Clark Farm & Forest
We are all deeply saddened by the failure of the citizens of the Town of Windham to pass the bond that would have preserved the Clark Farm and Forest for current and future generations. All of the Land Trust members worked very hard to insure passage but we were up against people who spent a great deal of money to make sure that it was defeated. However, over 3000 people voted for this and we appreciate their support of this cause and their interest in making sure that there are open spaces for future generations and to make sure that the Town of Windham can retain some of it rural character. As one local realtor said, “ so sorry – so shortsighted of Windham.” Realtors and others understand that preserving land does increase property values and makes the town seem more progressive. Open space and land preservation and economic development go hand in hand towards improving the community.
Unfortunately some other community will benefit as the money (1.6 million dollars) from the Land For Maine’s Future and The Maine Farmland Trust depended on community support. The Windham Land Trust will move on from this experience and continue to improve its current properties and be receptive to new possibilities as they might arise.
Preserving Land for Future Generations in Windham and its Surrounding Communities
The Windham Land Trust was founded by a small group of conservation minded Windham residents who came together to protect a parcel of land slated to become a 41-house subdivision. This land, where streams come together to form the Black Brook, would become the Black Brook Preserve. Today, the Preserve, is a vital habitat for wildlife, boasts numerous hiking trails, and is an important educational resource for children in the community.
Still in its first decade of operation, the Windham Land Trust has managed to protect over 341 acres of valuable open space in our community. Forests, wetlands, meadows, and land used for farming and forestry will be protected from development forever. WLT is dedicated to working within our community to aquire, preserve, and steward open space.
Join the Windham Land Trust in the preservation of land by becoming a member or volunteering today.
Event Photos
Spooky Halloween Night Hike — October 31, 2008
The Windham Land Trust hosted its first ever Spooky Halloween Night Hike. Over 70 members of the community joined WLT at Black Brook Preserve to explore flashlight lit trails in search of ghosts and ghouls. Attendees were treated to stories by an ashen faced nun that dwells in a cemetery and a pair of cackling witches. All made it out of the woods alive and enjoyed baked goods and mulled cider. WLT plans on making this scare fest into a yearly event.
Fairy Houses — October 15, 2008
Fourth grade students from Manchester Elementary school built houses for the fairies that reside in the Black Brook Preserve pine grove. Building materials included found natural materials supplied by the students. These extreme fairy homes featured swings, swimming pools and booby traps to foil intruders.
