One question we're asked all the time is, "When are you putting in the bridge over the Stroudwater River?" For years, there has been a bridge next to the river, visible from the Stroudwater River Trail, but it hasn't actually been installed over the river.

But we have good news!

At a City Council meeting in April, the City of Portland approved the remaining funds needed to pay for the installation of the bridge! This means that the project is going out to bid. Once the bridge is in place, we'll start building trails that will connect the other side of the river to nearby neighborhoods as well as the Fore River Sanctuary.

We are optimistic work will begin later this year. We'll keep you updated!

Thank you to the City of Portland; Stroudwater Development Partners; the Maine Department of Agriculture; our three Stroudwater Bridge Project sponsors, Anew Development, Clark Insurance, and Sappi; and all the community members who made this possible.

At our Annual Member Summit last month, Portland Trails members voted in three new board members. We're excited to introduce our new trustees, Alexus Bond, Michael Catania, and Tim Seavey!

Alexus Bond is a supply chain expert and experienced project manager, having worked in several different industries including transportation, retail, and animal healthcare. After living "away" for many years, Alexus returned to her home state of Maine where she enjoys sea kayaking, hiking, and camping with her dog Lucas.

Michael Catania joins the Portland Trails board after an impressive and wide-ranging 45+ career as a conservation leader in New Jersey. When he's not out hiking and birding the many natural areas and trails in his new adopted state of Maine, Michael also serves as a trustee for the Maine Audubon.

Tim Seavey is a lifelong environmentalist, outdoorsman, and business and community leader. After a 20-year corporate career at Unum, Tim is currently the co-founder of an early-stage company that brings innovative wellbeing solutions to students and employees across the country. He has lived in Portland for 30 years with his wife and two college-aged daughters.

Allagash's Charitable Partner for May

Our friends at Allagash Brewing Company have selected Portland Trails as their May charitable partner! This month, anything you pay beyond your tab will be donated the trails. So if you're looking for a tasty way to support us, head over to Allagash, enjoy a beer, and add a little extra when paying your tab!

Get to the Gig

On Thursday, 5/15, join us at Bissell Brothers from 5–7 p.m. We'll be there with the State Theatre encouraging summer concert-goers to "get to the gig" using the trails. Stop by for a chance to win FREE TICKETS to this season's Thompson's Point shows—including some of the sold out dates!

Member Shopping Night at Toad&Co

On Thursday, 5/22, enjoy early access to Toad&Co's Memorial Day Sale from 4:30–6 p.m. while supporting Portland Trails and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Everyone is welcome, but members of either organization will get 30% off the entire store. (Not a member? You can join on site!)

Community Trail Volunteer Day

You're invited to our next Community Trail Volunteer Day! Join us for a morning of trail work on Saturday, May 24th and give back to the trails you love. Sign up here!

East Bayside Trail Fest

On Sunday, June 22nd, join us for the first annual East Bayside Trail Fest! This one-of-a-kind event consists of the Trail to Ale 10K, the Bayside Ride, and the Trail Mix 2-Miler. Everything will culminate in a community celebration in East Bayside featuring music, food trucks, local beer, cider, and spirits...and more. Register today!

Bike to Work Day

Celebrate National Bike to Work Day on Friday, 5/16 with a morning commute party! From 8–10 a.m., enjoy free coffee and snacks with your local bike community. Portland Trails will be there, along with our partners, at the Back Cove parking lot across from Hannaford (near the birds). We hope to see you there!

Casco Bay Trail Alliance + Kegs for Causes

The Casco Bay Trail Alliance is Rising Tide Brewing's Kegs for Causes beneficiary on Sunday, 5/18! Stop by the brewery anytime from 1–3 p.m. to learn more about the Casco Bay Trail. $1 from every pour will be donated to CBTA!

Coffee & Climate: Walk the Working Waterfront

This month's Coffee & Climate event is in person! On Saturday, 5/31, One Climate Future is partnering with the Maine Coastal Program, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and the Waterfront Alliance to bring you a self-guided walking tour of Casco Bay's ocean economy. See full event details here!

Want to stay up-to-date with all the latest outdoor events this spring and summer? You can subscribe to Maine Outsider's free newsletter!

Cycling in city of London rises by more than 50% (BBC)

Pittsburgh's low-cost traffic calming is a model for every city (Strong Towns)

Looking for a third place? Get outside (Outside Magazine)