Updates from the Stewardship Team
Deer hunting season is around the corner
Somerset Woods recognizes the value of keeping land open to hunters. Hunting connects people with the land, supports a long-standing Maine tradition, and provides another way for community members to enjoy the outdoors while sustainably sourcing food.
If you would like to hunt on Somerset Woods properties (those that are open to hunting), all you need to do review the SWT Hunting Guidelines and complete this annual registration form. Place a hard copy of the email verification in your vehicle dash when parking at property entrances to hunt, and if you have any questions, email stewardship@somersetwoodstrustees.org.
For those of you who are taking to the woods without the intention to hunt, remember to wear blaze orange between October 23 and December 5!
Continuing the harvest at Coburn Woods
As part of Coburn Woods’ ongoing forest management, Somerset Woods is planning to begin the second phase of the selective timber harvest tentatively toward the end of November, weather permitting.
This phase will continue the work started last winter, focusing on forest health, resilience, and safety, including the removal of ash and beech affected by pests and disease. As with the first phase, the harvest will be conducted carefully to protect wildlife habitat and support a healthy, diverse forest.
The Russell road parking area and some trails (Poulin, Philbrick, and Green trails) will be temporarily closed or impacted while harvesting is underway. We will share updates about closures and access as the start date approaches. We will let you know more specific plans, including dates, as timing approaches.
Take a walk with us!
As the seasons change, Somerset Woods invites you to get outside and learn more about some of the properties we care for. Join Rachel, Stewardship Coordinator, for a series of stewardship walk-and-walks through the woods.
Think of these walks as gentle paced, family-friendly walks that will (mostly) be on established trails or woods roads. Participants will need to be able to step up and down over wood debris, keep their balance on uneven terrain, and ascend or descend mild to steep slopes. Because every property is unique, we encourage you to look through descriptions of each walk or inquire about which may be the best fit for you.
Descriptions can be found here
Additional opportunities:
Sunday, October 4th - 9AM to 11AM
Trails 101: Understanding why, how, and what goes into building trails
Ever wander down a trail and wonder, "Who decided to put this here? Why does the trail go this way?" Come learn the basics of trail design and layout, including how to measure trail grades and what goes into creating a sustainable trail. Leaders include Rachel from Somerset Woods Trustees, Burke from Skowhegan Outdoors, and Julia from Maine Appalachian Trail Club. You will also get the opportunity to tour the MATC Trail Center facility!
Friday October 16th - 9AM to 12PM
Clean up Eaton River in Skowhegan
Lend a hand to a lovely preserve! This workday will focus on cleaning up the remains of a dilapidated shed that once stood on the property. We plan to drive the truck at least partway, but we’ll have wheelbarrows on hand. This should be a productive, and rewarding morning. You’ll be able to see the change in action as we leave the forest of Eaton River Preserve a little better than we found it.
