Category: Press Release

VENUE UPDATE: Francis Small Heritage Trust Annual Meeting

Tadd Stuart

Due to an unexpected scheduling conflict, the Porter Town Hall is no longer available, so we have secured a new venue. We apologize for any inconvenience this sudden change may cause and appreciate your flexibility. We look forward to seeing you there for what promises to be a wonderful and informative evening!

Presentation Topic: “Wabanakis Then and Now”

A presentation exploring the past, present, and future of Indigenous peoples in Maine. This talk highlights rich historical contexts alongside modern tribal governance, advocacy for tribal sovereignty, and ongoing community stewardship.

About Our Guest

Maulian Bryant serves as Executive Director of the Wabanaki Alliance, representing the Abenaki, Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations. Appointed as the first Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador in 2017, she has been an advocate for legislative reform, tribal sovereignty, and Indigenous rights across Maine.

Why Land Conservation Matters

As conservationists, our mission centers on responsible stewardship of southern and western Maine lands. Engaging with and learning from Wabanaki leaders deepens our understanding of the land’s history and strengthens our commitment to community stewardship.

Partnering to Give 15 Raccoons a Second Chance in the Wild

Tadd Stuart

On Thursday, October 8th, Francis Small Heritage Trust (FSHT) was proud to collaborate once again with our friends at the Saco River Wildlife Center for another successful wildlife release! Building on our previous partnership during a mink release, FSHT helped locate a suitable property where 15 rehabilitated raccoons could safely return to their natural habitat.

From Rehabilitation to Release

The 15 young raccoons came from three separate litters born in May. While under the care of the Saco River Wildlife Center, they were housed together in a large enclosure where they bonded, socialized, and matured into teenage raccoons ready to face the world.

On release day, five dedicated volunteers brought transport cages—holding three raccoons each—out to the release site. The event brought together a small crowd of volunteers and supporters, creating an encouraging environment for the young animals’ big moment.

A Gentle Return to Nature

Upon opening the cage doors, the raccoons showed their curious yet cautious nature. After a bit of hesitation—stepping out to explore before popping back inside to check their surroundings—the raccoons officially ventured out into the woods. Before long, several were already testing their climbing skills and scampering up nearby trees.

According to wildlife center experts, these young raccoons will naturally subdivide into smaller friendly groups and remain in the general forested area as they acclimate. To support their transition, dry food pellets will be left out initially as they adjust to foraging in the wild.

Strong Partnerships for Local Wildlife

Successful rehabilitation efforts rely heavily on finding safe, suitable release sites where wildlife can thrive without disturbing local human habitats.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the generous, wildlife-friendly landowner for opening their property to these former patients, to the volunteers who assisted on release day, and to Cathy Dragoni and the Saco River Wildlife Center team for their continuous dedication to wildlife care. FSHT looks forward to many more collaborative efforts protecting and supporting our local ecosystems!

Thank You for Making the FSHT Trail Challenge a Success!

Thank You for Making the FSHT Trail Challenge a Success!

Tadd Stuart

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Francis Small Heritage Trust Trail Challenge this summer!

Whether you tackled a single trail or completed both the Explorer and Adventure levels, we loved seeing your enthusiasm for our preserves.

By the Numbers:

  • 21 total participants completed the challenge.
  • 28 completed passports were turned in.
  • 7 hikers completed both challenge tiers.
  • 1 lucky grand prize winner: Congratulations the granddaughter of one of regular hikers, winner of The Local Gear gift card raffle!

We especially loved seeing the creative spirit on the trails. The carved rubbing plaques created by Nate Burnett became unexpected guestbooks, covered top-to-bottom with signatures, dates, and notes from hikers. One of these special signed plaques will be displayed inside the cabin at Devils Den!

Thank you to The Local Gear in Cornish for hosting our pickup table on September 12, and to our local ice cream and bakery partners for providing prizes. Most of all, thank you to our community for getting outdoors, supporting local land conservation, and sharing your feedback with us.

We are already looking forward to next year’s challenge! Keep hiking, and see you on the trails!

Welcoming Three Reclaimed Minks to Jagolinzer Preserve

Tadd Stuart

On Monday, August 24, 2026, the Francis Small Heritage Trust had the privilege of hosting the Saco River Wildlife Center (SRWC) at our Jagolinzer Preserve for a heart-warming release. Three orphaned minks—named Jack, Janet, and Chrissy—were returned to their natural habitat after months of care and rehabilitation.

The young minks originally came to SRWC in the spring as tiny orphans. Under the care of dedicated foster mom Sylvia, they were bottle-fed and nursed to health until they were mature enough to forage and survive independently. When SRWC reached out searching for a release site with suitable cover and direct access to both fresh running stream water and the river, Jagolinzer Preserve was selected as the perfect environment.

Board members from FSHT joined Cathy Dragoni, Meredith, and Sylvia from SRWC to carry the carrier crates along the trail down to the water’s edge. One by one, the doors were opened, and the curious trio stepped out into the pine needles and stream banks to explore their new, permanent sanctuary.

This successful release highlights the value of conserved lands like Jagolinzer Preserve—not only as places for community enjoyment, but as vital, safe sanctuaries for local wildlife. We are immensely grateful to the team at Saco River Wildlife Center for their dedication to wildlife rehabilitation and for letting us share in this special moment.

New Trail Alert: Exploring the “Dragon Lizard Trail” at Jagolinzer Preserve!

Tadd Stuart

We have some exciting updates to share from Jagolinzer Preserve in Limington! Next time you visit, you’ll notice brand-new wooden signs marking key areas, along with a fun new path to explore.

How the “Dragon Lizard Trail” Got Its Name

During a recent educational outing, one of our visiting 2nd graders misheard our welcome message to the Jagolinzer Preserve and thought we said “Dragon Lizard”! We found the name so delightful and memorable that we decided to officially name our newest trail addition after it.

Trail Route & Details

The Dragon Lizard Trail connects the ridge down to the river:

  • Start: Top of the “Bypass” trail.
  • Route: Travels east, crossing the eastern portion of the Jagolinzer Loop trail, then meanders north down toward the scenic Saco River.
  • Finish: Reconnects to the main loop trail just east of the bridge.
  • Navigation: The trail is currently heavily flagged so you can easily find your way. In the near future, custom dragon lizard signs will replace the temporary flagging.

Wayfinding & Trail Updates

Along with the new trail, several signage updates were recently installed around the preserve:

  • A main Jagolinzer Preserve entrance sign is now posted at Olive’s Way, clearly visible right from Route 25.
  • Signs near the waterfall have been rearranged to make navigating the area clearer and easier.
  • New trail markers line the Dragon Lizard Trail and key junctions.

A huge thank you to Dick and his two young trail volunteers for their hard work installing signs and opening up this fantastic new route for our community to enjoy!

The 2026 FSHT Trail Challenge is Officially Live!

Tadd Stuart

The coordinates are set, the plaques are installed, and it’s time to hit the trails. From today through August 31st, explore our preserves, find the hidden plaques, and complete your passport to win local prizes!


How to Participate:

  1. Get a Passport: Download and print your double-sided passport using the links below, or pick up a physical copy at your local town hall or library.
  2. Find the Plaques: Hike the trails listed on your passport. At the furthest point of each trail (or a designated history landmark), you will find a special raised animal plaque. NOTE: The maps are posted at the trailhead and directions for trail navigation is at the bottom of the trail map.
  3. Make a Rubbing: Bring a pencil or crayon and use your passport page to make a physical rubbing of the animal plaque.
  4. Claim Your Prize: Mail your completed passport to us (P.O. Box 414, Limerick, ME 04048) or bring it to Local Gear in Cornish on Saturday, September 12th between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to get your prize and enter the $50 gift card raffle!


Choose Your Challenge Tier:

Option A: The Explorer Challenge

Perfect for easy strolls, young children, and relaxed nature viewing. Complete all four to win a kiddie cone card for Route 160 Ice Cream.

Option B: The Adventurer Challenge

Designed for hikers looking for steeper climbs, loops, and a bit more of a workout. Complete all four to win a treat card for Sugar N Spice Bakery.

Thank You to Our Community Sponsors!

A massive shout-out to Local Gear, Route 160 Ice Cream, and Sugar N Spice Bakery for supporting outdoor recreation and land conservation in our towns!

Questions? Reach out to us at mail@fsht.org. Happy hiking!