Norton Hill Property Progress
(Updated June 2026) The Francis Small Heritage Trust (FSHT) is thrilled to share the expansion of our protected lands in Porter, Maine. Through the Norton Hill project, we are successfully connecting isolated conservation properties to create a continuous, larger block of protected land for public recreation, wildlife habitat, and resource protection.
New Acquisitions & Protected Lands
Thanks to crucial support from Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) funding, FSHT officially acquired two key properties on Moody Road on April 25, 2024, adding approximately 100 acres to our permanent conservation network:
- Moody Road North: A 31-acre parcel undergoing ecological management.
- Moody Road South: A 67-acre parcel bridging vital trail gaps.
Note: In accordance with our management guidelines and LMF support, these properties are open to the public for legal hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Trail Network & Public Access Updates
We are actively working to build a robust, connected trail system across these newly acquired lands to make our region’s natural beauty more accessible to everyone.
The Devils Den Connector Trail
Also known as the Moody Road South Trail, this path has been fully developed and flagged. Signage installation is currently underway. This crucial connector links the new terrain of the Moody Road South property directly to the beloved Devils Den area, offering a seamless hiking experience.
Norton Hill Property Progress
Trail development planning is in full swing for our 131-acre Norton Hill parcel. Exciting features coming to this area include:
- An accessibility-enhanced trail leading to a stunning scenic overlook.
- A connecting trail routing hikers toward the Devils Den area.
Parking & Kiosks
- Current Parking: Visitors accessing the Norton Hill parcel can currently park in the old log yard area.
- Coming Soon: While informational kiosks are not yet installed on this property, FSHT is actively planning the development of a brand-new parking area and the installation of at least two new informational kiosks to help you to navigate the trails safely, to be more aware of the scenic overlooks and valuable wetlands features, and to better appreciate the historical importance of homesteads in this vicinity.
Ecological Stewardship & Innovative Care
As a land trust, our mission extends beyond recreation to deep environmental stewardship. Phase II includes critical ecological management projects:
- Protecting Vernal Pools: Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) biologists have identified two significant vernal pools on the Norton Hill property. FSHT is fully committed to protecting these sensitive habitats and the unique wildlife that depends on them.
- Eco-Friendly Brush Management: On the heavily cut Moody Road North property, we are exploring an exciting cooperative effort with the La Finca Farm Cooperative. Together, we plan to utilize goats for natural brush and invasive plant management to help restore the landscape.
Below: General property location, proposed trail location, a view from the summit.
