For December we are going to take a break from our Dog Friendly Places recommendations, and instead share with you some of our favorite local businesses and nonprofits.  We are very fortunate in Maine to have many local land trusts.  Here are some unique gift ideas that also support the land conservation efforts of these dog friendly hiking trails.

Great Works Regional Land Trust: Learn more about the Great Works Regional Land Trust’s trails with books by local authors ranging from the history of the communities they serve, to maps and guides.  Reduce the use of plastic bags while supporting GWRLT by purchasing their colorful bags.  Also new this year is the versatile pack basket, perfect to bring along on trail hikes for picnics.  The Great Works Regional Land Trust also offers cordwood to keep your loved ones warm this winter!

Kennebunkport Conservation Trust: For a truly unique gift, the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust is offering a limited edition Kennebunkport Maine coffee table book signed by President George H. W. Bush.  100% of the proceeds to benefit the conservation efforts of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.  The Trust also offers a wide array of gifts including apparel, wine glasses, and a drawstring gift bag filled with trail maps.

Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund: Looking for a quick and easy gift with a potential big pay off that will help conserve open spaces and wildlife habitats in Maine by providing a grants totaling approximately $700,000 annually?  Then give the “Maine-Ah Money” scratch ticket.  Available at convenience stores around the state, the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund “Maine-Ah Money” scratch ticket is the gift that keeps on giving!

Eastern Trail Alliance: For the outdoor enthusiast who has everything, consider donating in their honor to the “Close the Gap” campaign.  The Eastern Trail extends 65 miles from South Portland to Kittery, and travels by scenic woods, tidal marshes, and classic Maine villages.  But a key piece of trail is missing in Scarborough.  A 1.6-mile “gap” interrupts off-road travel between South Portland and Saco.  To close the gap two bridges need to be constructed which will cost $3.8 million dollars.  The “Close the Gap” campaign has already raised $3 million towards that goal.  To make your contribution count MORE – the Eastern Trail Alliance is providing $50,000 to match donations made before December 31, 2016. By giving a gift in honor of or in memory of a loved one, you will help connect 16 continuous off-road miles reaching from South Portland’s Bug Light to Downtown Saco making for a great dog friendly hike!

To see just some of the many trails these Maine land trusts preserve and maintain, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.