BRISTOL — Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust announces major improvements to La Verna Preserve in Bristol, including a new, larger parking lot and expanded land conservation, while continuing a fundraising campaign for further enhancements.

In October, Coastal Rivers completed a new parking lot on the same side of Route 32 as the trailhead. According to Coastal Rivers, in a news release, this development addresses previous parking challenges, enhancing safety and convenience by lessening the need for visitors to cross Route 32. The old parking lot now serves as overflow parking.

Space for the new parking area was made possible by the sale of a 10-acre property next to the preserve by Steve and Vicki Nichols in 2022. And last year, a generous 13-acre donation of land from neighbor Rebecca Bell further expanded the preserve, creating new connections with other Coastal Rivers properties in the La Verna neighborhood. 

Planned additions to the preserve include a new kiosk and interpretive panel at the trailhead, set to be installed later this winter.

These initiatives are part of a $700,000 fundraising campaign, of which $500,000 has already been committed. Campaign goals included purchasing the Nichols property and constructing the new parking lot and trailhead. 

Upcoming plans involve converting a two-story garage on the property into two housing units. The first-floor unit will be a handicap-accessible rental, while the second-floor unit would serve as housing for Coastal Rivers staff. Designs have been completed, with the remaining $200,000 required to bring the project to fruition.

Future trail enhancements are also planned, focusing on hardening wet areas over the next two years to reduce erosion and improve durability.

“We’re so excited about this project and the community support that is making it possible,” said Steven Hufnagel, Executive Director of Coastal Rivers. “More, safer parking, a welcoming trailhead, and much-needed housing are all in process, and we’re getting close to our fundraising goal.”

Contributions to the campaign are welcome as Coastal Rivers works toward completing the garage conversion and trail upgrades. For more information or to donate, please contact shufnagel@coastalrivers.org.

Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.