Presumpscot Regional Land Trust announces Nelson Preserve and Trail

As a donation from the late Jane Nelson, we are appreciative to receive the 37 acres in Gorham that make up the new Nelson Preserve.  This summer we successfully completed the project fundraising, thanks to individuals and the Town of Gorham. As a result, we were able to accept the land donation and have the stewardship funds to build a public access trail. 

We have now completed the new trail and trail head with the help of dozens of volunteers.
Nelson Preserve is our 16th Preserve with trails and water access free and open to the public - bringing our total conserved land to 1650 acres that includes Black Brook Preserve and Pringle Wildlife Preserve, both in Windham.

The forest within the Nelson Preserve is varied and beautiful - especially notable are large old growth red oaks throughout the uplands. Looking beyond the immediate boundaries, the Preserve is part of a 300+ acre undeveloped block of mature forest and wetlands. It also includes signs of history going back to colonial times with the remnants of a stagecoach road that was a main route for travelers between Maine and New Hampshire.

The trail is a 1.5 mile easy-moderate loop, beginning at the trail head on Flaggy Meadow Road, just a few short miles west of downtown Gorham. 

The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the Nelson Preserve and trail will be this Sunday, December 2nd at 1pm. The event is free, but parking is limited - registration is required. If you are interested in participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony, please register at  www.prlt.org/event-sign-up-nelson-opening. All are welcomed.