September 8th through the 18th marks a 10-day, all out, push by the Cape Elizabeth Conservation Committee to complete its biggest volunteer trail improvement project to date, replacement of the Outer Loop Boardwalk at Gull Crest, and its first partnership with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). 

By the end of the day on Friday, September 18th, 680’ of boardwalk was replaced! The project included a huge effort by Cape residents and trail users to preplace boards before the MCC crew arrived. Profound thanks go to the volunteers who showed up to carry in boards, which one volunteer characterized as “no joke.” Volunteer groups include: 

•    CELT volunteer team

•    Rotary volunteer team

•    School athletes group

•    Aster Lane neighborhood

•    207 MTB group

•    All the other volunteers (you know who you are ‘cause your shoulders ache)

The Aster Lane Neighborhood has earned bragging rights for the community group moving the most lumber. They have already donated back to the Conservation Committee the $100 gift certificate. 

Thanks go to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) and the New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA) who donated tools used by the MCC crew. CELT allowed use of its wheeled cart to move lumber closer to the construction site.  

The Cape Elizabeth Public Works Department also earns a shout out for moving lumber to the staging area, separating the lumber stacks, and sharing their facility with the MCC crew. 

A portion of the boardwalk remains to be replaced. The Conservation Committee will be meeting in October to make a plan for completion and that plan will definitely include another call for volunteers to help.  

Thanks again and consider helping finish the boardwalk replacement.