Take a hike with Great Works Regional Land Trust this winter
Join Great Works Regional Land Trust on a 2022 guided winter outing this season. GWRLT is ready to take you out on the trails this season by snowshoe, ski, or winter boots - whatever the conditions require!
This year’s winter hike series sponsored by Dynamic Solutions Construction offers several returning winter outing favorites, many on properties which can only be accessed during the frozen winter months, such as Beaver Dam Heath and Tuckahoe Preserve in Berwick, or a trek across the beaver wetland at Orris Falls Conservation Area. The outing series also features two new trail explores at Goodwin Forest and the new Checkerberry Trail in South Berwick.
The first outing will be a Saturday, Jan. 29 snowshoe/ski at Tuckahoe Preserve in Berwick, 10 a.m. to noon. These 140 acres between Hubbard Road and the Salmon Falls River offer a level, easy glide for ski touring and exploration of the forested riverbank. Begin February with a Wednesday Wandering at the new Checkerberry Trail, Feb. 2, 10 a.m. to noon. This new trail through the woods, guides hikers from Orris Falls into the Mount A trail system, a good snowshoe or hiking opportunity. On Feb. 5, go for an excursion at Orris Falls Conservation Area in South Berwick. Conditions permitting, the frozen beaver wetland offers hikers a perspective not to be found in warmer weather. Expect to visit Balancing Rock, Tatnic Ledges, and Orris Falls.
One of GWRLT’s newest preserves, Goodwin Forest on Goodwin Road in Eliot, is the site of the snowshoe on Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The trail was extended across Shorey’s Brook last fall, doubling the length of the trail. On Saturday, Feb. 19, we’ll take the annual trek out on Beaver Dam Heath in Berwick. Winter is really the only time to venture into the wetlands of the Heath. The hike will start in the forest uplands of the Heath, from Grant’s Meadow Preserve, which boasts a ¾ mile loop trail, accessible year-round. The parking lot is on Diamond Hill Road, just south of Old Sanford Road in Berwick.
Finishing out the month, on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, join board member and trail steward Susan Pike for a tour of Rocky Hills Preserve. This extensive trail system is a great option for both skis and snowshoes. The winter hike season will conclude with a “Wednesday Wandering” snowshoe hike up Bauneg Beg Mountain in North Berwick on March 2nd, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy views of the White Mountains to the west and the Cape Elizabeth Light to the northeast.
Great Works Regional Land Trust is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 to provide conservation options to the landowners of Eliot, South Berwick, Berwick, North Berwick, Ogunquit & Wells. Over 7,000 acres have been protected. GWRLT is committed to saving the best of our region by protecting working landscapes and wildlife lands for current and future generations.
Space on hikes is limited to 25 people. Call the Great Works office at 207-646-3604 or email info@gwrlt.org to reserve your place. Anyone interested in joining any of these hikes is encouraged to visit the website at www.gwrlt.org or call the office for more information, confirmation of the hike status and last minute suggestions for footwear. All hikes are open to the public and free of charge to Land Trust members. A $5 donation per person or $10 donation per family is suggested for non-members.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Take a hike with Great Works Regional Land Trust this winter
