NORWAY — Just two miles from Main Street, Shepard’s Farm Preserve is a beloved destination for runners, walkers, bikers, and families who utilize a multi-use trail to exercise in the natural beauty of western Maine.
Set within the preserve is a half mile, universally accessible loop called Detert Trail that attracts individuals with mobility challenges, adults pushing strollers, and families who have the opportunity to enjoy six Bernard Langlais sculptures thoughtfully nestled along the trail as well as storybook installations that are periodically rotated to showcase a variety of illustrated children’s books.
“It’s a popular walk for many ages and abilities, a safe loop during hunting season, and a favored ride for Maine Adaptive bikers,” said Kacy Bailey, executive director of the Western Foothills Land Trust which has overseen the preserve since 2010.
It is also a trail in need of crucial work.
“Aggressive crab grass has seeded onto the trail’s crushed stone surface from both sides. There’s only a foot of exposed stone now showing,” said Bailey.
In order to repair and maintain the trail, WFLT is undertaking a major project to excavate the original trail, screen and reuse the stone, enlarge the trail to its original width of five feet, and reestablish the trail with new landscape fabric and additional crushed stone. The project also includes plans for the installation of three granite benches along the loop and 16 permanent storyboard structures made possible by Healthy Oxford Hills and Black Dog Timberworks.
Norway Savings Bank is happy to offer assistance to ensure this community gem is restored.
“We’re so happy that WFLT has taken on this project and conducted it so efficiently that the finished product will be available to visitors in the spring,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank, which made a $6,000 commitment to the Detert Trail Expansion Project this month and has donated nearly $50,000 to WFLT over the last 15 years.
At its core, the project is about providing universal access to healthy recreation in the greater Oxford Hills region.
“Actively confronting the challenges to the trail now will help sustain this community asset that so many people enjoy,” said Bailey. “The new benches will also be beneficial to users who need a break and can enjoy a beautiful view.”
“The improved and widened trail will provide more visitors with exercise, a pastoral landscape, great Maine art, and so much more,” said Walsh. “We’re so grateful.”
For more information about the project and the work of the Western Foothills Land Trust, including ways you can offer financial or volunteer support, visit the organization’s website at www.wfltmaine.org or contact the WFLT at 207-739-2124.
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway, Maine. As of June 30, 2024, Norway Savings Bank had $1.912 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.
