Save the date of Saturday October 15 at 1 pm for a community celebration of the new community forest
The Town of Woodstock’s August 2022 acquisition of this property is a historic achievement for the community. Funds were raised in a remarkably short time–just over a year–thanks to a
synergy of partnerships including Mahoosuc Land Trust, Northern Forest Center, and Forest
Society of Maine, with the leadership of the Woodstock Conservation Commission (WCC). The
project has inspired wide-reaching support among our communities, exceeding the local
fundraising goal of $175,000. More than 270 people contributed, including the Woodstock
selectmen and town manager.
The Buck’s Ledge acquisition project has also inspired art and connection. Students of Melissa Prescott’s community art class designed and constructed four unique benches that will be placed along the trail network. In addition, Telstar Middle School art students conducted and recorded interviews with a diverse group of four individuals relating to Buck’s Ledge. These records are archived at the Bethel Historical Society.
Thanks to you, Buck’s Ledge Community Forest is now a permanent fixture of the community,
providing accessible recreation for generations. Mahoosuc Land Trust is excited to take on the responsibility of overseeing the conservation easement to ensure the permanence of this
treasured forest.
This project would not have been possible without financial support from the state and other
conservation organizations. The Town of Woodstock’s Buck’s Ledge Community Forest land
was more than 50% funded by the Land for Maine’s Future program to secure public conserved land, and was funded in part through the Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund, which supports the protection of climate resilient lands for wildlife and communities. The Fund is made possible thanks to major support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Maine Mountain Collaborative funded a portion of the due diligence costs.
Please save the date of Saturday, October 15, at 1 PM for a community celebration of the new community forest and a dedication of a permanent art installation created by Telstar Middle School Art students for Buck’s Ledge Community Forest in the Buck’s Ledge Community Forest Parking lot off Rt. 26.
