Putting conserved lands to work for our community.
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Who We Are
Somerset Woods Share is a program of Somerset Woods Trustees that provides emergency heating assistance to community members in need. We function much like a food pantry - but with firewood rather than food. We utilize our conserved lands to source firewood through our regular stewardship activities and, occasionally, via larger timber harvests. We also accept donations of wood. Piloted in 2024 with support from the Margaret Burnham Charitable Trust, Somerset Woods Share is growing in 2025 under the leadership of our Community Tree Steward/AmeriCorps Member, in partnership with Maine Conservation Corps and Project Canopy.
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Why We Do It
Many homes in our community rely on wood heat. Some heat with wood exclusively, others use wood to supplement other sources. In Somerset County, too many households require more heating assistance than is provided by public fuel assistance programs. In a 2023 analysis at UMaine, Somerset County had 6 towns identified as having a high potential need for a firewood bank. Of these 6 towns, 4 are within a 30-minute drive of Parkman Hill Farm, the primary firewood distribution site at this time.
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How You Can Help
Somerset Woods Share relies upon the generosity of volunteers and donors who share our commitment to building a better community. Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to see when we are processing or distributing firewood. Contact Emma for more information or to discuss donations of wood or equipment.
No time to volunteer? Your financial contributions are critically needed. Contact Jennifer to learn more, or use the Donate button below to make a gift securely online.
Heat, Eat, or Treat
Too many households in Somerset County struggle to make ends meet, often having to choose between food, prescriptions, and heat. With high electricity prices, long cold winters, and a depressed economy, Somerset County residents often require more home heating support than fuel assistance programs provide.
As the manager of more than 2,000 acres of forested land, Somerset Woods Trustees is uniquely positioned to help address this need. Created in 1927 to conserve land for public benefit, Somerset Woods Trustees has compiled a lands portfolio forever conserved for community, connectivity, and climate resiliency. Development of a firewood bank is a natural continuation of our commitment to the community we serve.
Services
Firewood distribution for the Somerset Woods Share is currently located in Solon. Small allotments of firewood (roughly ¼ to ⅓ cord) are provided for short-term heating assistance or to help with emergency heating needs during the winter months. Firewood is available on a first-come, first-served basis so recipients need to sign up.
The Somerset Woods Share is pick-up only - there is no delivery - so be sure to bring a vehicle that can fit about a quarter cord of firewood in it. All recipients are expected to load the firewood into their vehicles; please contact us in advance if you require assistance.
If the drive is too far here are some other local woodbanks and resources for you to consider:
Home Energy Assistance Program
Waldo County Woodshed: They have multiple distribution sites and will help find the one closest to you.
Sign Up for Firewood
There is a limited supply of firewood each year, and potential recipients must sign up to be added to the firewood distribution list. We remain a small operation and will not have enough firewood to fill all requests. To sign up (yourself or someone in need in the community) for firewood from the Somerset Woods Share, you can:
Use the button below to go to the application form.
Leave a voicemail message for Emma at Somerset Woods, 207-612-1606.
Email Emma with the subject line SWS Application.
All information in this application will be kept confidential unless express permission is otherwise given.
Woods Share Wish List
We are a small, home-grown operation experiencing high demand for services. You can help with your donations of used or new equipment, financial support, and volunteer contributions. The following items will help us better meet community needs:
Wood Splitters
Wheelbarrows
Woods Trailer
Pickup Truck
Chainsaws
Food & Drink for Volunteers
2026 Intown Distribution Site
Financial Contributions
Volunteer Assistance
