2025 SPRING
2025 Spring
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Kennebec Land Trust Spring Hikes
Instructor: KTL Volunteers and Staff
Mondays • 5/5-5/19 • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Class size 5-12 students
1 seats remaining
Location: Field Trips
CLASS IS FULL
This spring, Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) is offering UMASC members the opportunity to learn more about some of the KLT properties via guided hikes. There will be 3 hikes offered on consecutive Mondays in May from 9 AM to 11 AM. The hikes will be on three different conservation properties in Augusta, Manchester, and Wayne. Each outing will be led by a KLT volunteer or staff member who is familiar with that property’s trail and natural features. The length of the hike will vary with each outing, but most of the trails are about one-mile round trip. Directions for getting to the trail heads will be sent to the students before the day of the hike. KLT does not charge for use of their trails, but we are sure they would appreciate any donations.
Note that parking at the trailheads is limited so we encourage folks to carpool.
Howard Hill,
Augusta
The Howard Hill Hike will be led by Janet Sawyer (property steward and KLT Board Member.)
Howard Hill, the wooded backdrop to the Maine State House, is a large and diverse natural area in the middle of Augusta. Its 164 acres includes a cascading stream, steep ravines, large boulders, an expansive ridge line with sheer cliffs, and diverse wildlife habitat. The property is crisscrossed by an informal network of old carriage roads and woods roads that provide expansive views over the State House and the Kennebec River valley. The hike is a 0.4 mile walk up and over the top of Howard Hill to the overlook of the State House.
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North Acres Wildlife Conservation Area
The North Acres Wildlife Conservation Area Hike will be led by Baylee Bachelder, KLT Outreach and Office Manager.
The 132-acre North Acres Wildlife Conservation Area has been providing hay and pasture for many generations of farmers. The 40 acres of farm fields and surrounding woodlands are also valuable wildlife habitats for grassland birds, hawks, eagles, deer, turkey, fish and many other Maine wildlife species. Two streams on the property, Tanning Brook and Spring Brook, merge to form Bond Brook, which supports some of the strongest brook trout populations in the capital area.
Gotts Pasture Preserve
The Gotts Pasture Preserve trip will be led by Cathy McCue (property steward).
The Gott Pasture Preserve is a 75-acre wooded parcel on Wilson Pond that includes three vernal pools and over 1,100 feet of undeveloped shoreline. This land was farmed in the 19th century, and then was a wooded pasture and woodlot. Shore Loop Trail is a 1.2 mile loop and moderately steep in places.

Mission Statement:
The Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) works cooperatively with landowners and communities to conserve the forests, lakes, streams, wetlands, fields, and wildlife that help define central Maine. KLT protects and stewards land permanently, offers access to conserved properties, provides opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy the natural world, and works with partners to support sustainable forestry and farming.
Augusta
The North Acres Wildlife Conservation Area Hike will be led by Baylee Bachelder, KLT Outreach and Office Manager.
The Gotts Pasture Preserve trip will be led by Cathy McCue (property steward).