Ripples: April 2026
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Ripples
News from your watershed
April 2026
100+ boats (kayaks, canoes, and even a paddleboard!) sped downstream at the 45th annual St. George River Race last weekend
What's Been Happening in the Watershed?
Announcing our 24th Preserve: Olson Field Preserve in Cushing |
We are thrilled to announce the conservation of Olson Field Preserve. This 16-acre property features a meadow and an island which can be walked to at low tide. The property was recently transferred into our care from the Wyeth Foundation for American Art. Located in Cushing off Hathorne Point Road, Olson Field Preserve will be open for public recreation year-round. In addition to its ecological value—including coastal wetlands and important wading bird habitat—the site holds major cultural significance. The preserve’s namesake field was the setting for Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World, one of the most iconic American paintings of the 20th century. The preservation of Olson Field marks GRLT’s second preserve at the intersection of land conservation and artistic legacy, complementing the nearby Langlais Art Preserve. We are so excited to bring the community to this preserve for events this summer, and for years to come. Learn more and plan your visit! |
Students from four local schools author letters to the St. George River
Alongside artist Lihua Lei Farley, land trust staff visited four elementary schools in the watershed this early spring: Ames Elementary School in Searsmont, Hope Elementary School, Thomaston Grammar School, and the Cushing Community School. 4th grade students from these schools authored letters, drew pictures, and wrote poems to the river. These letters will be incorporated into Lihua's multi-part artist project SEED, a collaboration with GRLT, this summer.
Help Us Create Our Largest Public Preserve in Union!
This summer, Georges River Land Trust will finalize the acquisition of 110 acres east of Sennebec Pond to create Sennebec Hill Preserve. This land is a critical wildlife corridor and watershed protector, as there are several rare and endangered freshwater mussel species found in the nearby ponds. The presence of these species makes the St. George River one of only 140 state-designated "focus areas" in Maine.
Conserving this land would also significantly benefit our community, guaranteeing public access for:
Outdoor Education: A permanent "outdoor classroom" for local students and the Midcoast School of Technology’s Outdoor Leadership program
Quiet Recreation: A scenic destination to hike, birdwatch, and find peace
Traditional Uses: Open access for local hunters and foragers
The April Challenge: We Need to Raise $15,000
To secure this property, we have launched a public campaign to raise $15,000. We need your help to reach this goal by April 30th and ensure this 110-acre legacy is protected forever!
Donate Online (Please note “Sennebec Hill Preserve” in the "What inspired your donation?" box).
Donate by Mail: Georges River Land Trust, P.O. Box B, Rockland, ME 04841 (Memo: "Sennebec Hill Preserve").
Thank you for helping us make this vision a reality for Union—and the St. George River watershed!
Come run with us!
Spring is officially here! To celebrate, GRLT is starting a running club. When the ground dries up a bit we'll head to trails in the watershed. Until then, we'll meet at our office in Rockland (120 Tillson Ave.) and set out for an easy run around the south end of town.
First run: Wednesday, April 8th, 5pm
We'll take it easy and shake off the winter. All abilities welcome!
Contact alex@grlt.org to let us know you're coming and learn more.
Creative Nature Summer Camp Two weeks only! Langlais Art Preserve |
Calling all junior adventurers, artists, observers, and problem solvers! We are now enrolling for two full-week sessions of Creative Nature Club Summer Camp at the Langlais Art Preserve, where kids become ecological explorers through creative play and hands-on making. Each session revolves around an ecological topic designed to nurture young people’s inherent curiosity and connection to nature. With time spent roving the preserve, making art, and having fun outdoors, kids will build a unique understanding of the dynamic factors at play in the natural world around us. $225 per session. Scholarships are available, please inquire at langlais@grlt.org  Meant to Bee! Bugs and their botanical besties August 3rd-7th, 9am-1pm For ages 5-7  Detectives of Nature: Uncovering the story of the land August 17th-21st, 9am-1pm For ages 7-10 |
Hope's Edge Farm CSA |
We are proud to hold the 100-acre easement on Hope's Edge Farm, ensuring the protection of the farm’s soils, wetlands, and woodlands. We encourage you to enroll in the farm's CSA program, providing access to fresh, local produce for 20 weeks. Learn more and enroll in the Hope's Edge Farm CSA! |
Become a member! |
Together, with support from our members, we protect wildlife habitat, create public access, and expand nature-based education in the watershed. Already a member? Now is the perfect time to renew your support. |
Cars for Conservation
Did you know Eastern Tire will sell your vehicle to benefit local conservation? Selling your car for proceeds to the land trust will support our work and earn you a receipt for tax benefits. Learn more at the Eastern Tire site.
CLYNK for conservation
Your returnable cans and bottles can make a big difference! Come by our Rockland office to pick up CLYNK bags with our barcodes and your deposits will come to us, supporting our conservation work in the St. George River watershed.
Wish List
Can you help us secure these items?
Rose gloves and work gloves
Hand lenses, magnifying glasses, and loupes
Chairs (folding chairs with cushions or armchairs)
Clinometers (for measuring slopes in the field)
If you are interested in helping us obtain anything on this list, please contact us or drop them off at our office at 120 Tillson Ave. Suite 102 in Rockland. Thank you!
Thank you so much to those who generously helped us secure past wish list items including a new fire pit, a beautiful children's book for our programs, and an apple picker!
About Georges River Land Trust
Georges River Land Trust conserves and cares for land in the St. George River watershed to ensure ecological and community wellbeing. For nearly 40 years, we have worked with our community members throughout the 19 towns in our service area to protect 5,400+ acres of land with extraordinary conservation value across 23 preserves and 56 easements, offering 80+ miles of multi-use trails.
Thank You to Our Business Sponsors
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