Author: Larry Glantz

“And now the kids are riding 25 new bikes on the Eastern Trail” is the way the Saco Bikes for Kids campaign is defining its success in promoting use of the Eastern Trail and healthy lifestyles among youth. View the celebration poster, and read a news article about the feat. Some of the happy children with the Saco Parks and Recreation summer camp ride are shown (in the image to the right) riding their newly donated bicycles on the John R. Andrews Eastern Trail Bridge in Saco.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – Signs are being put up to ask motorists in southern York County to be aware of rare turtles crossing area roads. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Nature Conservancy are marking the turtle crossing areas in Wells, South Berwick and York with hopes of reducing highway deaths of two of the state’s rarest species, Blanding’s and spotted turtles. Motorists encountering the roadside turtle signs should reduce their speed and be on the lookout for jaywalking turtles. Drivers who see a turtle crossing the road and want to help are asked to safely pull over to the side of the road and, only if it is safe to do so, move the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was headed.Article from WCSH Channel 6.

Joe Yuhas’ ongoing Full Moon Walks are covered nicely in the “Moon Walking” article in the Kennebunk Post online.

In December 2012, the Arundel and Kennebunk Public Works Departments combined forces to install 14 mile markers on over 3.5 miles of the Eastern Trail — extending from the Arundel northern boundary to Route 35 in Kennebunk.

Measuring six inches by 12 inches and mounted at eye level, these double-sided signs are stationed at quarter-mile increments along the off-road sections of the trail and they provide trail users with a precise location on the trail. More importantly, geo-coordinates of the mile markers will be recorded in the E911 systems of all fire-rescue and police dispatch centers servicing the Eastern Trail, enabling first responders to identify the precise position of any caller requiring emergency assistance. Recreationalists will also find the mileage markers to be a convenient way of tracking their progress while running, cycling, or walking along the trail. These mile markers were generously donated by Southern Maine Medical Center — a longstanding supporter and a sponsor of many charity and health promoting events conducted on the Eastern Trail.

Read the full article at Seacoastonline.com.

Gary Allen recently ran 700 miles from Cadillac Mountain to Washington, D.C., averaging 50 miles a day. We were pleased to learn that along the way, Gary utilized parts of the Eastern Trail Go to ET’s Facebook page for Gary’s story, events listings and other news – and great comments about the ET! Go to the page for other news updates – and great comments about the ET!  Recently the ET FaceBook page went over 1,000 fans (“Likes”). Check out the ET FB page here.

An article about the Nov. 27 Moonlight Walk led by John Andrews and Joe Yuhas. Key quote: “The trail is humming with energy and events — and it’s not done growing.”

KENNEBUNK – Since the two major bridges connecting the Eastern Trail went in this year, organized events along the trail have increased twofold.

But to a large extent, the fascination, attraction and use of this off-road, woodland trail has been building steam all along

“The last wintertime moonlit walk we had was last January. That drew 30! We might beat that today,” boomed John Andrews, the 75-year-old retired engineer who is a driving force behind this trail being built between South Portland and Kittery.

Read the full article online here