Spend wintertime on the trails |
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Three storms this week have transformed the trails into snowy playgrounds! If you and your family are looking for ways to enjoy Maine's longest season, we suggest exploring new trails and trying out new ways of getting around in the snow. Maybe you'll discover your next favorite exercise spot or a fun way to commute. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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Snowshoeing: All of the unpaved trails in our network make for excellent snowshoeing spots after some fresh snow. Portland Trails has a limited number of snowshoes available for our members to rent -- for free! -- this winter. If you're a member and would like to learn more, email [email protected].
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Cross-country skiing: Visit Riverside Golf Course and enjoy their groomed ski loop! From there, you can extend your adventure and ski on the un-groomed trail through the woods that Portland Trails created in 2020.
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Fat-tire biking: Have you been wanting to explore the trails with a fat-tire bike? Gorham Bike & Ski offers day-rentals for all types of bikes, including ones made for snowy terrain.
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Discounts: If you're looking for discounts on children's outdoor gear and activities this winter, WinterKids can help! WinterKids is a nonprofit organization that offers their members dozens of discounts that make outdoor fun more affordable.
We'll see you on the trails!
What are Portland Trails staff members looking forward to this winter?
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Jaime Parker
Trails & Active Transportation Manager
Playing in the snow in my new neighborhood of East Deering.
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Lindsay Conrad
Donor Engagement Lead
Lots of play time in the snow with my dog, Mo!
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Daniel Bishop
Volunteer & Stewardship Coordinator
Project planning and organizing while trail work is light.
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Angelique Bitshilualua
Inclusion Coordinator
Learning to snowshoe. (In this photo, it's my first time using them!)
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Bailey O'Brien
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Improving my cross-country ski skills, learning how to knit, and reading LOTS of books.
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Alison Violette
Office Administrator
Cross-country skiing and the days being longer!
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A farewell celebration for Kara |
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At the end of 2022, Kara Wooldrik wrapped up her decade-long tenure as Portland Trails' Executive Director. Before she left, we threw her a surprise party and sent her off in style: donning wigs and hats! Kara is always quick to laugh and embrace silliness, so it was only fitting to do one last silly thing together. Kara will remain a friend and mentor to us, and we wish her the best of luck as she begins her next chapter! |
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Volunteers restore three bridges in the Fore River Sanctuary |
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At the end of December, a rain and wind storm brought record high tides to Greater Portland, flooding the Fore River Sanctuary marsh and displacing three bridges along the trail. One morning earlier this month, a group of community members volunteered to put the bridges back in place, making the beloved trail passable once again. Thank you so much to these seven awesome volunteers! Maintaining the trail network is only possible with the help of many hands. |
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Fundraising for the Stroudwater bridge project has begun |
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A recent $120,000 grant from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry has kicked off fundraising efforts to build a bridge over the Stroudwater River! When completed, this bridge would connect the Stroudwater Trail to the Fore River Sanctuary, creating an incredible trail loop ideal for recreation and commuting. Click on the map image to see an enlarged sketch of this trail connection. Fundraising is facilitated by the City of Portland. If you'd like to contribute, click here! |
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Thank you for your support in 2022! |
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Thank you to everyone who made a gift to Portland Trails' 2022 Annual Fund! Every dollar donated supports the year-round work of maintaining the trails and transforming Greater Portland into a more walkable, bikeable, sustainable, and equitable place for all. Thank you for making a difference in your community! |
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The Maine Department of Transportation is creating a Statewide Active Transportation Plan, and the draft plan is now open for public comment. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future for Maine’s pedestrians, cyclists, and trails! Submit your comments by Monday, January 30th.
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On Wednesday, February 1st at 6:30pm, MaineDOT and the City of Portland are co-hosting a community meeting for the Libbytown Safety and Accessibility Project at Bunker Brewing. The meeting will review the project's progress since the October 2021 meeting and provide an opportunity for community input. Click here for full event details.
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Join One Climate Future on Friday, February 10th from 9am - 10am for February’s Coffee & Climate talk! Nick Lund of Maine Audubon and Addy Smith-Reiman of the Portland Society for Architecture will discuss wildlife conservation, the importance of bird safe architecture here in Maine, and why we should be considering the same in our homes. Grab a cup of coffee and tune in online for this event! Register here.
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Animals Are Running Out of Places to Live from the New York Times - This article outlines some of the risks of biodiversity loss based on examples from around the world. Right here in Greater Portland, green spaces and trail corridors mitigate this problem by providing habitat, water sources, and undeveloped space where plants, animals, and fungi can live.
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Portland Trails is a people-powered organization! When you become a member, you are directly supporting the maintenance of our 70+ mile trail network as well as the work we do to promote conservation, active transportation, and placemaking in Greater Portland. |
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