UNION — Georges River Land Trust (GRLT) has announced the conservation of Sennebec Hill Preserve in Union. According to GRLT, in a news release, this 111-acre preserve creates a corridor of conserved land through Union along Sennebec Road and will provide access to a large tract of undeveloped forest and marshland.

This preserve was purchased and partially donated by a local family that grew up exploring the hills and woodlands on the preserve and wanted to see it continue to be protected, according to GRLT.

This property is intended as an educational site for the Mid-Coast School of Technology and other local school groups. There are no current plans for trails to be built on the property, but hikers and hunters are welcome to explore and utilize the preserve next spring once the parking lot and entrance to the preserve are constructed.

This is Georges River Land Trust’s 25th public preserve. GRLT’s mission is to conserve and care for the diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats of the St. George River watershed, expand access to nature for all people, and collaborate with partners through education and the arts to inspire lasting kinship with the natural world. Founded in 1987, GRLT will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

"GRLT is grateful to the community for supporting this project over recent months," said GRLT.

In addition to funding secured through grants, the land trust raised $11,000 of the $15,000 public-funding goal for acquiring and caring for the property.

"If you would like to help close the gap and support stewardship of this beautiful property, as well as the creation of a parking lot so that school buses may access the preserve, you can donate at georgesriver.org," said GRLT.

Please write "Sennebec Hill" in the field: "What inspired your gift?" Thank you!

Georges River Land Trust has been conserving and caring for the St. George River watershed since 1987. The land trust has conserved over 5,700 acres of forest, farm, and shoreline, and maintains over 80 miles of public trails in 19 towns from Montville to Cushing. This conservation work is supported by over 1,000 community members. Visit georgesriver.org to join the community and learn more.