Events
Monthly Trail Crew at Sayles Field
Please join us on Thursday, November 7, at 8:30 AM for a trail and stewardship crew session at Sayles Field. Last month, we made excellent progress tackling invasive plants around the field, and this week we’ll aim to finish the job. If time permits, we may also work along the wooded trail.
FCT will provide loppers, clippers, saws, gloves, and herbicide dabbers. Feel free to bring any tools you prefer as well. We’ll meet near the Church Road entrance and hike in together.
If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!
5Point Film Festival September 26th Doors Open @ 6:00pm & Show Time 7:00pm
Join Stio and 5Point Film for a special evening of outdoor short films on Thursday, October 10th, at Maine Beer Company in Freeport. Your ticket includes a $10 donation to Freeport Conservation Trust, a complimentary beverage, access to a pizza buffet, and a 10% discount at Stio’s Freeport Mountain Studio. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the show starts at 7:00 PM. Don’t miss out—buy your ticket now and support a great cause! For tickets and more information, visit the event page.
Buy Tickets Now! - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/909333690547?aff=oddtdtcreatorhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/909333690547?aff=oddtdtcreator
FCT Monthly Trail Crew
🌿 Join FCT for a Trail Crew Work Session! 🌿
📅 When: Thursday, October 3 at 8:30 AM
📍 Where: Meet at the Church Road trailhead, Freeport
🎯 What: Help us tackle invasive plants along the perimeters of Sayles Field!
We’ll provide loppers, folding saws, clippers, and herbicide dabbers. Just bring gloves, water, and your favorite tools. The crew has done amazing work in the past, and it’s time to keep it going!
Got questions? Reach out to Jonathan Dawson at 207-844-0419.
Let’s make a difference together! 🌳
**Event is sold out** FCT Casco Bay scenic cruise September 15th @ 10:00am
Please note the event is sold out Join FCT for a cruise on Casco Bay with Captain Peter Milholland aboard the Pamela B on 9/15/24! Explore the inner islands of Freeport, Brunswick, and Harpswell while searching for osprey, eagles, eiders, Common Terns, and even seals basking in the sun. We'll also highlight islands protected by FCT and note local aquaculture. Bring binoculars and a warm layer. Meet at the Freeport town wharf in South Freeport. Parking is available behind The French School of Maine. Rain date: 9/16/24
Stewardship Trail Session @ Brewer Woods Semptember 5th @ 8:30am
Please join us at Frost Gully Preserve on Thursday, 9/5/2024, from 8:30 AM to around 11:00 AM for our next trail crew session. We’ll meet at the trailhead kiosk/parking area at Burr Cemetery (56 Durham Road, Freeport, Maine). We'll be working with invasive species expert Amanda Devine to control phragmites reeds in the restored streamside area. This is crucial work in restoring Frost Gully Brook to its natural beauty. Wear long sleeves, pants, appropriate footwear, gloves, and bring water. New volunteers welcome! FCT will provide tools and supplies. Contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org to confirm or ask questions.
2024 Freeport Trail Challenge
Join us for the 2024 Freeport Trail Challenge, a fun and adventurous community event designed to get you moving and exploring the scenic trails of Freeport! This year’s challenge offers participants the opportunity to hike, bike, or run through a series of marked trails, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Whether you're a seasoned trailblazer or a newcomer looking to experience nature, this event has something for everyone. Don't miss this chance to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and enjoy a day of outdoor fun with family and friends!
FCT Monthly Trail Crew at Jackman Woods
Are you passionate about nature and community service? We need your help! Join us for a rewarding trail crew session on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 8:30 AM at the Jackman Woods parking area at the end of Litchfield Road in Freeport.
Together, we'll:
Refresh trail blazing to keep paths clearly marked.
Clear blowdowns and overgrown branches to ensure safe and enjoyable trails.
Upgrade bog bridging to improve trail conditions.
The Freeport Conservation Trust will provide hand saws, loppers, tools for the bog bridge project, and an axe. Your role is vital—please bring gloves, water, and your favorite tool(s) to contribute to this meaningful work.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, make new friends, and directly impact our community trails. Every helping hand makes a difference!
If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org.
Join us in making our trails better for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!
~Jonathan
FCT Monthly Trail Crew: Join Us for a Bog Bridge Upgrade at Powell Point Preserve!
FCT Monthly Trail Crew: Join Us for a Bog Bridge Upgrade at Powell Point Preserve! 🌿
🗓 When: Monday, July 1
🕣 Time: 8:30 AM
📍 Where: Parking/turnaround area at the end of Lambert Road, Freeport
Mission: Upgrade 82 feet of bog bridging!
Tasks Include:
Breaking apart old bog bridging
Carrying in and out materials
Moving planks around
Pulling nails
Driving stakes
Reassembling the bog bridge
End Result: A wider, straighter, more even bridge!
Tools Needed:
Hammers
Cordless drills (for screws)
Small sledgehammers
Tape measures
Levels
BOOTS (it’s muddy!)
Bug spray
Gloves
FCT will provide at least one of each tool mentioned, but we could use extras if you have them:
Extra cordless drills (we have bits)
Another small sledgehammer
Another tape measure
Another crowbar
Our summer interns, Ada Knauft and Luke Fogg, will be there to help!
Questions? Contact Jonathan at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org.
See you there! 🌱🔨🛠️
Casco Bay Nature Tour
The Nature Tour is Sold Out. We are looking at planning another so stay tuned.Explore Casco Bay with Captain Peter Milholland aboard the Pamela B!
Embark on an unforgettable journey as we set sail to discover the hidden treasures of Casco Bay. Join us on Sunday, June 23rd, from 10 AM to noon, for an immersive boat tour showcasing the inner islands of Freeport, Brunswick, and Harpswell.
During this captivating excursion, you'll have the opportunity to witness the splendor of nature up close. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic ospreys, eagles soaring overhead, and the charming presence of eiders and Common Terns. With luck, you might even catch sight of seals basking on the sun-kissed ledges.
Learn about the thriving local aquaculture scene and gain insights into the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. We'll highlight the importance of preserving these pristine habitats, including the islands protected by FCT.
Join us for this unforgettable adventure!
Logistics: We'll meet at the Freeport town wharf in South Freeport. Parking is available behind The French School of Maine on South Freeport Road. The special discounted rate for this experience is $30 per person. Don't forget to bring binoculars and a warm layer.
With only 17 spots available, be sure to register early to secure your place on this exclusive adventure. Don't miss your chance to experience the beauty of Casco Bay from the decks of the Pamela B!
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, June 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meeting Point: Freeport town wharf in South Freeport
Special Rate: $30 per person
Comprehensive Plan Workshop ~ Town of Freeport
The Town of Freeport Planning Board is updating the 2011 Comprehensive Plan and invites all community members to participate and share their ideas for Freeport’s future. The Plan will guide land use policies and municipal capital improvements, building on the Freeport Downtown Vision Plan and the Freeport Climate Action Plan. Join us for the first Comprehensive Plan Workshop on Wednesday, June 12th at 6 PM at the Freeport Community Center, and share your thoughts through open-ended activities and maps. For more information, visit www.futurefreeport.com and take the community survey at tinyurl.com/freeport-future-survey.
June FCT Monthly Trail Crew ~ Field Estuary
We invite you to join us on Thursday, June 6, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Field Estuary Preserve on Wolfe’s Neck Road. Our mission for the day is to rebuild a boardwalk and two bridges, vital components of our beloved trail system.
FCT will provide all necessary tools and materials, but if you have a cordless drill, please bring it along to help us out.
Have questions? Contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Super Mega Wicked Decent Trail Challenge
Are you ready for an adventure? Introducing the inaugural Freeport Conservation Trust “Super Mega Wicked Decent Trail Challenge”! Whether you're a seasoned runner or a hiking enthusiast, this event promises an exciting experience on the trails of Freeport, Maine.
Details:
Location: Freeport, Maine
Starting Point: 53 Depot Street, Freeport, Maine
Time: Check-in begins at 9:00 AM
FMI go to Race Page
FCT Monthly Trail Crew with Jonathan - Location TBD
Please join us at 8:30am on Thursday, May 2 for a trail clean up session at Hedgehog Mountain. We’ll meet at the parking lot on Hedgehog Mountain Rd and do a big loop that has all the blow downs. We’ll need a couple of chain saws. There are 15 or so decent sized blow downs crossing the trails. Bring gloves, hearing protection and water. I’ll have axes, the giant manual lumber saw and the usual basket of loppers and small saws & I’ll bring some hearing protection too. Let me know if you have questions! Your support makes all the difference. Thank you!
Signs of Spring Slow Walk @ Hedgehog Mountain Trails
Dirca palustris/Eastern Leatherwood at Hedgehog Mt (Photo: Lucy Birkett)
FCT - Stewardship Trail Crew - Thursday 4/11/24 @8:30am
Our next trail crew session will be on Thursday, April 11th, starting at 8:30 AM. We'll meet at the parking lot for the Kelsey Brook trailhead on Litchfield Road. Please note that this is the parking lot at the beginning of Litchfield Road, not the one further down at the end.
During this session, we have several tasks to complete along this section of the trail network. These tasks include refreshing the painted blazes, repositioning a couple of bog bridges, installing the new bridge over Kelsey Brook, and dismantling the old bridge. Additionally, we'll be cutting back hemlock branches and limbs along the trail.
For equipment, FCT will provide paint, brushes, wire paint scrapers, a crowbar, a come-along, rope, loppers, and a couple of hammers. We may also require a scraper or two and possibly a couple of pairs of loppers. If you have any of these tools, please bring them along.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org.
FCT -Stewardship Trail Crew - Thursday 3/7/24
Hello Team! For this session, we’re excited to continue our efforts on the Kelsey Brook trail. Join us as we gather at the parking lot located at the beginning of Litchfield Road at 8:30 AM on Thursday, March 7th, 2024.
This time, our focus will be on blazing the trail up to the washed-out bridge and installing the much-needed new bridge. Let’s cross our fingers for calmer weather ahead! If time and energy permit, we'll also work on removing the old, damaged bridge—perhaps disassembling it and hauling some pieces back to the parking lot. Additionally, we'll be installing cables to secure the new bridge and prevent future washouts.
Since we'll be using paint, please wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting splattered. Don’t forget your gloves, boots, and a couple of loppers or metal-bristled paint scraping brushes. The Freeport Conservation Trust will provide paint, brushes, containers, and more.
Your participation is invaluable to the success of this project! Let's come together as a community to make a lasting impact on our beautiful trails. Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org.
See you there! Let's make a difference together!
Winter Ecology Slow Walk @ Sayles Field & Bliss Woods South Freeport Village. Sunday February 11th from 3-4:30pm
Please join us for a slow meander to observe, wonder, share, and perhaps learn a few things-- in our community! We'll let the land inspire our inquiries, ready to "look, listen, and learn" from who or what arises-- whether tree leaves in winter, animal tracks, "natural communities" (native plants & critters who thrive together), winter plant i.d., and of course simply admiring the beauty of the place.
Everyone is welcome, all ages, all levels of "knowledge" re trees and whatnot. Come for as long or as short a time as you like. Do bundle up and wear footwear for conditions (i.e. snow boots, rubber boots, shoe/boot spikes, snow shoes...).
We'll gather in the churchyard between South Freeport Road and church street, then head into Sayles Field from the Church St trailhead/FCT sign.
Lead by FCT volunteers/naturalists Lucy Birkett and Stephanie Cesario.
February Trail Crew 2/1/24 @ 8:30am Location TBD
Location Update: We are going to meet at Antoinette Jackman parking lot at the end of Litchfield Rd. Please dress in old clothes that are okay to get paint on. For more information please see the info below.
We're excited to invite you to our monthly trail crew session scheduled for Thursday, 2/1/24, at 8:30 AM. Currently, I'm exploring various work session options, with a focus on refreshing and enhancing our painted trail blazes.
We have a supply of all-weather paint, and there are numerous trails where the blazes are fading and aging. Over the next few days, I'll be assessing the trails to finalize our scope of work. By early next week, I'll have the details nailed down, including the exact location. Please check back for updates!
Your participation is highly valued, and we look forward to making our trails even better together. Thank you all for your commitment.
Best regards, Jonathan Dawson
FCT January Monthly Trail Group
Join us for a rewarding volunteering opportunity this Friday, 1/12/24, at 8:30 AM! Meet us at the Antoinette Jackman parking lot (at the end of Litchfield Road). We've got two exciting projects lined up: We're installing a new bridge to replace the one destroyed on Kelsey Brook. We could use 2 to 4 extra hands to help maneuver it into place. Plus, we're tackling the perennially muddy section of “Gibby’s Trail” by rerouting it uphill and closing off the muddy area.
Tools of the day: loppers, small saws, gloves. Got questions or want to join? Contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org. Your support means a lot to us! See you there!
FCT December Monthly Trail Work Session
FCT December Monthly Trail Crew~ Thursday 12/7/2023 @ 8:30-11:30am.
Chainsaw wizards! Chainsaw heros! Invasive buckthorn chokes out native plants and animals and Walsh Preserve (on Old County Road) has plenty of buckthorn. Experts tell us an important step in managing buckthorn is cutting down the largest seed producers. At this session we’ll cut the biggest buckthorn trees, buck them up into smaller sections and scatter them. FCT will have hand saws and loppers on hand, but a couple chainsaws and operators would help us get more done. We’ll meet at the parking lot on Old County Road at 8:30am. If you have any questions please contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org. Thank you!
Jonathan Dawson
Stewardship Coordinator – Freeport Conservation Trust
jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org
Workshop:
Workshop: Imagining safe walking and bicycling in Freeport. Monday 12/4 @6:30pm in the Bradley Rm. of Freeport Community Services. The event is sponsored by Connect Freeport, Complete Streets, FreeportCAN, & Freeport Conservation Trust. Details: Want to ditch your car and use streets and trails to walk or bike to the grocery store, the library, Winslow Park but don’t feel safe? Come learn what safe walking and biking looks like and give us your feedback.
November Monthly Trail Work Session
Join us for our next trail crew session from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday 11/3/23. FCT will be partnering with Wolfe's Neck Farm to build some stairs and a retaining wall. Tools will be provided so all you need to bring is energy and a pair of work gloves. We'll meet at the operations barn on Burnett Road and hike in. (Take Flying Point Road to Lower Flying Point Road to Burnett Road-- the operations barn is the sheet metal building on the right after the field.) Questions? Contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org.
Frost Gully Dam Celebration
For more information please go to: https://freeportconservationtrust.org/s/revised-sc.pdf
Antoinette Jackman Trail - Nature walk
Please join us on Sunday, October 15 at 2 p.m. for a nature walk at Antoinette Jackman Trail led by Jack Flanagan. Jack plans to look for clues that will tell the history of the land use and note the various habitats.
Monthly Trail Work Session
Please join us for a trail crew session at Powell Point on Thursday 10/5/23 from 8:30 to 11 AM. We’ll meet at the parking area at the end of Lambert Road and hike in. We’ll have two tasks this day. The primary objective is to repair / stabilize the stair cases up the steep banks of the stream about ½ way to the point. We’ll replace steps and jack things up and over to level the steps. In addition, along the way there and back we’ll trim and rip out invasive buckthorn along the trail. The buckthorn there is still manageable and this will be a great step toward getting it under control. FCT will bring appropriate carpentry tools and materials. Bring gloves and your favorite lopper, small saw or mattock if you wish. Questions? Contact Jonathan Dawson at jonathan@freeportconservationtrust.org.
2023 Freeport Trail Challenge
The 2023 Freeport Trail Challenge is on! You have to hike the four designated trails from August 12th thru October 16th. Get all four stamps on your passport and you will be rewarded. This is our 9th year of celebrating the beauty that Freeport has to offer, and whether you are joining us for the first time or have been with us every step of the way, we welcome you. We are excited to announce that we will conduct a weekly drawing every Monday for individuals who have submitted their passports. Both adults and children are eligible to win a prize. We hope you will enjoy all that this special town has to offer. Happy hiking, and we will see you on the trails!
CASCO BAY CRUISE NATURE TOUR WITH FCT Monday JUNE 12, 2023 10:00 AM - NOON FREEPORT TOWN WHARF - SOUTH FREEPORT RD
The first Casco Bay nature tour sold so quickly that we are offering second tour with Captain Peter Milholland aboard the Pamela B. The trip is scheduled for Monday, June 12, from 10 am to noon, with a rain date of Saturday, June 10. From the boat, we’ll view the inner islands of Freeport, Brunswick, and Harpswell as we search for osprey, eagles, eiders, Common Terns, an occasional seal basking in the sun on the ledges, and note local aquaculture activity. We will also highlight the islands protected by FCT. The cost is $30 per person. Sign up early to save your spot.. Bring binoculars and a warm layer. Meet at the Freeport town wharf in South Freeport. There is parking behind The French School of Maine on South Freeport Road.
CASCO BAY CRUISE NATURE TOUR WITH FCT Monday JUNE 12, 2023 10:00 AM - NOON FREEPORT TOWN WHARF - SOUTH FREEPORT RD (Copy)
Join FCT for a Casco Bay nature tour with Captain Peter Milholland aboard the Pamela B. The trip is scheduled for Sunday, June 11, from 10 am to noon, with a rain date of Saturday, June 10. From the boat, we’ll view the inner islands of Freeport, Brunswick, and Harpswell as we search for osprey, eagles, eiders, Common Terns, an occasional seal basking in the sun the ledges, and note local aquaculture activity. We will also highlight the islands protected by FCT. The cost is $30 per person. Bring binoculars and a warm layer. Meet at the Freeport town wharf in South Freeport. There is parking behind The French School of Maine on South Freeport Road.
Frost Gully Public Walk
The Frost Gully Brook Dam Removal project, a partnership of organizations and individuals including the Freeport Conservation Trust, will begin this month. The Dam Removal project represents a significant effort to restore the habitat and ecosystem of Frost Gully Brook and its surroundings, by removing dams, managing invasive species, and reintroducing native plants. FCT is hosting a public walk to showcase the changes that will be coming and the impactful benefits of the damn removal project. Please join us for this fun and informative short walk. Please meet at the Frost Gully Kiosk at 9:30am on June 11th. If you have any questions please contact carrie@freeportconservationtrust.org.
FCT 2023 Annual Meeting
You are invited to Freeport Conservation Trust's Annual Meeting
Wednesday June 7, 6:00 p.m.
Bradley Rm. Freeport Community Center 53 Depot Street
The evening will feature Freeport resident Bob Olney's wildlife videos in the Little River Watershed. Followed by local artist Michael Boardman talking about his Art, Sketches, and Stories of Climate Change and connections from Maine to the Arctic. Michael has been a strong advocate for conservation and uses his artwork to raise awareness about the importance of protecting natural habitats. His paintings have been featured in exhibitions and have won numerous awards. FCT Past President Ed Brainard said, "Michael has noted migrating birds that he’s seen nesting in the Alaskan Arctic stopover at FCT Walsh Marsh preserve. It’s rewarding to see the value of FCT’s work locally and in a larger context."
Please join us for a gathering at 6:00 p.m. with a program to follow at 7:00 p.m. Register at
freeportconservationtrust.org or call 865-3985 x212.