The First Bancorp renewed their support of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association by adopting SVCA's Stetser Preserve in Jefferson. The new red trail recently opened on the preserve that gives visitors a chance for a longer hike and to see some hidden parts of the preserve as it passes through open oak and pine forests on the ridge, along low wet areas and past lichen and moss covered bedrock outcrops. There are also 15 new interpretive stops along the blue trail that highlight forest regeneration, wetlands, wildlife habitats, plant identification and more. Visitors can download the Preserve map and interpretive guide at the SVCA website.

“It is our pleasure to continue supporting the important work of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association by adopting the Stetser Preserve,” remarked Dan Daigneault, President and CEO of The First. “We hope that the community will all get a chance to explore the new trail and visit often.”  SVCA’s Programs Manager Lynne Flaccus noted “the donation of $500 supports the maintenance and operation of the preserve by paying for tools, supplies, kiosk and parking lot maintenance, training for volunteer preserve stewards and trail workers, as well as enabling SVCA to offer expert guided walks on the preserve. We are so grateful to The First for their continued support.” Businesses as well as groups are invited to adopt one of the available four SVCA preserves in the Midcoast and Central Maine regions. There are two preserves in Newcastle and one each in Palermo and Whitefield. Each offers Midcoast and Central Maine residents and visitors groomed hiking trails and a great opportunity to get out in the Maine woods without having to travel far from home.

Benefits of preserve adoption include exposure for the business to SVCA's 560-plus member families and the greater community, acknowledgement at the preserve's kiosk in the form of a handsome sign including the business logo, acknowledgement in the SVCA newsletter, on its website and in the press, and an SVCA certificate of appreciation to display at the place of business.

For more information, visit our website at www.sheepscot.org.