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!

Geocaching Hike at Sisson Heath – September 19

Geocaching Hike at Sisson Heath – September 19

Tadd Stuart

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, September 19
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Location: Sisson Heath Trail (GPS Address: 1236 Sokokis Trail N, Cornish, ME 04020)
  • Hike Distance: 2.5 miles
  • Cost: Free

Discover the world’s biggest treasure hunt with Francis Small Heritage Trust! On Saturday, September 19th, FSHT volunteers will lead a 2.5-mile “Introduction to Geocaching” hike at our Sisson Heath preserve.

Geocaching is a wonderful family-friendly activity that turns any outdoor trail into an exciting treasure hunt. Whether you are brand new to geocaching or looking to explore the trails at Sisson Heath with fellow community members, this guided hike is an ideal starting point.

What You Need to Know Before You Go:

  • Get the App: To participate fully, please download the free app at Geocaching.com onto your mobile device prior to arriving at the event.
  • Gear: Please wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots and long pants.
  • Parking & Logistics: Parking space at the Sisson Heath trailhead is limited. Attendants will be present to direct traffic, and we strongly recommend carpooling if possible.

Come explore the outdoors with us! Learn more about Francis Small Heritage Trust and our protected properties at fsht.org.

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.

August Newsletter Announcement

Tadd Stuart

Our August Newsletter is Here!

Our latest edition of Tidings of the Turtle is officially complete and will be appearing this week in the Shopping Guide! You can read the full, unabridged version right now in the Newsletter section of our website at https://fsht.org/current-newsletter/.

Due to space constraints in the printed Shopping Guide, we were unfortunately unable to include the brand-new “Map of the Jagolinzer Preserve.” However, we have included the map online for you to download, view, and use for your next adventure:

🗺️ View the Map of the Jagolinzer Preserve: https://fsht.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Map2.png

Here is a quick summary of what you will find in this month’s issue:

  • New Trail: Discover the new Dragon Lizard Trail at the Jagolinzer Preserve.
  • Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for a mushroom foray on August 22 and a geocaching hike on September 19.
  • Community Hub: Read about how Kamys Cabin at Devils Den has blossomed into a cherished community gathering spot.
  • Conservation News: Learn about our ongoing Kissko Forever-Wild Connector land purchase, which will link 50 acres of the Sawyer Mountain Highlands.
  • Trail Challenge: Get the details on our FSHT Trail Challenge, open until August 31 for both Explorers and Adventurers!

If you would prefer to read a physical copy of the newsletter, please reach out and let us know! We would be more than happy to mail a printed version directly to your home.

Mushroom Foray at Bald Ledge

Mushroom Foray at Bald Ledge

Tadd Stuart

Led by Evan O’Day of Meadowfall Farm and Forage

Details

  • NOTE: Due to the expected rain for August 8th, this event has been postponed until August 22nd.
  • Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 PM
  • Location: Bald Ledge Preserve (Varney Road Parking Lot)

Join the Francis Small Heritage Trust for an educational Mushroom Foray at our Bald Ledge property! Local expert Evan O’Day from Meadowfall Farm and Forage will lead us through the woods as we identify local mushroom species, learn about fungal ecology, and enjoy a summer afternoon on the trail.

Registration

  • Capacity: Limited to 25 participants.
  • How to Register: Pre-registration is required. Please contact Program Director Sheryl Adams by phone or text at 207-749-2963 to claim your spot.

Directions & Parking

  1. From Route 25, take Colcord Pond Road for 4.9 miles.
  2. Turn left onto Dana Weeks Road.
  3. After 350 feet, turn right onto Kennard Hill Road.
  4. Continue on Kennard Hill Road for approximately 1.5 miles until it turns to dirt, then turn right onto Danforth Lane.
  5. Follow event signage and turn right onto Varney Road.
  6. We will meet in the parking lot a short distance up Varney Road.

Some of the varieties seen in the past at Bald Ledge:

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!