National Trails Day on the Androscoggin Greenway
June 5, 2010
The Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT), a regional conservation group serving 19 communities and over 100,000 people in the Androscoggin River watershed, is announcing its plans for National Trails Day and invites the public to join. All three events start at 9 AM on Saturday June 5th.
The three events, in Jay-Livermore Falls, Turner and Lewiston-Auburn offer opportunities for communities to get outside, enjoy the trails along our riverfront and lend a hand maintaining these riverfront assets.
In Jay and Livermore Falls, volunteers from Chisholm Trails, the trails program of ALT in the region, and the local ATV clubs will partner for a riverfront clean-up. The group plans to meet at 9 AM at French Falls Recreation Area off French Falls Lane in the town of Jay. From there, teams will split up to collect trash and debris along the riverfront around French Falls and south towards the Otis Mill.
Downtown Lewiston-Auburn will be host to a similar clean-up event led by LA Trails, another program of ALT, and YPLAA, the young professionals group of the Androscoggin County Chamber. The clean-up will begin at Festival Plaza in downtown Auburn, where teams will split up to complete projects at many of the downtown riverfront parks that dot the three mile Riverwalk trail loop. With generous support from Gritty's, those volunteering at the LA Trails event will be treated to light appetizers after work is completed. Please RSVP so we will have an accurate head count.
At both clean up events, in Jay and Lewiston-Auburn, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own yard tools to help with project work.
Where & When
For those just looking for a leisurely hike, ALT Vice-President Judy Marden will lead a guided walk on the Homestead Trail at the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park. 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 looking to hike should plan to meet at the Riverlands parking lot off of Center Bridge Road in Turner by 9 AM to join the group.