to trail building are projects to restore wetlands function and forest diversity. In advance of the trail opening, the land trust is hosting two volunteer workdays to plant native shrubs and perennials. They are scheduled for 10 am to noon on Friday, Oct. 17 and Friday, Oct 24. Tools and gloves will be provided. Volunteers are invited to sign up through the land trust’s website: www.3rlt.org.
The plantings are aimed at improving forest diversity and creating pocket forests of distinct character. They are being planned in conjunction with consulting forester George Main and board member Shawn Jalbert, a native plant specialist.
“We are planting for the future,” said Gutman. “Healthy forests and clean water depend on strong native ecosystems.”
The land trust is also improving a series of wetlands impaired by undersized culverts installed at toteroad crossings to facilitate logging. In place of culverts, the land trust is installing boardwalks and other measures.
“Restoring wetlands means restoring natural filters, cleaner water, healthier rivers and more abundant wildlife,” Gutman said.
For more information visit www.3rlt.org or contact Ruth Gutman at (207) 358-9619 or info@3rlt.org.
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