Witt swamp trail opens

NORWAY — The community is invited to enjoy the newly created hiking trail at Witt Swamp Preserve on Sunday, December 2, noon to 3 p.m., on Pleasant Street in Norway.

The trail loop, which enjoys the primarily hemlock uplands of the preserve, is approximately one-mile long and includes gentle slopes, stone steps and a short cedar boardwalk.

The 141-acre land locked preserve, named for Benjamin Witt, one of the founders of Norway, was part of the Cummings Mill holdings. The Trust purchased the parcel in 2004 from a subsequent owner. In consideration of the then landlocked preserve, Keys North LLC donated a 60-foot wide access corridor connecting the preserve to Pleasant Street in 2007.

With support from the Southern Maine Wetlands Conservancy, an LLBean Maine Land Trust grant, and the town of Norway, a small parking area was established in 2009.

Recently, a Witt Swamp Preserve sign and small kiosk have been installed.

This summer several volunteer crews flagged and opened-up a one-mile loop trail. One volunteer in particular, Eric Rathbun, who works at Stephens Memorial Hospital, adopted the Witt trail and has continued to widen and refine the trail after work hours during the week, and on weekends.

A seasoned hiker himself, Eric filled low spots and brought down high spots, built elegant stone steps, and constructed a short cedar boardwalk. Approximately three-quarters of the system has been completed to Eric’s rigorous standards, but the entire loop has been opened and provides a peaceful and inspiring walk. The trail will provide an inspiring snowshoe loop this winter.

The Trust welcomes walkers and runners to enjoy the trail anytime. On December 2, the public is invited to take a short walk in the woods and help thank all the trail builders who have opened the way. Rain, snow, or shine.

The Witt Swamp trailhead is on the west side of Pleasant Street, approximately 1.1 miles north of Main Street, across from Emerson Street.

Photo:

SWAMP WALK — Eric Rathbun on the new cedar board walk.