This project will protect 3,300 feet of Presumpscot River shoreline and 30 acres of forested wetlands, some of the only remaining wetlands near downtown Westbrook.

The shoreline, wetlands, and forest provide essential habitats for hundreds of species of migrating birds, pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians. Many of these species are quickly declining due to habitat loss, such as spring peepers, spotted salamanders, leopard frogs, and wood turtles. This land, once conserved, will forever provide much-needed wildlife habitat.

This project is located within one mile of 8,000 residents (40% of the residents of Westbrook). In addition, there is a bus stop within ¼ of a mile of the project and there will be trailhead parking.

Because this project is within walking distance of thousands of people and will be a destination for wildlife viewing, the Land Trust will invest for the first time in a professionally surfaced trail that will allow for a smooth surface with layers of crushed stone along the upland part of the loop and natural surface trail along the river. This 1.5 mile walking loop trail will be five feet wide, which is wide enough to fit two people walking side by side. Investing upfront in a high-quality trail will ensure that the trail will last longer and hold up to the high trail use expected.  

Additionally, a one-half-mile natural surface trail will be created, connecting the loop trail to the future Sebago to the Sea Trail and Mountain Division Trail. 

We are partnering with Westbrook Housing (the affordable housing nonprofit that provides housing to seniors and families in Westbrook), Intercultural Community Center (a nonprofit that provides programming for new immigrant youth living in Westbrook and surrounding communities), Westbrook Recreation and Conservation Commission, and Westbrook Community Center (which provides programming for hundreds of Westbrook youth through after school and summer programs). 

Chris LaRoche, Executive Director of Westbrook Housing, the affordable housing nonprofit for Westbrook and one of our partners in the project, states: “As we complete construction of 65 units of housing for older adults adjacent to Rivermeadow Nature Preserve, we will have over 350 older adults living in Westbrook Housing apartments within walking distance of the Preserve. The ecological, civic, recreational, and societal value of integrating planned affordable housing and land trust preserves within urban neighborhoods creates a common good that will last for generations.”