With over 30 miles of trails for your enjoyment in the Greater Portland area, Portland Trails continues to create, protect, maintain and preserve more trails in their network to reach their mission of 50 miles of trails.

The organization traces its roots back to 1976, when Tom Jewell, a native Portland attorney, established the Forest City Land Trust to preserve the natural resources outside our door steps in Portland. Since then, Portland Trails has created a number of trails encompassing miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails across Portland, South Portland, Falmouth, Westbrook, and Peaks Island. They continue to develop more trails to connect current trails and extend the network of trails in the area.

Portland Trails works with a number of corporate sponsors in their Adopt-A-Trail sponsorship program, and continues to educate the community on how individuals can assist them to grow the network of trails, protect the current trails, and preserve the wonderful natural resources that surround us all.

Portland Trails hosts a number of events to spread the word, increase their following, and raise additional funds to support the ongoing trail network growth and upkeep. The Happy Trails Big Bash & Silent Auction attracts a number of folks for an evening of fun and excitement, and Portland Trails plays host for a Portland Greendrinks networking event at Gorham Bike & Ski to further educate the public on their mission, and increase membership.

But what would Portland Trails be without showing off the trails themselves, through activities for all to enjoy.  Every Wednesday evening at 6pm, between May 13 and September 16, 2009, Portland Trails organizes the Back Cove 5k Race Series, where runners race around the Back Cove. What a wonderful excuse to get out, stay in shape, and support a wonderful cause. Registration is free, but donations are accepted and go to support the Portland Trails. For more information on the Back Cove 5k Race Series, please visit; BackCove.RunToWin.com

On September 20, 2009, Portland Trails will coordinate the very popular Portland Trails 10th Annual “Trail to Ale” 10k Race/Walk, where runners will of course run along the Portland Trails starting on the East End of Portland running around the Back Cove and returning to finish along the East End. Following the race is a post-race party at Portland Company, 58 Fore St, Portland. The Trail to Ale race begins at 9am.

Finally, Portland Trails also offers the Discovery Treks Series where the public can explore and learn about the trail system from the experts. The Discovery Treks Series takes place two Fridays each month beginning at 5:30pm, with the series being free to Portland Trails members and a $5 suggested donation from non-members (which can go towards a membership I understand). For more information on Portland Trails Discovery Treks Series, please visit; http://www.trails.org.events.html

To become involved in Portland Trails or to donate, please visit; http://www.trails.org/get-involved.html

For information on the Portland Trails system and Maps, please visit; Portland Trails Maps

Tags: Adopt a Trail, Back Cove, Back Cove 5k Race Series, Discovery Treks Series, Forest City Land Trust, Portland Greendrinks, Portland Trail Maps, Portland Trails, Trail to Ale 10k