Woodward Point Preserve Now Features ADA-accessible Trail
Trail creates broad access for all to enjoy nature among hayfields, salt marshes, woods, and water views
Topsham, Maine, Oct. 16, 2025 – Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) and Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (BTLT) have completed construction of an ADA-accessible trail at Woodward Point Preserve in Brunswick. The new trail, named Andy’s Trail, provides access to visitors of many different abilities, making Woodward Point a friendlier destination for people who need a level surface to walk, use a wheelchair, or push a stroller.
The half-mile trail features a 5- to 7-foot-wide, flat surface of packed stone, enabling visitors to experience the preserve’s natural beauty and features, from rocks and gateways to open spaces, meadows, and views of Woodward Cove and the New Meadows River. The trail and its associated amenities were built to meet the U.S. Forest Service’s Trail Accessibility and Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines. MCHT and BTLT also added more parking spaces, including eight van-accessible spaces; built a wheelchair-friendly connecting trail to link the parking area and the porta-potty to the trail; and installed ADA-compliant benches as resting areas.
The construction partners were Kennebec Trail Company of Bath; Off the Beaten Path Trailworks of Turner; and Hunter Excavating of Topsham. Development of Andy’s Trail grew out of a desire to welcome visitors of all abilities to the preserve. According to Andrew Deci, regional stewardship manager for southern Maine at Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the last five years have seen intentional, broad efforts across the state to create trails that more people can access and use comfortably and safely. Woodward Point, open to the public since 2019, is the latest in the growing list of locations to offer greater accessibility.
“There is a pent-up hunger to go to Woodward Point since it’s been accessible generally, and now, more people will be able to enjoy it,” Deci said. He added, “When you design for all people, you’re getting a better product for all people.” “We are thrilled that this project will lower barriers for community members and visitors to experience the natural beauty and wonder of Woodward Point, a truly special place in the midcoast region,” said Margaret Gerber, director of conservation at BTLT. Dr. Andrew (Andy) Cook stewarded the land at the end of Woodward Point for 36 years alongside his wife, Jaki Ellis, before they entrusted the property to MCHT and BTLT.
At the end of Andy’s life, Parkinson’s Disease limited his ability to enjoy the land that he loved. The new accessible trail will be called Andy’s Trail to honor his vision of enabling broad access to this special place, including for those with movement disorders. According to Scarborough-based Outdoor Access Solutions, Maine features over 100 miles of accessible trails, totaling at least 250 accessible trails that range in length from one half mile to two miles. More than 16% of Mainers – over 217,000 people – identify as having a disability.
About Woodward Point Preserve
Woodward Point Preserve is one of the largest remaining undeveloped parcels in northern Casco Bay. Spanning 87.5 acres of uplands and bordering more than 38 acres of subtidal wetlands and nearly four acres of salt marsh, the preserve offers a rich and diverse landscape. It provides vital habitat for a range of wildlife, including bobolinks, waterfowl, wading birds, foxes, porcupines, coyotes, deer, and wild turkeys. Co-managed by MCHT and BTLT, the preserve is a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, swimming, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and clamming, and all members of the public are welcome. Woodward Point is used for a variety of programming activities open to the public, from nature hikes to full-moon bonfires and stargazing.
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 Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust
Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (BTLT), established in 1985, is supported by its 1,300+ members and has conserved and stewards more than 3,400 acres. BTLT also manages valued agricultural community resources including the Saturday Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm and Tom Settlemire Community Garden. As of summer 2023, BTLT merged with Cathance River Education Alliance (CREA), whose beloved community programming uses the natural world to engage and captivate students and people of all ages, with the goal of inspiring a sustainable future. The Land Trust has become a leader in developing ways to strengthen the community through conservation, agriculture and education and is committed to ensuring that nature and the outdoors is welcoming and open to all. To learn more or get involved, please visit us at www.btlt.org.
Media contacts:
Linda Lidov, Director of Communications, Maine Coast Heritage Trust llidov@mcht.org / 207-607-4574
Lydia Coburn, Communications Manager, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust lydia@btlt.org / 207-729-6794