Deer Woods Conservation Project
30 acres | Gorham
Kathleen Ashley has generously offered our Land Trust the gift of 30 acres of forestland on Day Road just south-east of downtown Gorham. In a town that is growing in population at nearly twice the national average and which is less than 4% conserved, this is an incredible opportunity.
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This is priority land for conservation because it is part of the largest remaining undeveloped forested block, at 300 acres, east of downtown Gorham to the coast. As a result, these lands have been important deer wintering lands for decades. This land is fully forested providing important habitat for a wide variety of species from bobcats to birds of prey.
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This project is within two miles of over 5,000 people, which is 1/3 of the residents of the town of Gorham. This land will be conserved while providing walking access, which will include trailhead parking and 1 mile of walking trails. This new trail will have the future potential to connect into downtown Gorham. The trails will be available to people of all ages to enjoy.
Giving Back
“In 1980, searching for a home in Gorham near USM where we taught, we found this property off Day Road – woods, wetlands, fields, a pond, and diverse wildlife. For over 40 years, this land has been an unfailing source of pleasure to us and our neighbors. It contributes to Day Road’s reputation as a scenic route. I would now like to gift this land to the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust to help preserve the natural resources and wildlife habitat in Gorham, providing a means of sharing our enjoyment with a wider public.” - Kathleen Ashley - Gorham resident donating 30 acres of land that will become Deer Woods Preserve
Maps of the conservation area:
