Roberts Farm Preserve

Trail Map Now Available!

To download and print your own copy of the Roberts Farm trail map, click here (1.7MB, PDF).

 

Two Centuries of Family Farming

The 150 acres that is now the Roberts Farm Preserve was historically part of the extensive holdings of Dudley Pike, one of Norway's founders. By 1787, Pike, for whom the steep hill south of Norway was named, acquired this land from Henry Rust. Between 1820-1830, Dudley's son Henry built a two-story home and began farming the property. By 1850, the farm included 52 acres of improved land and was producing "Indian" corn, oats, peas, potatoes, hay, milk, butter and cheese. By 1880, 72 acres were under cultivation.

In 1881 Henry gave the farm to his daughter Carrie and her husband John Roberts. Mr. Roberts farmed "scientifically" and was very active in the Maine State Grange; he also served as the State's Commissioner of Agriculture from 1913 until his death in 1918. Carrie and John's son Thaddeus continued to farm the land and developed a dairy herd that brought the family modest success. Through the 1940s, local customers purchased Roberts Farm milk in the signature "Cop the Cream" milk bottles.

In 2000, after two centuries of stewardship by the Pike-Roberts family, the land was sold for timber harvest and potential development. The Western Foothills Land Trust agreed to purchase the property in the summer of 2007.

"Roberts' Farm Preserve will be an invaluable community asset for Norway and her visitors, protecting Norway's rural character while providing four seasons of recreational opportunities within minutes from downtown."

 

-Andrea Burns, President of Norway Downtown

 



Roberts' Farm in the mid 1900's Roberts' Farm in 2007

 

Conservation, Recreation, and Education

“Providing recreational trails, linking existing trails, views, and community resources is essential to a healthy community. Creating a more walkable community is a top priority for our area…”

 

—Ken Morse, Healthy Oxford Hills

 

Community Benefits
Resource Protection
  • Improved water quality in Norway Lake
  • Preserved bird and wildlife habitat
  • Protection of native species, wetlands, vernal pools, upland forest habitats
  • Support given to the local timber industry
  • Carbon sequestration as the forest regenerates
Healthy Recreation
  • Trails for families to walk, run, crosscountry ski, and snowshoe
  • Wheelchair-accessible recreation
  • A possible home for SAD 17 cross-country runners and nordic ski teams
Green Growth
  • A community green space near historic downtown
  • Viewscape protection from Norway Lake, Routes 117, 118, and surrounding areas
  • No infrastructure demands upon the town of Norway
  • Protects Norway’s rural, rustic character
Tourism
  • Four season public amenity for area visitors
  • Tourism draw for eco-tourists, birders, nordic skiers, and more
Education
  • An open-air classroom for area schools

 

"Many people assume that residential development increases a town’s tax base, generating revenues that outweigh any added cost of municipal services. Studies done in Maine and throughout the country contradict this assumption, revealing that many new housing units typically cost taxpayers more than they contribute in tax revenues. Protected lands, in contrast, can save municipalities money because they don’t require services such as water, sewer, and schools."

 

—Maine Coast Heritage Trust

 

 

The Greening of Norway

With the Roberts Farm Preserve added to existing protected areas, a major portion of Lake Pennesseewassee has been secured as open space and public access has been guaranteed for future generations.

Support the Preserve

Your generous contribution will help WFLT reach its goal of $350,000 to purchase, protect, and preserve this valuable community asset. For additional information about how you can be part of this historic effort contact Western Foothills Land Trust.  Click here to see a full list of donors.

DonateNow

 

 

The Roberts Farm Preserve is supported in part by Land for Maine's Future.