There has been plenty of activity at Wallamatogus in Penobscot!
Local contractor Billy Hutchins has been hard at work helping Blue Hill Heritage Trust restore and maintain the blueberry fields as part of the Trust’s ongoing stewardship of this special property. In a relatively short amount of time, Billy has already accomplished an incredible amount of work, and the transformation is becoming easy to see.
Restoring the Blueberry Fields
One of the primary projects has been cutting back the blueberry fields and clearing trees and other woody growth that have gradually begun to take over portions of the open landscape. Some of the trees are small, while others have grown considerably larger over time.
Removing this encroaching growth helps reopen the fields and maintain the blueberry barrens as an important part of the Wallamatogus landscape. The lower portion of the field is already looking great, and we are excited to see how the area continues to take shape as the work progresses.
This work is an important part of the Wallamatogus Management Plan, which guides Blue Hill Heritage Trust’s long-term care of the property. Active stewardship is an essential part of conservation. Protecting land is only the beginning; caring for it over time allows us to maintain important habitats, support working landscapes, protect ecological values, and help ensure these places remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
Improving Access for Stewardship
As the work at Wallamatogus continues, Billy and BHHT staff will also be making improvements to portions of the property’s road system. Maintaining and improving these roads is an important part of responsible property management. Good access allows Trust staff, contractors, and equipment to safely reach different areas of the property for stewardship, maintenance, and future conservation work.
These improvements may not always be the most visible part of conservation, but they play an important role in making long-term stewardship possible.
Conservation Is an Ongoing Commitment
We are grateful to Billy for all of his hard work and for the tremendous progress he has made in such a short time. Projects like this are a great reminder that conservation does not end when land is protected.
Every conserved property requires ongoing care, attention, and thoughtful management. Whether it is maintaining blueberry fields, improving access, caring for trails, or managing habitat, this work helps ensure that the lands entrusted to Blue Hill Heritage Trust remain healthy and resilient for the future.
We look forward to watching the continued progress at Wallamatogus as this work moves forward!
Want to learn more about how Blue Hill Heritage Trust is managing Wallamatogus? Visit our Management Strategy page to learn more about the planning and stewardship that goes into caring for these special places.
