What do oak trees, wetlands, habitat for endangered species, 25 acres, and Pleasant Hill Preserve all have in common? They are all part of the new property SLT just purchased!
In a significant win for conservation in Scarborough, SLT recently acquired 25 acres of undeveloped forested land adjacent to Pleasant Hill Preserve, boosting the size of the Preserve to 186 acres. The purchase not only enhances the Preserve but also connects to 300 acres within the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and 17 acres of Town-owned property, creating a remarkable 500 acres of contiguous conserved land. The expansion underscores a commitment by SLT to protecting natural habitats and promoting biodiversity in the region.
The property, formerly part of 162 Spurwink Avenue, contains towering forests of spruce, fir, pine, maple, and oak trees. Six acres of wetlands form part of a larger 53-acre wetland complex that comprise the headwaters of the Spurwink River. The Spurwink flows into Spurwink Marsh, a saltwater marsh identified as a Focus Area of Ecological Significance by the State of Maine. Wetlands play a critical role in protecting the marsh as they absorb the impacts of storms, flooding, and drought, helping to make Scarborough more resilient in the face of climate change.
“Safeguarding this property, one of the last undeveloped areas next to Pleasant Hill Preserve, was essential for the long-term vitality of the Preserve and the Marsh,” said Andrew Mackie, Executive Director of SLT. “It will create additional open space for wildlife, support endangered species, enhance climate resilience, and offer more recreational opportunities for Scarborough residents.”
The property is located in 3 national focus areas for landbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl, and addresses 9 national, state, and local conservation priorities and plans. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries a
nd Wildlife has identified “state listed animal habitat” on the property for “endangered, threatened, and special concerns species occurrences and habitat buffers.” In addition, Nature’s Network, a collaboration led by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, has identified the property as Core Habitat for Imperiled Species (areas likely to support high levels of imperiled terrestrial and aquatic species, including 600 Species of Greatest Conservation Need). These include the Maine threatened Spotted Turtle and Maine Species of Concern Wood Turtle.
Jim and Louise Falt sold the property to SLT after it being in their family for 50 years. Due to its location along Spurwink Road, the property faced intense development pressure, but they were adamant to see it conserved forever. In addition, the Falts sold it to SLT as a bargain sale, meaning they sold for less than the appraised value. They could have sold the land to developers for a much bigger payday, but instead they chose conservation.
“Louise and I are very grateful to Scott and the Scarborough Land Trust for all of the work they did to make this sale happen, we are happy with the outcome,” said Jim Falt. “We are very satisfied to see our 25-acre backland to be conserved forever and knowing that it will be protected and enjoyed by future generations.”
The purchase was made possible through Town Land Bond funding. This critical financial support enabled the timely purchase of the property, allowed SLT to meet the seller’s timeline, and ensured its protection for future generations. Funding from generous private individuals and businesses completed the funding needed to complete the sale. The project has also been awarded funding from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), a federal program that provides funding to protect important wetland habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds. Once NAWCA funding has been received, SLT plans to repay the Town’s Land Bond, allowing these funds to be used for future projects.
“We are immensely grateful to the Falts for their decision and support to protect this land,” said Scott Kunkler, Conservation Director for SLT.
“We also appreciate the Town’s support in funding the purchase through the Land Bond,” Kunkler continued. “Without the Land Bond, we would not have been able to act quickly enough to secure the property. This public-private partnership created a crucial victory for conservation in our community.”
The purchase will help further the town in meeting two important goals: protecting an interconnected network of public open space and protecting 30% of land in the town by the year 2030. Advancing these goals has become more important now than ever before, as development pressures in Scarborough continue to grow.
The newly acquired land is expected to become a vital resource for both wildlife and community engagement, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and ecological research. SLT plans to provide for the long-term stewardship of the property to maintain its ecological integrity, as well as create recreational opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife observation, and hunting. SLT will also provide educational programs for people of all ages that bring awareness of the property’s connections to the Spurwink Marsh, teach the values of forests and wetlands, as well as understanding the property’s role
in mitigating the impacts of climate change in a meaningful local setting.
This success highlights the importance of proactive measures in protecting our natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for the region. For more information on ongoing conservation efforts and how you can get involved, visit www.scarboroughlandtrust.org or give us a call at 207-289-1199.