November 10, 2006

Land Donation Expands Witherle Woods Preserve in Castine

Castine: (November 10, 2006) An additional 31 acres of Castine’s historic Witherle Woods have been permanently preserved for wildlife and public enjoyment, thanks to a gift to Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide land conservation organization.

“We are truly grateful for the generosity shown by the individuals who donated this land,” said Ciona Ulbrich, local project manager for MCHT. Ulbrich added, “With this valuable gift, the local community can now enjoy more than 180 protected acres at Witherle Woods for walking, cross country skiing, and nature observation at this beautiful coastal preserve.”

Thanks to a number of conservation minded landowners, Witherle Woods has been available to generations of Castine residents and others from nearby communities for recreational activities. In 1985, the Hatch family donated 96.5 acres of what was once Witherle Park to Maine Coast Heritage Trust so that it would be forever protected in its natural state. In 1995, the Foote family made a similar donation of 36 adjacent acres.

MCHT purchased a 19-acre addition to the preserve from the Perkins estate in 2002. Local residents will recall that a second parcel within the Perkins Estate was the subject of a town effort to acquire the land as open space – but a bond put before local voters lost by a mere four votes. Many were concerned at the time when that second parcel was listed for sale by the estate. As it turns out, the parcel was purchased by a private buyer with strong conservation interests – and four years later this generous owner is now fulfilling the hopes of many in town by donating the land to MCHT for lasting protection.

“In the past, the community of Castine has been very supportive of conservation of this treasured resource, and we hope that the community will welcome this gift as gladly as we have,” said Ulbrich.

The Witherle Woods contain red and white spruce, balsam fir, and several hardwood stands. The woods are home to a variety of wildlife, including pileated woodpeckers, osprey and deer. Occasionally, bald eagles can be seen soaring overhead, riding the breezes of Penobscot Bay. The Witherle Woods preserve offers a variety of hiking trails for the public to enjoy.

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 260 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine. For more information, visit www.mcht.org.