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BTLT in the News, “After buying long-desired land for conservation, Brunswick plans next steps”

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By John Terhune

“On Jan. 1, Brunswick took ownership of a “spectacular” piece of land it had sought for decades. Now, town officials envision a future for the historic property.

Walking trails. Live entertainment. A dance pavilion over the Androscoggin.

At the turn of the 19th century, thousands of people from cities around the Northeast flocked to Brunswick’s Merrymeeting Park for weekend entertainment, said Tom Farrell, the town’s director of parks and recreation.

Now, after pursuing the land for decades, Brunswick has finally completed the purchase of a 42.5-acre parcel of the former park for conservation. And while it will take time and money to complete the next phase of the project, Farrell said, the town hopes to restore and commemorate many of the area’s historical features.

“This is one of the most significant parcels for protection that the town could have ever hoped to preserve,” said Farrell of the land, which is accessible only by boat, bike or foot from the Androscoggin River Bicycle Path near Route 1. “It’s a spectacular piece of property that most people have never been able to access.”

Brunswick had been after the land since before David Watson joined the town council in 2002. Numerous attempts to buy the property from the Ormsby family stalled over the years, before a team including town councilors, members of local organizations and an attorney successfully negotiated a purchase agreement last summer, Watson said.

“It was just a beautiful operation,” said Watson, who initially noted the land’s beauty during his career as a Brunswick Police officer. “Overall the team here was wonderful.”

The town officially took control of the property on Jan. 1, Farrell said. Despite the land’s $507,500 price tag, Brunswick paid only $75,911 thanks to numerous grants from sources including the Land for Maine’s Future Program, the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Maine Community Foundation Land Protection Grant Program.

Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Director Angela Twitchell credited Watson and Farrell for keeping the idea alive for decades, noting the land is “important to the people of Brunswick.” Twitchell, whose organization helped the Brunswick team strategize a purchase plan for the land, said the benefits of conservation are many, including protecting plant and animal habitats and preserving local history. But just as important, she added, was expanding the public’s access to nature.”

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TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CLICK HERE!

 

BTLT in the News, “Head of Tide Park connects Topsham to river’s offerings”

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“Head of Tide Park connects Topsham to river’s offerings”

August 8, 2018

Looking to run in the woods or go for a paddle? Check out this article in The Coastal Journal that highlights the great running trails and water opportunities at Head of Tide Park.

The recent opening of Head of Tide Park is the culmination of a 12-year process to enhance the beauty, acquire land, and create a recreation area unique to Topsham. The work of the town and community organizations resulted in the town’s newest summer attraction.

“It really was a community effort,” said Parks and Recreation Director Pam Leduc. “It’s amazing when you look back at what it was and then now the finished product.”

The 12-acre park has a history of bustling activity, with a saw mill and then feldspar mill once standing on the land. Neglected apartment buildings made way for serenity and the gentle splash of a waterfall at the park.
Its history, however, is still a part of the landscape, as anyone passing by on Cathance Road can see the unmistakable ball mill.

While exploring the trails and nature of the park, signs have been installed to further pay tribute to the land, dating back to the tribes of the Abenakis. Leduc is most excited for residents and visitors in Topsham to have a place to connect with the river.

“It’s a nice quiet place to go for a picnic or kayaking,” said Leduc. “The Cathance itself is very mysterious.”

Runners will also enjoy what the new community get-away has to offer. The park has a trailhead that connects to more than seven miles of trails.

 

To read the rest of the story, click here.

 

BTLT in the News, “Spring inspiration at Midcoast land trusts from Brunswick to Lincoln County”

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“Spring inspiration at Midcoast land trusts from Brunswick to Lincoln County“

April 26, 2018

Local land trusts, including the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, are featured in the Coastal Journal for some exciting spring happenings. Read on to see how you can get involved this season!

There is no shortage of areas to explore along the Midcoast this spring, but local land trusts offer more than just trails. Each organization has its own focus and schedule of events coming up. Some are out on the trails while others are workshops focused on preparations for spring, like how to start your garden.

You may know the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust from its role in the outdoor farmers market at Crystal Springs Farm in the summer and on the town green in the spring and fall. I am eagerly waiting for the first spring market day on May 5.

Following on the gardening theme, BTLT also puts on the impressive Taking Root Plant Sale on May 26, where you can simultaneously provision your garden with lovely native plants and support the land trust’s efforts.

And, if you don’t have your own garden to tend, but love digging in the dirt, one of the many volunteer opportunities possible with BTLT is to help at the Tom Settlemire Community Garden. The garden is used for educational programs and also provides produce for local food banks, in addition to having private plots for those interested in having their own patch. You can find out more at www.btlt.org/volunteer.

To read the complete article, click here.