Crafted with Care: A New Trail Kiosk Thanks to Maine Heritage Timber Frames

We are grateful to Maine Heritage Timber Frames for graciously donating a beautiful timber frame trail kiosk to replace the current structure at the Cathance River Trail at the Cathance River Nature Preserve in Topsham! This frame is crafted from rough sawn timbers from their sawmill, in a nod to their trade’s deep connection with the Maine timber industry. The frame will consist of Eastern White Pine and Eastern Hemlock timbers and will highlight characteristics of each species.  

“It’s very exciting that the Maine Heritage Timber Framers approached us with this opportunity! The craftsmanship and materials will complement the natural beauty of the preserve and add to the inviting atmosphere at the ecology center,” said BTLT’s Stewardship Coordinator Sam Thomason.  

The structure will provide a sheltered space to view the large map of the Preserve trails and will include a bulletin board for event fliers and seasonal information, as well as the fun “What did you see or hear?” chalk board for folks of all ages to record their outdoor discoveries. It will also be lower than the existing frame to be more accessible to youth of all ages. 

“This new kiosk and large map will more easily show visitors the full range of adventures available to them visitors with the full range of adventures available to them and give them the confidence to know where they’re headed,” shares BTLT Director of Education Sarah Rodgers. “The chalk board allows people to share their nature experiences while also providing visitors a list of things to keep an eye out for while on their walk.”  

The kiosk construction is underway and is set to be raised in late summer/early fall. We hope you will come by the Preserve sometime to see it for yourself!  

Maine Heritage Timber Frames is a small timber frame shop based out of a sawmill in Lisbon Falls. They specialize in custom homes, barns, cabins, and outbuildings with a mission in handcrafting traditional wooden joinery. As members of the Timber Framers Guild, they are participating in a program celebrating the 40th anniversary of the guild. This program, 40 Frames for 40 Years, supports guild members across North America in building small frames to donate to local nonprofits in their communities. We’re honored that Maine Heritage Timber Frames chose to support BTLT with this generous gift, especially meaningful in a year when we, too, are celebrating our 40th anniversary of conserving and caring for the lands and communities we love!