Kayak tours, boat rides, and scenic hikes are some of many ways to get outside this summer. If you’re looking for a challenging adventure, look no further than the Presumpscot Regional Land Trusts 2024 Summer Trail Challenge.
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| Presumpscot Regional Land Trust's 2024 Summer Trail Challenge asks participants to complete a series of short hikes while experiencing beautiful overlooks, natural wonders and wildlife at two different locations in Windham. PHOTO BY ABBY WILSON |
If participants complete the challenge before Aug. 31, they will receive one or two prizes.
“The goal of the challenge each year is always to get people out, exploring local trail systems, and discovering nature close to home” says Brenna Crothers, Community Engagement Manager for Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.
Will Sedlack, Executive Director for Presumpscot Regional Land Trust says that in a state with gems like Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park, you don’t have to drive that far from the Portland area to access breathtaking wild nature.
“What we are really trying to highlight with this 1000-acre network is that you can drive 15 minutes from Portland and experience the wild. You can do that on a bike or by trail running or hiking. We think that’s very special and really want people to know about that,” Sedlack said.
In 2023, participants were tasked with visiting a property in each town of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust’s district.
After a popular first year in 2023, the land trust decided to continue the program, but to focus on only two properties, Lowell Preserve in Windham and the newly opened East Windham Conservation Area.
“This year we decided to put all of our energy into highlighting the connected Lowell and East Windham Conservation Areas,” says Sedlack.
There are six landmarks that trail challenge participants are tasked with locating and photographing.
The first three landmarks are located at East Windham Conservation Area and are accessible by wide paths or dirt roads. They include scenic vistas such as the White Mountains Overlook, the Little Duck Pond Overlook, and the White Mountain Range Panorama.
At Lowell Preserve, participants will find McIntosh Brook, a glacial erratic, and a hidden cave.
With 1,000 acres of land to explore, it’s not easy picking only six places to visit.
“Toby Jacobs, Brenna Crothers, Becca Troast and myself all sat down to come up with a list,” Sedlack said. “It was a team effort by the land trust staff.”
Not everyone has seen all the unique features of the properties, especially at the Lowell Preserve.
“I’m really excited for the ones on the back side of Lowell. People have been visiting Lowell for so many years now and I think it offers an opportunity for folks to go a little deeper into that preserve,” Sedlack said.
The trail challenge also incentivizes people to check out the East Windham Conservation Area for the first time.
Those with partially limited mobility who cannot access technical or rugged trails also have the opportunity to participate. Three of these landmarks can be found by using mostly level-wide paths.
“We want to make sure it’s a welcoming experience for everyone. The property will just get more welcoming for years to come,” Sedlack said. “The Town of Windham is going to be building a Universal Access Trail that’s going to go a mile in from the parking lot at East Windham.”
If you can visit all six landmarks, Trail Challenge participants will receive a hat with PRLT’s new logo.
You only need to visit three landmarks to receive a water bottle which features logos for both the land trust and REI, who is the sponsor of the trail challenge.
“We are so grateful for their support and the staff there. They are a wonderful partner,” Sedlack said. “We hope people get out. We hope people enjoy.”
The Summer Trail Challenge is free for all to participate.
To join the challenge, simply register online and then hit the trail. Remember to take photos at each landmark and then email them to the land trust to receive a prize.
“It’s only possible through community. If you are enjoying the trails, get involved,” Sedlack said. “There’s a lot of different ways to get involved. We look forward to working with and meeting folks in the community.”
Learn more about the Summer Trail Challenge and Presumpscot Regional Land Trust by visiting www.prlt.org/-summer-trail-challenge <
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