Holding Onto the Places We Love
Our talk, Your Voice in Conservation, was a look at the places and trails that shape our sense of home. Together, we reflected on access we’ve lost and the pressing needs that remain, from the fact that only 13.5% of our trails are on conserved land to ongoing stewardship backlogs and the unique challenges Franklin County faces with poverty and limited land protection.
We shared what drives us: a deep love for saving our community gems, keeping them open and accessible, and caring for the conserved acres that sustain both our communities and local economies. Highlights included updates on Mosher Hill Falls, the Sandy River Bridge project, Prescott Field accessible trail, Daggett Rock, the Fly Rod Crosby loops, Shiloh Pond Community Forest, and our Scenic 7 Hiking Challenge.
The Rec Rangers who keep boots on the ground at Tumbledown, Bigelow, and beyond were celebrated for their dedication. Attendees learned about volunteer opportunities and trail days in 2026. The presentation also recognized the generosity of those leaving lasting legacies, including Cathy Haines, whose thoughtful bequest helps protect the places we all love.
📸 Image from GoldLEAF Senior Institute
About Gold LEAF Senior Institute
Gold LEAF, based at the University of Maine at Farmington, is a member-run group offering lifelong learning and adventures for folks 50+ (and their spouses/partners of any age). They host both online and in-person courses; membership (or any Maine Senior College) is needed to join. Their members love hitting our conserved lands for hikes, painting sessions, snowshoe outings, birdwatching, and geology tours. We’d love volunteers to lead GoldLEAF adventures, too!
