Size

24.32 acres

Public Access

The public is welcome to use Littlefield Woods for low impact outdoor recreation including hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting, picnicking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling on designated trails.

Conservation Purposes

This forest contains important wildlife habitat, essential wetlands, extensive frontage on Littlefield Road, and popular and historic trails. It plays an important role in protecting Chebeague’s sole source aquifer from which island residents access their drinking water. It also functions as a stopover point for migratory birds and plays an role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in the trees and soil.

It is a keystone property within the largest forested area remaining on Chebeague. 

Description & History

Littlefield Woods, located in the heart of Chebeague Island, is perhaps the most important undeveloped parcel to protect on the island. The approximately 25-acre property is unique because it features critical wildlife habitat; popular and historic recreational trails; an essential water recharge area for Chebeague’s sole source aquifer; a large, important block of woodlands; and scenic interior forested views. The property lies adjacent to a geodetic marker that identifies the highest point in all of Casco Bay.

For centuries, residents of Chebeague have enjoyed the trails in Littlefield Woods (also known as “Parker’s Woods”). The wide, relatively flat trail system, frequently used for hiking, nature observation, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, connects with the larger trail system on Chebeague via the Durgin Trail that CCLT protected with a trail easement in 2017.

Since 1984, Leila & Suhail Bisharat have thoughtfully owned and cared for the property. The Bisharats offered the property to CCLT for a price well below fair market value and have contributed toward the long-term stewardship of the land. Leila’s father, Blanchard Bates, was one of the founders of CCLT and helped guide CCLT during its early years. He was particularly interested in protecting Littlefield Woods. CCLT is very grateful for the Bisharats’ generosity in order to achieve Blanchard’s vision.

In early 2020, the Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust embarked on a campaign to raise the $160,000 purchase price plus project costs and funds for stewardship of the property from individuals, businesses, and foundations to purchase this treasured property to ensure its protection forever. Thanks again to everyone who helped us reach our fundraising goal to protect this important property.

In addition to 172 households that supported the purchase, CCLT also very grateful for the generous support that we received from the following grant funders:

Casco Bay Estuary Partnership

Davis Conservation Foundation

Maine Community Foundation

Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program

Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund

Margaret Burnham Charitable Trust

The Recompense Fund