Nolan Green of Dayton and BSA Troop 371, Saco, created a new connector trail ready for use at the Moses Woodman Preserve in Buxton. Courtesy photo

SACO — The Saco Valley Land Trust invites the public to explore a new connector trail ready for use at the Moses Woodman Preserve, the result of an Eagle Scout project by Nolan Green of Dayton and BSA Troop 371, Saco, according to a press release from the Trust.

The Preserve, located on Simpson Road in Buxton, is a 60-acre parcel with a trail system to the Saco River, according to the release. The new trail creates a loop to extend use of the system for hikers, dog walkers and mountain bikers (conditions permitting, usually May 1 through February). With the new trail created by Green, hikers can traverse 1.7 miles of woodland environments with bench seating and views. A guided Wildflower Walk is planned for Sunday, June 6, 10 a.m., to explore the blooms of the season and highlight the new trail.

The Preserve was donated to Saco Valley Land Trust in 2003 by eight descendants of the Woodman family. Since then, the Saco Troop 371’s Eagle Rank candidates have often chosen to work on improvements to the Preserve for public benefit: marked trails, benches, foot and bog bridges and an information kiosk.

Some of the new trail loop extends through a recent forest improvement cut, so it will be educational for all to watch young trees sprout up and the remaining trees grow more rapidly in the next few years. “Slash” and standing deadwood was left for soil health and wildlife benefit in this area. Woodpeckers abound, songbirds can be heard, and occasionally an eagle can be seen overflying the Saco River. Parking for three cars is available at the gate.

Nolan’s project involved planning and seeking approval from the local District Advancement Committee of BSA, seeking financial support, materials, and volunteers and then overseeing as well as working on the actual project. To complete the trail, Nolan organized and coordinated 116 volunteer hours. Saco Valley Land Trust sincerely thanks Nolan and his project assistants for a great addition to Moses Woodman Preserve.

To learn more or to sign up for the June 6 Wildflower Walk, contact the land trust at sacovalleymaine@gmail.com, or  message the trust through its Facebook page. Roadside parking is available if parking spaces are filled.