THOMASTON — Georges River Land Trust (GRLT) formally announced the opening of its new Rockland Bog Preserve trailhead on Beechwood Street in Thomaston.

"From this trailhead, users can access over seven miles of trails, creating great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, birding, and more," said GRLT, in a news release.

Join the land trust, Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m., for a celebration and exploration of the new trails at the Rockland Bog Preserve. Refreshments and maps will be available.

"Bring your family and friends, your hiking shoes or your mountain bike, and come check out this expansive network of multi-use woodland trails," said GRLT.

The Rockland Bog is a unique ecosystem, containing forested wetlands, trails along the Oyster River and its streams, and the largest peatland bog complex in the Midcoast, according to the news release.

"Georges River Land Trust is proud to hold over 670 acres of the Rockland Bog in conservation," said the release.

This preserve was permanently protected with support from the local community, from Rockland and beyond, as well as GRLT members and private foundations. The Rockland Bog has been used and treasured for many years by the local community, according to GRLT. In 2022, the land trust contracted with Outdoor Sports Institute to survey the public and create a long-term management plan for this trail system, as it is ever-evolving alongside the needs of the community and the environment.

From the new Rockland Bog Preserve trailhead on Beechwood Street, hikers can connect to the Thomaston Town Forest and the Jack Baker Woods Preserve via the Georges Highland Path, which runs through the bog all the way to the Route 90 trailhead.

"GRLT is grateful for ongoing partnership with Midcoast Trails Stewardship to create and maintain a portion of these trails," said the news release.

RSVP to the celebration at georgesriver.org/events.

Visit georgesriver.org to learn more about the Rockland Bog Preserve.

Directions: 389-395 Beechwood Street in Thomaston is the approximate location for the trailhead. A large green Georges River Land Trust sign marks the turnoff road on Beechwood Street. Follow the dirt driveway to the large parking lot at the trailhead.

Please contact maeve@grlt.org with questions.

Georges River Land Trust has been conserving and caring for the St. George River watershed since 1987. The land trust has conserved over 5,600 acres of forest, farm, and shoreline, and provides over 80 miles of public trails in 19 towns from Cushing to Liberty. This conservation work is supported by over 1,000 community members. Visit georgesriver.org to join the community and learn more.