Land Trust Conserves Homestead Property of Early Lewiston Settler
April 14, 2011
Captain Harris Homestead in Greene Conserved through Donated Easement The 325 acre property was the 19th century homestead for Captain Moses Little Harris when the Town of Greene was referred to as Lewiston Plantation (Greene, Maine) - The Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) has conserved a 325 acre property in the Town of Greene through a conservation easement donated by Alicia Furman, a descendant of the Harris Family. The area now known as the Captain Harris Homestead Preserve has been in ownership by the Harris Family and its descendants since the late 1700’s. In addition to its historic significance, including the remnants of the early homestead foundations, the property holds significant ecological value as a wildlife corridor between Hooper Pond and Sabattus Lake and has been identified by Maine IF&W for its significant inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat along its 6,000 feet of frontage on Hooper Brook. Captain Moses Little Harris, the son of Captain Lawrence Jackson Harris, was named for Moses Little, one of the lead investors and planners that put Lewiston on the map early in the industrial revolution. Captain Lawrence Harris was the third settler to Lewiston after being recruited by Little to move here from Massachusetts and built the first saw mill at the head of the Great Falls. In fact, in the late 1700’s through the early 1800’s, the falls were referred to as Harris Falls, because of that investment. With all of its rich history, linking the early farming community of Greene with the growing industrial hub of Lewiston in the 1800’s, the property’s undeveloped character was the primary driver behind the donation of the easement to ALT. “The land needs a good steward. Working with the Androscoggin Land Trust, I have come to realize, especially over the last year, what an excellent organization they are. I am pleased to know the land will be in such good care. Conserving this property has been a lifelong goal inspired by my Mother, Zelia Harris Wallquist” states Furman. “This land has been in my family for over 220 years and I hope that in another 220 years it will still be valued by those who appreciate natural places." The Harris Homestead Preserve is downstream from 195 acres of existing ALT conservation land at the Hooper Pond Conservation Area, the acquisition of which was funded by the Land for Maine’s Future Program in 2004. At 325 acres, the Harris Homestead Preserve is not only the largest block of conservation land in the Town of Greene, but its size meets a key criterion for protecting species sensitive to human disturbance. As stated by the Beginning With Habitat program of Maine IF&W, many of those species require large blocks of habitat over 250 acres in size. “To accomplish a project that meets a landowner vision for ecological protection while protecting a site linked to locally history is very exciting,” says Jonathan P. LaBonte, ALT Executive Director. “Not only will this land protect, in perpetuity, an important natural resource for wildlife, but Alicia’s willingness to allow a hiking trail will open up future opportunities for the public to enjoy nature observation along Hooper Brook while viewing the homestead foundations of our region’s early settlers.” ALT expects to offer a guided spring bird walk at the property, in partnership with the Lewiston-based Stanton Bird Club and details for that event will be available soon. The Androscoggin Land Trust is a membership supported land conservation organization dedicated to protecting, through land conservation and stewardship, the important natural areas, traditional landscapes and outdoor experience in the Androscoggin River watershed. ALT currently conserves over 4,700 acres including over 10 miles of frontage on the Androscoggin River. ** GUIDED MEDIA VISITS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEO FOOTAGE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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