Over three decades ago, a small group of concerned citizens founded the Kittery Land Trust. They had the foresight to know special places in our coastal town should be forever protected to maintain the natural beauty, ecological health, and character of Kittery. Despite having no staff and little money, the KLT founders confronted the threat of the sprawl at the rural por- tions of Kittery in the 1980s.
The early years of KLT were marked with sporadic victories for land preservation sparking a movement and created a family of conservationists within our community. Throughout its history, volunteers and staff have devoted countless hours to advance KLT’s mission. Each chapter has been different, some with small projects, some with massive campaigns, but collectively weaving a beautiful story that will be passed down for genera- tions.
The Kittery Land Trust is now in a riveting chapter and has reached the historic milestone of protecting more than 1000 acres! Under the direction of KLT Board Member Jeff Clifford, the Acquisitions Committee has been hard at work with multi- ple projects, securing funding, and building relationships with landowners.
Last November, the Kittery Land Trust preserved 56 acres that boasts a beautiful forest and a stunning marsh. The property, now known as the Sisk Preserve, abuts the KLT’s Norton Pre- serve. This area then connects to property managed by the York Land Trust, creating a contiguous protected area of over 500 acres spanning two communities. In May, KLT conserved an additional 7.8 acres encompassing a tidal section of Spruce Creek, adjacent salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, and a small upland forest that provide habitat for various wildlife such as hawks, wading birds, and waterfowl. Collaborating with prop- erty owner Kim Major, the Kittery Land Trust safeguarded this significant area and the scenic views to the west from the Picott Road bridge over Spruce Creek.
KLT’s updated map of conservation land proudly includes more green parcels and there continues to be important projects in the works. While today’s work is exciting, it is important to remember this has been and will continue to be a community- wide effort. The Kittery Land Trust is forever grateful to the volunteers, Board Members, staff, members, landowners, the Town of Kittery, and conservation funders who have made all of this possible. Now get out there and enjoy it