FAYETTE — The Kennebec Land Trust will host a hike on Thursday, Sept. 26, so the public can enjoy its newest project, purchasing and permanently conserving 330 acres in Fayette, including the top of 600-foot Surry Hill.
The extensive property features more than 250 acres of forestland, streams flowing into local lakes and ponds, valuable wetlands and phenomenal scenic views. The new community conservation property will provide many recreational opportunities, including hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, mountain biking and nature observation, land trust officials said.
“This ambitious effort is also an inspiring and hopeful example of how land trusts and other conservation owners are making a big difference in the world,” said a KLT news release. “Undeveloped land sequesters carbon — a natural climate solution.”
KLT plans to maintain approximately 15 acres as open fields to preserve views of the White Mountains and nearby hills, lakes and woodlands. The Surry Hill fields also offer tasty blueberries for hikers and habitat for pollinators, ground-nesting birds and resident and migratory raptors.
The walk will be at 5:30 p.m. Those hiking may meet at the bus turnaround on Tom Surrey Road. It is free and open to the public. Note that at this time, there is no formal trail system at the site.
Members and supporters, including an anonymous large donor and Camps Winnebago, Laurel and Vega, have pledged or donated $238,000 as of Sep. 9. In order to complete the conservation project by the end of October, KLT needs to raise an additional $53,500 through private donations and grants.
Call 207-377-2848, for more information or for directions or visit www.tklt.org.
PHOTO: Hiking Surry Hill. (Norm Rodrigue photo)
