High Peaks Alliance

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Wildlife Watch | Wildlife Watch with Carson | High Peaks Alliance

Wildlife Watch

September 11, 2024 – I’ve been mowing the Mill Pond Loop field this morning. I saw American Copper, Cabbage white, Clouded and Cloudless, and Little Yellows (butterflies). I saw Aphrodite fritillary and Meadow fritillary butterflies. I also saw a brown Dragonfly and a blue Dragonfly and all kinds of grasshoppers and crickets.

I disturbed a lot of mice and moles! I saw five when I was near Lloyd’s rose garden. 

Jackie Miller saw cow moose and two calves on the Fox Hollow Trail yesterday and she got some pictures (we’re seeking them out!). 

A Red-tailed Hawk has been around and I saw an old grandfather toad. It would have barely fit in my hand. 

We had a slight frost this morning, with one car frosted and one not, sitting in the driveway. 

📸 Check out Carson’s photos below.

 

Perham Stream Birding Trail

Carson Hinkley

Meet Carson Hinkley, a seventh-generation resident of the East Madrid settlement. Carson grew up and lives today in the farmhouse across from the Perham Stream Birding Trail trailhead. He’s a historian and naturalist.

In 2022 Carson sold the 80-acre Perham Stream Birding Trail to the HPA, placing it in conservation. He continues to steward the land and animals today.

If you visit the trail, you might have the pleasure of meeting Carson.

Volunteer Spotlight: Carson Hinkley
September 11, 2024

Wildlife Watch with Carson

August 20, 2024

Wildlife Watch with Carson

August 15, 2024

HPA Hosts Camper Field Day at Birding Trail

July 25, 2024

Volunteers Needed Fly Rod Crosby Trail Clean-Up

July 18, 2024

Wildlife Watch with Carson

June 21, 2024

HPA Leads Effort to Repair Prescott Field Accessible Trail After Floods

Taking Action HPA spearheaded the collaborative efforts to repair the Prescott Field Accessible Trail system after the region was impacted
June 21, 2024

Wildlife Watch with Carson

June 17, 2024

High Peaks Alliance Launches Scenic 7 Hiking Challenge

Embark on a Memorable Adventure The Scenic 7 Hiking Challenge features seven exhilarating landscapes that will push hikers to their
June 12, 2024

Your Help Needed for Fly Rod Crosby Trail Clean-Up

Three Projects & Three Levels of Difficulty Join us on June 22nd & August 24 from 9 AM – 2
May 20, 2024

All Hands on Deck Motorized Club Meeting

April 29, 2024

Volunteer Spotlight: Carson Hinkley

Meet Carson Hinkley, a seventh-generation resident of the East Madrid settlement. Carson grew up and lives today in the farmhouse across
April 27, 2024

High Peaks Hires Seasonal Recreation Ranger

Welcome, Matt. Matthew Kusper has been involved in the conservation industry since 2018 when he joined his first Conservation Corps.
April 17, 2024

Saying Goodbye to Betsy Squibb

We will gather with heavy hearts on May 26 to remember and celebrate the life of Elizabeth “Betsy” Squibb, a
April 15, 2024

Try The Fly Rod Crosby Trail: The Saddleback Spur

One of our favorite hikes is the Saddleback Spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail up at Saddleback. The Saddleback
April 10, 2024

Total Solar Success at Perham Stream

Thank you to the 300 community members who joined us at the Perham Stream Birding Trail for the Total Solar Eclipse! We’re
Amanda Laliberte, hiker on Appalachian Trail, Saddleback Mtn
March 19, 2024

HPA Welcomes Director of Engagement

The High Peaks Alliance has announced the addition of Amanda Laliberte as the new Director of Engagement. In this new
March 11, 2024

Solar Eclipse Viewing at Perham Stream Birding Trail

HPA Hosts Solar Eclipse Viewing Who: Open to Public What: Want to view the eclipse without the crowds? Join High
March 4, 2024

Hiring! Recreation Ranger

Term: Contract Position – 900 hours (Flexible – May through October) Location: Work across the High Peaks Region predominantly in
October 30, 2023

Our vision is Focused on the Future

Our vision is focused on the future. Last Saturday, the board of directors of the High Peaks Alliance met on
September 1, 2023

Scenes from the High Peaks: Summer

Summer Photos of the High Peaks As summer winds down, we collected a few of our favorite snaps from explorers
August 19, 2023

Bald Mountain in Weld: Small but mighty

Quill Hill in Rangeley in fall
August 19, 2023

13,640 Acres Conserved This Summer

Quill Hill in fall.
August 15, 2023

Join our Family & Youth Trail Day

If you’d like to hear about more events like this one, subscribe to our newsletter. To support or host more
March 30, 2023

Sledhead Stewards: Shiretown Riders

There were six members at the meeting, and the President, Rob Martin, said there are a few other active members,
March 14, 2023

Gliding along the Center Hill trail in Weld

February 9, 2023

More Than $2 Million for Sandy River Bridge in Farmington Secured

A site visit with Jared Golden (photo courtesy of Jared Golden’s office) This project has also received funding from the
January 31, 2023

Fly Rod Crosby Carving Event at IF&W Building Augusta Maine

January 17, 2023

Share your story with us! Submission Guidelines

We accept guest blog stories about experiences in the High Peaks region (Franklin/Oxford Counties). If you would like to share
January 17, 2023

Why hike 10 of Maine’s High Peaks when you can do all 14?

For this 65-year-old retired guy, my goal to hike all 4,000-foot mountains in Maine was one of the best and
December 27, 2022

Double Your Adventure in the Maine Outdoors, High Peaks style!

*Please note that some areas specifically listed are not accessible in the winter due to plowing–specifically Mud Pond Rd.* By
September 14, 2022

HPA Hosts Best Foliage Talk at UMF

High Peaks Alliance to host talk on popular foliage hikes at UMF The public is invited to attend FARMINGTON –
March 27, 2022

Foster Tech Students Engage With The Farmington Bridge

February 23, 2022

HPA Closes on Perham Stream Birding Trail

MADRID TWP: High Peaks Alliance recently closed on an 80-acre parcel called the Perham Stream Birding Trail in Madrid Township.
October 7, 2021

Ribbon Cutting on New Accessible Trail

Trail Ribbon Cutting Farmington, Maine — The High Peaks Alliance and the University of Maine at Farmington invite the public
May 27, 2021

Maine Town Conserves ‘Community Forest’

KINGFIELD, Maine —The town of Kingfield in Franklin County is home to the state’s newest “community forest.” Picturesque and popular
May 27, 2021

How to Save a Maine Pond

How to Save a Maine Pond A conservation group and like-minded residents banded together to protect Shiloh Pond in Kingfield
May 27, 2021

Interview in Daily Bulldog

Fresh Air Fun: High Peaks region BY DARRYL WOOD MAY 15, 2021 People who know me understand that I am passionate
May 27, 2021

HPA Awarded $50k for ADA Trail

Excerpted from from Maine Biz: “https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/franklin-county-outdoor-recreation-projects-get-financial-boost-from-northern-forest-center” The High Peaks Alliance received a portion of the $317,526 awarded this month as
May 27, 2021

 Fly Rod Crosby Trail Work Days – Summer 2021

 Time to get out those clippers, paint brushes, and trail saws! There is a lot to be done this summer,
March 31, 2021

Shiloh Pond Conserved!

New Community Forest to Benefit Kingfield Area KINGFIELD, Maine – High Peaks Alliance, The Trust for Public Land, and the
November 16, 2020

2020 Fly Rod Crosby Trail Update

2020 was a busy season for rediscovering hiking all over Maine and the newly completed Fly Rod Crosby Trail was
August 11, 2020

The Great Maine Moose Hunt

Our Board member, Roger Lambert, has written a new book about moose hunting in Maine.  Check it out: STRONG –
August 11, 2020

Cocktails and Consversation – Rangeley, ME

Join Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Big Woods Bucks, and High Peaks Alliance along with other public land supporters for Cocktails and Conservation
August 11, 2020

MeatEater Holds Nationwide Auction to Closeout Shiloh Pond Project

MeatEater, Inc. Holds Nationwide Auction to Closeout Fundraising on High Peaks Alliance’s Shiloh Pond Conservation Project High Peaks Alliance Selected
June 3, 2020

High Peaks Alliance Hires Executive Director

FARMINGTON- The High Peaks Alliance, a nonprofit servicing western Maine’s High Peaks region, recently hired Brent West of Readfield to
June 1, 2020

Fly Rod Crosby Trail Work Days — Summer 2020

Time to get out those clippers, paint brushes, and trail saws! There is a lot to be done this summer,
June 1, 2020

Maine Trail Finder Supports Local Businesses

The Center for Community GIS is a partner of the High Peaks Initiative and we are happy to help promote
June 1, 2020

Shiloh Pond:  Preserving a Community Gem

The conservation of Shiloh Pond started when concerned citizens noticed that the 215-acre parcel was for sale. People began asking
June 1, 2020

Why I serve – Peter McKinley

I enjoy my work with the High Peaks Alliance for its intersection of people seeking ways to find overlapping values
April 27, 2020

High Peaks Nonprofits Address COVID-19 impacts

Non-profit organizations in Maine’s High Peaks region are coming together to work with community leaders and funders to address the
April 24, 2020

We Are All In This Together

We are all in this together: Collaboration among the motorized clubs of   Franklin County’s unorganized townships with the High Peaks Alliance 
April 24, 2020

Taking the Plunge

Let me start by saying that it is an unbelievable honor to serve as the first executive director of the
January 9, 2020

Kingfield Community Forest

Please join the High Peaks Alliance and Trust for Public Land helping the Town of Kingfield on Thursday, January 16
March 4, 2019

AT Hall of Famer to speak at High Peaks Trail Social

High Peaks Alliance Hosts David Field Who: High Peaks Alliance What: Trail social featuring a talk by Appalachian Trail Hall
January 24, 2018

Wind Power Has Reached Its Limits

http://://www.centralmaine.com/2018/01/23/maine-compass-state-has-reached-its-limit-on-wind-power/ Maine Compass: State has reached its limit on wind power The Maine woods host more tall towers than the
October 24, 2017

Perham Stream Bridge a Successful Collaboration

Here is a brief video that shows how the Perham Stream Bridge looks visually as the High Peaks Alliance, The
September 9, 2017

Historian to Retrace 350-mile Journey to Quebec

Hodding Carter IV doesn’t quite match the sweater-vest-wearing, finger-pointing lecturers you might imagine when you hear the title ‘historian.’ Though
September 9, 2017

Local Outdoorsman Hikes 200 Miles of Franklin County

The 200+ mile Franklin County walk begins on the Whistle Stop Trail, at the County Line in Jay. Outdoorsman Doug Dunlap
July 24, 2017

AT offer Berry Pickers Trail from Saddleback Mtn to the FRCT

As part of the Linkletter/Orbeton Forest Legacy Project this AT side trail was created and protected, crossing also land owned
November 18, 2016

Dylan Cookson’s End of Season

Hello, everyone. My name is Dylan Cookson. I am an AmeriCorps member and this year I have been serving with
October 19, 2016

Raffle Drawing

Last Wednesday, October the 12th, the High Peaks Alliance drew the winning  tickets for the 2016 High Peaks Alliance Raffle. We had
September 26, 2016

Raffle Update

The High Peaks Alliance Raffle Drawing will be taking place at the monthly Board meeting on October 12th, 2016. We will be
September 23, 2016

Rangeley Trail Town Festival

On Saturday, September 3rd 2016, the town of Rangeley celebrated their annual Trail Town Festival. It has been four years since
August 29, 2016

Ribbon Cutting Perham Stream Bridge

This past Saturday was the perfect day for a cookout. The sun was out, a slight breeze was in the
August 26, 2016

Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen Association’s Outdoor Sporting Heritage Day

Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen Association threw its annual Outdoor Sporting Heritage Day on August 9th. This year’s theme was
August 23, 2016

Perham Stream Bridge

MADRID – Backwoods trail riders take note. The official opening for the Perham Stream Bridge on the multi-use trail in
August 22, 2016

Carrabassett Valley Summer Fest

Just off the Sugarloaf Regional Airport in Carrabassett Valley, Maine is KC’s Creativity Center. This business provides classes on creative
August 5, 2016

The High Peaks Alliance at the Farmington Summer Fest

The Farmington Downtown Association threw the 2016 Farmington Summer Fest on Friday, and Saturday, July 22nd, and 23rd. On Saturday
August 1, 2016

High Peaks Alliance at Kingfield Festival Days

On the weekend of July 14th – 17th, Kingfield celebrated its Bicentennial Year and the High Peaks Alliance was there
July 4, 2016

Completion of the Perham Stream Bridge

ATV riders heading North on ITS 89 through Madrid Township along the Aaron Holbrook Memorial Trail are sure to notice some
June 29, 2016

Birds of Mount Abraham

West Kingfield: The hills have feathers! Birds that nest at higher elevations may do so a little later in the
June 24, 2016

June 11th Workday Update

The Summer of 2016 has been a relatively cool one. At the High Peaks Alliance, we have taken advantage of
June 7, 2016

Let’s Get Ready to Raffle!

The Maine High Peaks Region is home to many local businesses that are supported by the region’s abundant natural resources
May 24, 2016

June 11th Trail Work Day

Location: Madrid Trail Head, Madrid, ME Event Title: Trail Work Day on the Fly Rod Crosby Trail We will meet at
May 18, 2016

May 14th Trail Workday

On Saturday, May 14th the High Peaks Alliance had its first trail work-day of the year on the Fly Rod
April 28, 2016

Volunteer Work Day, May 28th

Location: Madrid Trail Head, Madrid, ME Event Date: 05-14-2016 Event Title: Trail Work Day on the Fly Rod Crosby Trail We will meet
February 19, 2016

Collins, King Announce $4.6 Million Investment in Conservation

In February, 2015 the High Peaks Alliance was excited to receive Senator Susan Collins and a representative of Senator Angus King
February 22, 2015

Orbeton celebration event

Our latest land conservation project, the Orbeton Stream parcel of 5,800 acres, recently closed and a great celebration recognizing this
February 12, 2015

Orbeton Celebration

ORBETON STREAM CELEBRATION! The Trust for Public Land – with the High Peaks Alliance and North Franklin Snowmobile Club as
January 12, 2015

Orbeton Stream Area, Op-ed

By Lloyd Griscom Sunday, January 11, 2015 – As a local landowner with a camp near the Appalachian Trail in
January 12, 2015

Madrid Timber Land Protected With Easement

MADRID – Nearly 5,800 acres of timber land around Orbeton Stream has been permanently protected for logging, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling
December 5, 2014

Fly Rod Crosby Trail Update

Over the winter months, we will be working on two projects for the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.  One of these
December 3, 2014

News from 2014

The High Peaks Alliance has some exciting things going on. We have been busy with many local conservation and recreational
March 25, 2014

Sportsmen & Landowner Relations Program

Great article by George Smith about public access! Survey finds sportsmen have the same concerns as landowners – and Maine
February 20, 2014

Snowshoe Hike, February 15th 2014

On Maine’s Great Outdoor Weekend several brave souls packed fresh powder on the Fly Rod Crosby Trail in Madrid TWP.
October 11, 2013

Join Us for Community Forest Info Sessions

Avon & Rangeley – High Peaks Alliance (HPA) invites residents of the High Peaks region to come out to an
August 26, 2013

Fly Rod Crosby’s Phillips

A trial run of a self-guided walking tour of Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby’s downtown Phillips drew a small group of
August 15, 2013

Join Us in September!

There will also be a guided mountain bike ride from the Phillips Area Community Center to the Madrid Trailhead (7
August 15, 2013

The High Peaks Trails Plan

Phillips, The High Peaks Alliance (HPA) was recently awarded a grant from the Maine Community Foundation to create a High
July 7, 2013

Summer on the Fly Rod Crosby Trail

Madrid, This summer the Fly Rod Crosby Trail is in full swing. Maintainers were out clearing blow downs and cleaning
June 11, 2013

Crocker Mountain Conserved

An Investment in Western Maine’s Working Forest, Recreation, and High Peaks Habitat CARRABASSETT VALLEY, ME. – A 12,046-acre Western Maine
March 25, 2013

Keeping a Way of Life; Trails and Wildlife for Future Generations

The High Peaks Alliance will present its third public forum on the issue “Keeping a Way of Life: Trails and
February 22, 2013

HPA Holds Forum to Discuss Local National Wildlife Refuge

By Valerie Tucker, Special to the Sun Journal Franklin | Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at 10:15 pm PHILLIPS — The
February 22, 2013

Advice on a High Peaks Wildlife Rufuge from Friends of Rachel Carson President, Bill Durkin

Many reports and studies have been published detailing the economic benefits of conserving lands. The direct positive impacts on the
September 6, 2012

Orbeton Stream and Crocker Mountain Project Update

Come hear about the Crocker Mountain and Orbeton Stream Conservation Projects on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 PM,  Room C
August 30, 2012

Dedication for 20 miles of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail

Phillips – The first 20 miles of the Fly Rod Crosby trail were dedicated in Phillips on August 25th. The
August 13, 2012

Fly Rod Crosby Trail to be Dedicated On Saturday, August 25th, from 10am-2pm

Maine’s High Peaks Region will welcome its newest trail on Saturday, August 25th from 10am to 3pm as the Fly
July 26, 2012

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the AT

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Completion of the Appalachian Trail Hike to where the last section of the 2,100+
March 22, 2012

High Peaks Alliance Benefit Dinner

March 14, 2012

Collaboration Gives More Results in Conservation for Multi-use Recreation

WSKITV interview about the High Peaks Alliance strategy of cooperation of motorized and non-motorized interests for Conservation and Multi-Use Recreation.
February 16, 2012

Protected: Public Access to 17,000 Acres

The U.S. Forest Service recently announced that Maine would receive $8.7 million in federal grants to protect 17,000 acres of
January 26, 2012

HPA’s 2011 Accomplishments

January 19, 2012

Public Access Easement Takes a Giant Leap Forward!

This Article from the Sun Journal Thank you all motorized and non-motorized supporters and tireless volunteers! Thank you to all
January 15, 2012

NPS Rivers and Trails Awards HPA for FRCT

We are very thankful to the National Park Service, Rivers and Trails Program for helping the High Peaks Alliance organize
January 14, 2012

HPA Director, Milt Baston named “Logger of the Year”

Three Maine logging professionals were honored during the 21st annual Certified Logging Professional program’s banquet on Dec. 2 in Brewer.
November 2, 2011

Great Article in the Daily Bulldog

PHILLIPS –  The High Peaks Alliance and Sandy River Land Trust co-hosted five youth volunteers from Mt Abram High School
July 26, 2011

Fly Rod Crosby Trail to Participate in Maine Memory Network Local History Project

The Strong Historical Society, the Strong Public Library, the High Peaks Alliance, and the Strong School have partnered to begin
July 15, 2011

Land Owner Appreciation

July 12, 2011

Senator Susan Collins Remarks on Saddleback Connector

Sen. Susan M. Collins & All Trails CelebrationJune 25, 2011 Thank you, Tom.  Distinguished guests and friends, it is a
May 19, 2011

All Trails Celebration June 25th and 26th!

ALL TRAILS CELEBRATION IN THE RANGELEY LAKES AND HIGH PEAKS REGION OF WESTERN MAINE! RANGELEY, Summer is here and it’s
February 16, 2011

Orbeton Project Score for Forest Legacy Funding

Forest Legacy 2012 Funding Update for the Orbeton Stream Conservation Project The President’s budget is finally out and the most
January 15, 2011

New Saddleback Connector Trail

The State of Maine recently created a new multi-use regional trail connector on the west slope of Saddleback Mountain after
December 11, 2010

Trails for the 21st Century – Forests for Maine’s Future

Trails for the 21st Century By JOE RANKIN It’s a beautiful day. Leaves are turning. The air smells of the
October 27, 2010

Thank You To Our Summer Volunteers

Thanks to everyone who came out this summer for the Fly Rod Crosby Trail building days. We built just under
September 14, 2010

Thanks to Our Volunteers for Great Trail Building Days

Madrid TWP – On August 21st and 28th the High Peaks Alliance hosted two volunteer work days to start construction
July 22, 2010

Construction starts on the Fly Rod Crosby Trail

Construction of the new Fly Rod Crosby Heritage trail is finally under way! The first segment of this proposed 35
June 1, 2010

ATV and Hiking Groups: Building Bridges Together

SANDY RIVER PLANTATION — Sunday, June 13, members of the High Peaks Alliance, local ATV clubs, and the Maine Appalachian
May 2, 2010

High Peaks Bike Loop 2010 – Current Record 5 hours

“One of the only rides in the North East that has the same feel as the High Cascades in Oregon”.
April 14, 2010

ATV Maine Letter of Support

ATV Maine is made up of 103 ATV Clubs with more than 8000 individual members from all across the State.
March 23, 2010

HPA Helps Senior Class Collect 189lbs of Food

Avon — The Mt. Abram senior class took in 189 pounds of food for local food pantries in a food
February 23, 2010

New HPA Recreational Trails Planning Map Proposal

Horn and Saddleback from Jr. The High Peaks Alliance and Sandy River Land Trust propose a collaborative project to utilize
January 15, 2010

Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby

Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby was born in Phillips, Maine on Nov. 10, 1854, and died one day after her 92nd
October 30, 2009

Creating A Sustainable Future for Maine’s High Peaks Region

A Sustainable Future for Maine’s High Peaks Region Large Landscape Conservation IS the Way for Nature, People, and Community: Conservation
October 9, 2009

High Peaks Alliance Finds Common Ground

The High Peaks Alliance Finds Common Ground Written by Lloyd Griscom, Sandy River Land Trust, and High Peaks Alliance The
August 9, 2009

TIF, Trails, Tourism and Conservation In the High Peaks

from the Morning Sentinel BY BETTY JESPERSEN Staff Writer, 08/09/2009 FARMINGTON — Trail development, mapping, tourism, and marketing in the
May 30, 2009

Vision for the Fly Rod Crosby Footpath

A Vision for the Fly Rod Crosby Footpath   by Bud Godsoe The High Peaks Alliance proposes the construction of
April 19, 2009

Maine High Peaks Initiative: An Opportunity

Maine High Peaks Initiative: an opportunity to assess the impact of climate change in large landscape conservation The focal area
January 14, 2009

Impacts of Tourism

ADDRESSING IMPACTS: The Benefits and Costs of Tourism Adapted From, “Community Tourism Development Manual University of Minnesota Tourism Center, 2001”
January 9, 2009

Maine’s Brook Trout Treasure

By Ben Hanstein • Jan 8th, 2009 • Category: Features, Outdoors FARMINGTON – Representatives from a state agency are meeting
January 2, 2009

Connecting Communities Through Backcountry Trails

HIGH PEAKS REGION CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS Draft Project Proposal January 14, 2008 In support of the High Peaks

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