MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
December 13, 2023
Contact: Dana Bettez, SPLT Membership & Engagement Manager
dana@sopolandtrust.org
207-475-7235
South Portland Land Trust Awarded Maine Trail Coalition’s Completing the Vision Award
As part of the inaugural Love Maine Trails Month
South Portland, Maine - The South Portland Land Trust (SPLT) has been awarded Maine Trail Coalition’s (MTC) Completing the Vision Award for the inaugural Love Maine Trails month, taking place from late June through July 2022. Love Maine Trails month was created as a collective effort of trail stewardship to bring people together to work on a number of trail projects throughout the state. According to MTC, Love Maine Trails Month hosted over 60 projects by 23 organizations across Maine, with over 302 volunteers and 3,451+ volunteer hours. MTC distributed $5,000 between six organizations.
SPLT received the Completing the Vision Award for completing the 2.1-mile Clark’s Pond Loop, a 15-year effort. Since the SPLT’s West End Trail committee was launched in 2006, the SPLT has completed the initial 1.1-mile Clark’s Pond Trail and later built the Long Creek, Red Brook, and South Branch trails. Each trail is located within the greater Maine Mall area and provides residents, staff at local businesses, and visitors with access to a high-quality outdoor recreation opportunity. The opening of the Clark’s Pond extension trail enables pedestrians to walk completely around the pond and was built almost exclusively by volunteers and funded by SPLT members, the Davis Conservation Fund, and the Conservation for All program at the Maine Community Foundation. By creating walkways that connect neighborhoods across the City, pedestrians now have safe and enjoyable access through some of the city’s most natural and scenic spaces. The SPLT hopes its projects will increase environmental stewardship and support the ongoing efforts of the Long Creek restoration and revitalization project.
“The South Portland Land Trust is grateful to be part of Love Maine Trails Month and for receiving this award. We are a smaller land trust by many metrics, and programs such as this amplified our volunteer recruitment and engagement activities,” said Alex Redfield, SPLT President. “‘Completing the Vision’ is the perfect way to describe this project and we appreciate this recognition.”
MTC is planning a 2023 Love Maine Trails Month in June for trails used in the summer and fall, and another month in November for trails more regularly used in the winter. As noted by MTC, “Trails do not maintain themselves and need volunteer labor and dedicated funding to improve, repair, and maintain. If you believe trails need love, visit MaineTrailsCoalition.org to learn more and get involved.”
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About the South Portland Land Trust
South Portland Land Trust is a nonprofit organization committed to linking neighborhoods and improving quality of life in South Portland through expanding the city’s trail network, conserving open space, and educating the public on issues related to trails and open space. It holds eighteen properties and easements within the City of South Portland to preserve natural habitats, trail access, and open space for public enjoyment.
Please visit southportlandlandtrust.org for more information
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter IDs: @sopolandtrust
About Maine Trails Coalition
Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) was formed in 2019 as a statewide voice for trail users, supporters, and advocates. Trails provide enormous benefits to the communities they connect, from bolstering local economies and public safety to supporting healthier people and environments. MTC's mission is to champion the establishment, use, and stewardship of all types of trails in Maine, and its Leadership Team is committed to advancing the trails movement on behalf of the communities and people who live, work, visit, and play all across the state.
Please visit mainetrailscoalition.org for more information
Facebook, Instagram IDs: @mainetrailscoalition
Twitter ID: @maine_trails