Author: Tadd Stuart

Bird Walk at Sisson Heath with the Francis Small Heritage Trust

Bird Walk at Sisson Heath with the Francis Small Heritage Trust

Tadd Stuart

Join the Francis Small Heritage Trust for an exciting partner program! If you attended the bird talk at the Kezar Falls Circulating Library in March, this is the perfect follow-up to see firsthand what we discussed.

Spring is one of the best times to view returning birds! We are delighted to announce that this walk will be led by expert guide Chris Lewey of RAVEN Interpretive Programs.

Event Details:

  • When: May 2 at 7:00 am
  • Where: Sisson Heath, Cornish, ME

Location & Directions:

Please review these detailed directions, as some GPS systems may be inaccurate. Look for event signs!

Logistical Note: Car pooling is highly recommended. For those driving, please park on the east side of Route 5, south of the guard rail.

Driving Directions:

  • From the intersection of Routes 5 & 25 in Cornish: Travel 5.7 miles on Route 5. Just after a curve, turn left onto Watson Hill Road. This is a discontinued town road that serves as the entrance to the Heath.
  • From the intersection of Routes 11 & 5 in Limerick: Travel 3 miles north on Route 5. Just after the guard rail, turn right onto Watson Hill Road. We look forward to seeing you at the Heath!
🌎 Earth Day Clean-up at Riverview Preserve

🌎 Earth Day Clean-up at Riverview Preserve

Tadd Stuart

Join Francis Small Heritage Trust for a morning of stewardship!

Celebrate Earth Day by helping us maintain the beautiful Riverview Preserve in Cornish. We’ll be working together to ensure the trails are clear and the preserve remains a pristine habitat for local wildlife.

đź“… Event Details

  • When: Saturday, April 25th, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Where: Riverview Preserve, Cornish, Maine (Parking available at the trailhead on Route 5)

🛠️ What We’ll Be Doing

Our main goal is to prep the preserve for the spring season. Tasks include:

  • Trail Maintenance: Clearing fallen branches and debris from the walking paths.
  • Litter Removal: Picking up any trash near the riverbank and parking area.
  • Invasive Species Check: Identifying and removing early-season invasive plants.

🎒 What to Bring

To ensure you stay safe and comfortable, please bring the following:

  • Work Gloves: Sturdy leather or rubber-coated gloves are best.
  • Footwear: Waterproof boots or sturdy hiking shoes (it may be muddy!).
  • Hydration: A reusable water bottle.
  • Tools: If you have loppers or hand saws, feel free to bring them (please label your tools).

🙋 How to Volunteer

As a volunteer-led non-profit, FSHT relies on people like you! Whether you can stay for an hour or the full morning, every bit of help makes a difference.

Note: This event is family-friendly, but please ensure children are supervised near the water.

Join Us! Help Shape a New Accessible Park in Waterboro

Tadd Stuart

The Francis Small Heritage Trust is proposing a new, fully accessible “Outlet Park” on Lake Arrowhead in Waterboro.

Before we finalize our plans, we need your input. We want to build a space that works for everyone in our community.

Join the Conversation

Please attend our public listening session to share your thoughts and learn more:

  • When: April 8th, 2026, at 6:00 PM
  • Where: Waterboro Town Hall
  • Bonus: Refreshments will be available!

Proposed Park Highlights

  • Wheelchair accessible, level trail (0.4 miles)
  • Accessible park benches (example image below)
  • Reserved handicapped parking spaces
  • Dog-friendly daytime use
  • Trail access for fishing

We hope to see you there! For details, visit www.FSHT.org or email us at mail@FSHT.org.

Sincerely, The Francis Small Heritage Trust

JOIN OUR TEAM

Tadd Stuart

Now Hiring: Community Liaison Coordinator (Seasonal)

Building a More Inclusive Outdoors

Francis Small Heritage Trust is excited to announce an opening for a Community Liaison Coordinator. We are looking for a dedicated individual to help us ensure our trails and nature preserves are welcoming, safe, and accessible to everyone in our community.

This is a unique opportunity to lead outreach efforts for regional groups—including elders, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities—and to facilitate meaningful, guided experiences on the land.

Position Highlights:

  • Role: Relationship building, group trail facilitation, and light stewardship.
  • Compensation: $25.00 per hour (Contracted position).
  • Schedule: 20 hours per week (Flexible, June 1 – October 31, 2026).
  • Location: Various FSHT holdings across northern York, southern Oxford, and western Cumberland counties.
View Full Job Description Here

How to Apply

We are looking for a candidate with strong communication skills, cultural competency, and the ability to work independently in the field.

Interested candidates should email their resume and/or inquiries to: Francis Small Heritage Trust at mail@fsht.org

Community Events

Tadd Stuart

Mark Your Calendars!

We have an exciting lineup of outdoor activities, educational talks, and community challenges scheduled for the coming months. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a foraging fan, or a trail trekker, there is something for everyone! 

Spring & Summer Schedule

EventDateTimeLocation
Spring Bird Discussion03/20/266:30 pmKezar Falls Circulating Library
Waterboro Listening Session04/08/266 pm – 7 pmWaterboro Town Hall
Geocaching Talk04/11/26NoonKezar Falls Circulating Library
Community Listening Session04/16/266 pm – 10 pmPorter Town Hall
Earth Day Cleanup & Planting04/25/269 am – 11 amRiverview
Spring Bird Walk05/02/267 amSisson Heath
Trail Open House05/23/269 am – 12 pmDevils Den
Black Locust Flower Foraging06/06/2610 amIngalls Pond
Moon Over Malibu, Maine (story walk)June 13 – July 13—Jagolinzer
Moonlight Hike06/26/268:30 pmJagolinzer
Mushroom Foray08/08/26 (rain date Aug 22)—Bald Ledge

Special Season-Long Challenges

Get outside and explore our local landscapes at your own pace!

  • Locations: Gould Island, Riverview, Ingalls Pond, & Jagolinzer.
  • Hiking Trail Challenge: Running through July and August.
  • Locations: All trails.

Event Highlights

  • Birding with Chris Lewey: Don’t miss the “Return of the Natives” discussion on March 20th, covering migration, nesting, and identification, followed by an early morning Bird Walk on May 2nd.
  • Mushroom Foray: Save the date for August 8th; if it rains, the event will move to August 22nd.
  • Community Input: Residents are encouraged to attend the listening session in Waterboro regarding the all-persons trail in Outlet Park.

For additional information on any of these events, contact Sheryl Adams at nannyhoofer@gmail.com

Line Elementary Second Graders Explore Gerry Preserve

Tadd Stuart

On February 3, students from Line Elementary School stepped out of the classroom and into the winter wonderland of the Gerry Preserve in Newfield. As part of our ongoing “Developing a Sense of Place” program, Mrs. Eaton’s and Mr. Kellis’s second-grade classes enjoyed a guided nature walk along the Little Ossipee River.

Accompanied by FSHT volunteers Peter Zack and Myke Russell, the students learned to identify animal tracks and winter nesting sites. For many of the children, the highlight of the day was their very first experience using snowshoes to navigate the trails.

A Longstanding Partnership

Mr. Zack has been leading these educational walks for 13 years, visiting the classrooms beforehand to share the history of the preserve. By visiting the land in both the fall and winter, students are able to observe seasonal changes firsthand and develop a lifelong respect for protected lands in their own community.

The Francis Small Heritage Trust is proud to partner with RSU 57 to foster curiosity and environmental stewardship in our local youth.

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