Portland Trails is approaching its 25th anniversary. The organization has grown over the years. It started as a Portland-centric group focused on land conservation and trails.  It has since expanded outward to support strong trail and walking networks throughout the greater Portland area.  They also now help promote, fund and build natural playgrounds and walkable communities. In fact, the Canal school has recently approached them for assistance with creating a natural playground.
 
A recent acquisition is the Conant-Saunders property in Westbrook. This is 5 acres along the Presumpscot River that was gifted to Portland Trails in the will of Ellie Saunders.  There is potential for a boat launch on this land and also a possibility of connecting to the river walk at some point in the future.  Another Westbrook trail is currently in the works between the skate park on William Clark Dr to the Armory and cross walk on Stroudwater St.  Some funding for that is coming from the Westbrook Recreation and Conservation Commission.
 
There is currently an informal trail between Westbrook High and Middle schools. A couple of easements remain to be negotiated.  This trail is adjacent to our land on Dale Ave and adjacent to the remains of the Cumberland-Oxford canal.  Once the last house is complete, the trail can be formalized.  In the meantime, there is work that can be done to improve the trail.  The trail can be widened and the surface can be improved.   This might be a good project on which to engage the Interact club in the fall.