Parkman Hill Farm in Solon. Submitted photo
The Somerset Woods Trustees’ newest conservation property is Parkman Hill Farm in Solon.
Featuring 650 acres of field and forest on Parkman Hill Road, the farm for decades has been managed for its wildlife, birds and pollinators. The long-time landowner, who wishes to remain anonymous, gifted the property to Somerset Woods in January to assure her tradition of good stewardship continues for the benefit of nature and the Solon community.
This summer the farmhouse will provide housing for seasonal interns. Longer term, preliminary plans include developing the space for public events, programming and staff offices. When the weather warms, open houses will provide an opportunity for the community and Somerset Woods members to join the trustees in envisioning the future of Parkman Hill Farm.
Somerset Woods is removing several of the Norway Maple trees at the Kennebec Banks Rest Area on Route 2. These trees are in declining health and will be replaced by native tree species later this year in partnership with the Skowhegan Conservation Commission. Norway Maples are an aggressive invader of the landscape, disrupting the local ecosystem and out-competing species that better support native birds, wildlife and insects.
The firewood resulting from this project will be distributed to community members in need of heating assistance. Those who would like to add their name or a community member’s name to the list for future firewood distributions can contact Brockway.
Members can expect to learn more about the project in the trustees’ upcoming membership newsletter. In the meantime, contact Jennifer Brockway, executive director, at 207-679-7306 or somersetwoodstrustees@gmail.com.
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