Tom’s of Maine Gives 38 Acre “Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary” to Kennebunk Land Trust;
Company maintains ownership of 28 acres for possible future expansion
Tom’s of Maine announced the gift of the 38.1 acre “Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary” to the Kennebunk Land Trust today to forever protect local community access to the woods and trails along the Mousam River near downtown Kennebunk.
“We moved to Kennebunk in 1969 to be part of this community and raise a family,” said Kate Chappell, co-founders of Tom’s of Maine. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to give something back to the town and people that have given so much to us over these last 37 years.” Tom’s of Maine co-founder and CEO Tom Chappell added “We’re particularly pleased to protect a small piece of Maine’s natural beauty which has inspired us personally and been at the heart of our business success all these years.”
The property will be managed by the Kennebunk Land Trust with additional funds personally donated by Tom and Kate Chappell. The property and trails will be open to the public from dawn to dusk. No hunting or motorized vehicles will be permitted.
“Kennebunk Land Trust is honored to accept this wonderful gift from Tom’s of Maine and the Chappells. Tom and Kate’s commitment to preserving the conservation values of the property while encouraging public enjoyment of this place of respite is exemplary. We are most grateful for their generosity and foresight, their interest in community and conservation, and for their confidence in Kennebunk Land Trust.” said Marie Louise St.Onge, Executive Director for KLT.
“The property is outstanding. It boasts 38 acres of native land in the midst of downtown Kennebunk. The parcel comprises rich wetlands, forested areas and an exceptional, uninterrupted 2,438 feet of frontage along the Mousam River. In a very significant way, protection of this land furthers the Trust’s mission and leaves a legacy for generations to come,” said St.Onge. “Whether to cross-country ski, bird watch, or simply relax, this property is a great destination.”
Tom’s of Maine continues to own an adjacent 28.2 acres for possible expansion at some point in the future. Tom’s of Maine’s corporate offices are still in the Lafayette Center on Main Street in Kennebunk while the manufacturing, warehouse and fulfillment facility is in Sanford, Maine.
Tom’s of Maine and the Kennebunk Land Trust recognize the following partners for their technical help in making this land gift happen: Pierce-Atwood, LLP; Corner Post Land Surveying, Inc.; Bergen & Parkinson, LLC; TFH Architects, Inc.; and Mr. Willis T. Emmons, District Manager, Kennebunk Sewer District.