Upcoming Late Spring Events with Francis Small Heritage Trust!

Upcoming Late Spring Events with Francis Small Heritage Trust!

Tadd Stuart

Devils Den Open House

📅 Saturday, May 23
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Location:

113 Moody Rd, Porter, ME 04068 (Approach via Norton Hill Road only!)

Join us at the beautiful red-roofed cabin on the ledges and explore our brand new Gateway loop trail and Moody Road South trail! Explore this beloved Porter Hills property with fellow trust members and neighbors.

Note: Standard GPS may try to send you down an unnavigable route via Breakneck Hill Road. Stick to Norton Hill Road!

Note: There is a new ATV trail in the design phase – if you do drive up on your ATV, please park in the parking lot and hike up.

https://fb.me/e/kqBA0dTT4



Black Locust Flower Foraging

📅 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
📍 Location:

Ingalls Pond

Discover the unique culinary world of wild foraging! Black locust flowers have a short season and a delightful flavor similar to sweet fresh peas. We will explore the young trees along the tracks and swap recipes.

This event is held in partnership with Sacopee Valley Adult & Community Education. Pre-registration is required.

Register via SVACE Website

Announcing Our New Explorer’s Guide!

Announcing Our New Explorer’s Guide!

Tadd Stuart

We are excited to share that our brand-new Explorer’s Guide tri-fold brochures have officially arrived! These professional guides highlight the Francis Small Heritage Trust’s mission to safeguard the large, connected landscapes of Southern Maine while providing a high-quality resource for our community to discover the preserves and trails we manage.

You can expect to see these guides at our upcoming local events and, very soon, stocked at our trail kiosks for your convenience.

What’s Inside the Guide?

The brochure features a detailed trail map and highlights eight unique locations for you to explore:

  • Ingalls Pond: Ideal for birdwatching and nature study among interconnected ponds and wetlands.
  • Jagolinzer Preserve: Offers a loop with breathtaking views of the Saco River.
  • Devils Den: A historic spot with panoramic vistas and fascinating geological features.
  • Heath Loop Trail: A quiet walk through a significant local wetland.
  • Colcord Trail: A moderate ascent through hemlock groves leading to scenic ledges.
  • Bald Ledge: Features spectacular summit views at an elevation of approximately 1,185 feet.
  • Sawyer Mountain Highlands: A challenging trek with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet.
  • Sawyer Mountain via Smith Trail: Access the mountain from the Limerick side for a 3-mile round-trip hike.

Get Your Copy

Keep an eye out for these brochures at our next event! If you know of a local spot that would benefit from displaying these guides, please reach out to us at info@fsht.org so we can coordinate distribution.

Can’t wait for a physical copy? You can view our full list of trails and maps anytime at https://fsht.org/trails-and-maps/.

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.

📅 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