Visit the Homestead Trail at the Riverlands
February 20, 2010
Riverlands Sign
LAND TRUST TO LEAD SNOWSHOE HIKE AT RIVERLANDS The Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT), in partnership with the Maine Department of Conservation, will host a snowshoe hike of the Homestead Trail at the Androscoggin Riverlands in Turner on Saturday, February 20th starting at 10:00 am. Judy Marden, ALT vice-president and avid Riverlands hiker, will lead the hike of the Homestead Trail, named for the remnants of eight historic 18th and 19th century home foundations viewed from the trail. Although these may not all be visible under the fresh snowcover, this trail is excellent for winter hiking and offers scenic views of the Androscoggin River. The gently graded trail can be taken in a 1.5-mile loop or the full 3.25-mile loop. Trail maps and brochures will be available for participants, as the group walks the loop once home to Turner residents before being displaced by the rising waters of the Androscoggin River behind Gulf Island Dam. The Androscoggin Riverlands encompasses nearly 2,600-acres in Turner and Leeds that was initially conserved by a group of local citizens concerned that rivershore views and traditional recreational uses would be lost to residential development when the former timberland went up for sale. Upon successfully conserving this land, the Riverlands group and others formed the Androscoggin Land Trust in 1989. 2010 marks the 75th Anniversary of Maine’s State Park system and, this spring, the Maine Department of Conservation will complete its planning effort to make the Androscoggin Riverlands Maine’s first new state park in nearly 25 years. The Androscoggin Riverlands State Park will also be the only state park with direct access to a major population center, being located less than 10 miles from Lewiston-Auburn. Those interested in participating should meet at the parking area off Center Bridge Road in Turner at 10:00 am. Bring snowshoes, dress for the weather, and expect to have a good time! Directions: From Route 4, turn east on Route 117. Right on Center Bridge Road. Parking area is on the right before crossing the river. The Androscoggin Land Trust is a membership supported organization that seeks to protect important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and the outdoor experience in the Androscoggin River watershed by promoting stewardship and supporting a network of public and privately held conservation land. We currently conserve over 3,600 acres of land, including over nine miles of riverfront along the Androscoggin River. For more information, contact ALT at (207) 782-2302 or info@androscogginlandtrust.org. Visit our Web site at www.androscogginlandtrust.org.
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Riverlands Hike