Sewell Woods, a small gem of a property owned and protected by Scarborough Land Trust (SLT) in southern Scarborough, is undergoing some much-needed upgrades this summer. And is also getting some financial help to do so.
Heavy use over the years has caused severe soil compaction and erosion from foot traffic going off trail and serious degradation of bog bridges and stream-crossing bridges.
SLT has recently hired an experienced Maine Conservation Corps crew to restore and improve trails, install new bog bridges and upgrade the two steel bridges that cross over Stuart Brook.
Earlier this summer, SLT also started the process of enlarging and resurfacing the Sewell Woods parking area. These parking lot and trail improvements will help protect trailside habitat from further erosion, improve walking conditions, provide better access for those with mobility needs, and keep SLT trails open year-round for many more years to come.
SLT has launched a community campaign to help cover the $14,500 in expenses incurred for these trail and
infrastructure improvement projects. SLT is very grateful to Piper Shores, a long-time SLT supporter, for their generous offer of a $3,500 matching challenge grant to help cover the cost towards these upgrades. Piper Shores will match community donations dollar for dollar for the potential of raising $7,000, and hopefully more.
Andrea Killiard, Marketing and Life Enrichment director at Piper Shores, said, “many Piper Shores residents appreciate the nearby Scarborough Land Trust properties and enjoy the local trails. We are pleased to offer this matching challenge grant to help stimulate community giving toward this campaign and as a way to invest in Scarborough’s special natural places for present and future generations.”
“The Sewell Woods improvements are part of a larger effort to make all of our trails and parking areas more accessible to more people, including those with adaptive needs,” SLT Executive Director Andrew Mackie said. “The improvements are also designed to protect the natural resources of the properties maintaining the ecology and wildlife habitat we all cherish so deeply. It is with community support, such as from our friends at Piper Shores that are helping make this possible. Now we need to build upon this gift to complete the project.”