Kennebec Land Trust urges avoidance of busy properties, offers tips

WINTHROP — The Kennebec Land Trust is asking those who are taking to the outdoors to avoid some of its normally busiest properties to help encourage social distancing.
Properties the trust suggests avoiding are Mount Pisgah in Winthrop and Vaughan Woods in Hallowell. These areas tend to be quite crowded, making social distancing a challenge, the trust said.
When visiting KLT properties, avoid touching shared surfaces, like signs, benches and trailhead boxes. KLT will begin posting maps on the outside of trailhead boxes. It’s also encouraging those who visit its properties to tag the KLT on social media or email the trust with comments at info@tklt.org or instagram at @Kennebeclandtrust.
“We are physically distant, but our community is more important than ever,” the trust said. “If there is anything that needs major attention, like a blowdown over the trail, please send an email or call us to let us know, we will take care of it as soon as we can.”
As new maps are posted and trails are cleared after winter storms and suitable for hiking, given “mud season,” the trust will highlight on social media and on its its “hidden gem” properties on Facebook and Instagram.
The staff is updating its popular Hiking Guide. LPK, a global brand design agency, is helping with the project free of charge. “We have so many new properties and new trails to highlight,” the trust said.

PHOTO: Hutchinson Trail in Manchester. (Norm Rodrigue photo)