The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) invites trail enthusiasts of all ages to help beautify trails in our brand new preserve, the Carl and Barbara Segerstrom Preserve at Squam Creek. Join us on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. The preserve is not yet open to the public; so this is a perfect opportunity to lend a helping hand to get the trails ready for preserve users and get the inside scoop of how trails are planned and made. Possible activities include: trail clearing and raking along with some invasive plant management.

Beginning in 2016, KELT has worked to protect the 144-acre preserve, one of the largest remaining undeveloped coastal parcels on the island. The property is near the historic center of Westport Island and has trails for a plethora of recreational activities including hiking, biking, dog walking, and birding. Ecologically, the property is rich with tidal waterfowl and wading bird habitats as well as woodlands that are home to a variety of wildlife. Shellfish habitat snakes along Squam Creek's shores, which is used for local commercial oyster harvesting.

Please sign up to join a trail crew by contacting Becky Kolak at 207-442-8400 or bkolak@kennebecestuary.org. Please include how many people will be joining and if any children will be volunteering. This will enable KELT to plan for a selection of age appropriate tasks. This event is light rain or shine and participants should bring work gloves and wear closed toed shoes and clothing that can get wet and/or muddy.

To get to the Carl and Barbara Segerstrom Preserve: from Route 1, take ME-144 South for approximately 6.5 miles. Turn right on West Shore Road (Upper) and drive about 0.5 miles to the property. The gated entrance is located on the left after crossing the causeway over Squam Creek. Parking is along the roadside.