At the end of January, SLT purchased 18 acres at 50 Hanson Road for the benefit of wildlife and people- forever.
The purchase will permanently protect approximately 13 acres of upland forests, 5 acres of wetlands, and 1,200 ft. of frontage along Silver Brook, a stream that flows through SLT’s Broadturn Farm and Preserve on its way to Casco Bay. Silver Brook is known to support a population of wild Brook Trout, as well as American Eel and other fish. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) website states, “Brook Trout prefer cold water between 50 and 65 degrees. They thrive in clear, clean, well-oxygenated waters, and their populations are heavily influenced by their environment … they are incredibly resilient in their undisturbed habitats.” Protecting this property, with its forests and wetlands, will help keep water temperatures cool and waters clear and clean, supporting the continued populations of wild trout.
The new preserve connects approximately 733 acres of conserved lands in Scarborough and Buxton, including Broadturn Farm and Preserve. This connectivity plays a crucial role for wildlife, as many animals require larger blocks of habitat for finding food and reproducing. For example, the Little Brown Bat, endangered in Maine, can travel 100 miles from its home base. Having found it located on Broadturn Farm, it is likely that the bat uses this property for some or all of its needs.
Sue Foley-Ferguson, Chair of the Town’s Parks and Conservation Land Board states, “This purchase of 18 additional acres will add to the momentum of conservation in that area. Large land blocks support the Town’s goals of increasing access to land for recreation in the form of trails and connections, as well as protecting habitats for the greatest number of species.” It 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 property was purchased from Roland and Rhoda Libby and has been in their family for many years. They wanted to see it remain as open space forever. Funding for the acquisition came from the Town of Scarborough, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, Fields Pond Foundation, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Margaret Burnham Charitable Trust, Bass Pro/Cabela’s, and generous donations from individuals and businesses. SLT Executive Director, Andrew Mackie, remarked, “We are so grateful to the Libby family and all of the funders of this project. This is one more major win for the residents of Scarborough in creating a sustainable and livable community for generations to come.”
SLT will manage this parcel to protect its natural resources while providing public access. Thank you to all who helped make this acquisition possible.