Organizations Team Up to Make Greenspace in Yarmouth More Accessible
[Yarmouth, ME — July 14, 2025] — Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) is proud to announce the next phase of its long-term conservation work at Cousins River Fields & Marsh Preserve, an 82-acre landscape of forest, saltmarsh, and meadow along the Cousins River in Yarmouth. With the 2023 acquisition of the property completed through a partnership with Royal River Conservation Trust and the Freeport Conservation Trust, and thanks to support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Grants Program, the Town of Yarmouth and others, MCHT is now working to make this public greenspace more accessible to more people.
In a key step toward enhancing accessibility, MCHT has partnered with Outdoor Access Solutions (OAS)—a Maine-based company founded in 2025 by Enock Glidden and Alexandria Sukeforth—to conduct an outdoor accessibility assessment of the preserve.
“OAS is dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor experiences,” said Glidden. “I’m committed to breaking down barriers to outdoor access so that everyone, regardless of ability, can explore and enjoy nature.”
On Monday, July 14, OAS will evaluate the Cousins River Fields & Marsh property using precise measurements, photos, and detailed descriptions, providing actionable recommendations to ensure all visitors can fully experience this vital public space. In addition to assessments, OAS offers disability training, public speaking, and media services aimed at fostering inclusive, welcoming outdoor environments across the region.
This accessibility initiative supports a key MCHT goal to protect Maine’s most treasured coastal places while connecting people of all backgrounds and abilities with nature. MCHT is advancing a $500,000 fundraising campaign to create over a mile of universally accessible trails, along with benches, picnic areas, and interpretive signage to welcome and serve a broader community of visitors.
Located just off Route 1, the preserve features fertile soils, abundant wildlife viewing, and sweeping views of a large saltmarsh—now being enhanced into a destination accessible to school groups, older adults, wheelchair users, and families with strollers.
“This project, on a highly visible preserve thousands drive by every day, represents an extraordinary opportunity to advance these goals,” said Andrew Deci, MCHT’s southern Maine regional stewardship manager. “Enhancing accessibility here is a powerful step toward fostering both ecological wellbeing and thriving communities.”
In the fast-growing, increasingly diverse Greater Portland area, demand for accessible outdoor spaces is rising. MCHT’s investment in outreach staff and accessible infrastructure supports this need, while interpretive signage on-site will highlight the ecological value of the marsh, the wildlife it supports, and how conservation mitigates climate change impacts.
Help MCHT Reach Its Goal
To complete the trail project and provide for long-term care of the preserve, MCHT is raising $500,000 by December 31, 2025. Every contribution helps ensure this treasured natural space is welcoming and accessible to all.
About Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) advances the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. Since 1970, we have worked to guide the conservation movement and support a network of more than 80 land trusts. Together with partners, we’ve protected over 190,000 acres, supporting the needs of people, plants, animals, and ecosystems across the coast. We’re dedicated to ensuring that our natural areas can mitigate the effects of climate change and support all people and life for generations to come. Learn more about our work and get involved at www.mcht.org.
About OAS
Founded on February 14, 2025, Outdoor Access Solutions is a testament to the shared vision of co-founders, Enock Glidden and Alexandria Sukeforth, dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Based in Maine, they combine unique perspectives and extensive experience to champion accessibility. Enock brings a lifelong passion for exploring the outdoors and pushing boundaries, stemming from his own experiences navigating nature. Alex provides the essential business expertise and leadership, making their vision a reality. Also an outdoor enthusiast, she complements Enock’s drive. Their chance meeting, fueled by a mutual love for adventure and a desire for accessibility, led them to create Outdoor Access Solutions – a company dedicated to building an accessible future, one adventure at a time.
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Media Contacts:
Betta Stothart for Maine Coast Heritage Trust
bstothart@gmail.com / 207-400-0015
Linda Lidov, Director of Communications, Maine Coast Heritage Trust
llidov@mcht.org / 303-358-6279
Enock Glidden, Co-Founder, Outdoor Access Solutions
enock@outdooraccesssolutions.com / 207-200-7720
Andrew H. Deci, Regional Stewardship Manager, Maine Coast Heritage Trust
adeci@mcht.org / 207-737-9693