Land trust opens

    FOREST CITY — Following more than four years of effort, the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust celebrated the grand opening of its new conservation center this past Sunday in Forest City.
    According to Paul First, executive director, the building gives permanence to the land trust’s commitment to preserving the natural heritage of the Chiputneticook chain of lakes, helping to connect conservation and community. The center provides office and meeting facilities for the land trust, serves as a base for educational outreach, and is available for use by other community groups in Maine and neighboring New Brunswick.
Contributed photo
GRAND OPENING — Several board members celebrate the grand opening of the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust with community residents. In front from left are: Lance Wheaton, Ruth Wheaton, Dale Wheaton, and Arthur Wheaton. In back from left: Chris Madigan, Bill Walton, Judy Saunders, Bob Kay, Waldo Brooks, Peter Pipines, Elbridge Cleaves, Debra Hannigan, Paul First, and John Gaskins.
    With nearly 70 supporters from Maine and New Brunswick in attendance, the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Center was dedicated in memory of area fishing guide and lodge owner Woodie Wheaton. His 93-year-old widow, Mrs. Ruth Wheaton, cut the grand opening ribbon.
    “Woodie would really have appreciated this [event and this building],” said Mrs. Wheaton. “I asked him to go to church with me one day. He said, ‘I am going to the woods. That is my church.’” According to Wheaton’s son Arthur, his father did later decide to attend church with her.
    Land Trust President Elbridge Cleaves observed that “we see conservation opportunities coming that are huge, one-time, and cannot be postponed out of convenience. The mission of this new building is directly linked to these future successes.”
    Brothers Dale and Arthur Wheaton expressed appreciation for their mother Ruth’s contribution of the land on which the center is built and thanked the many individuals, foundations, and businesses who contributed to the project. All three speakers commented on the important role the center will play in linking the many small rural communities that share a common heritage and treasure the region’s distinctive natural character.
    Hundreds of volunteers and supporters across New England and New Brunswick have made construction of the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Center possible. The land trust is now working to raise the final funds needed, which have been financed with a bridge loan. Contributions can be made to the WWLT c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 2, Orient, ME 04471.
    This summer the land trust hosted a five-part speaker series at the center. The programs provided an opportunity for community members to convene and learn about aspects of their shared heritage as well as conservation and community efforts elsewhere.
    For more information contact: Paul First, executive director, 319-7652, or via e-mail at prfirst@woodiewheaton.org.