Services
We Provide
How MTS operates
At Midcoast Trails Stewardship (MTS), our primary goal is to build and maintain sustainable trails that serve both the environment and the community. We ensure these trails are sustainable in three key areas: economically, environmentally, and socially. As a capacity-building organization, we provide essential resources that support each of these pillars in our trail community.
Economically, MTS strengthens the local economy by supporting our partner organizations through trail project fundraising and creating job opportunities. We employ year-round staff and provide summer jobs for local students as part of our trail crew, investing in the workforce and fostering economic growth in the region.
Environmentally, we approach trail building with a focus on ecological sustainability. Our practices follow industry-leading standards, tailored to our unique local environment. We believe that quality trails should work in harmony with the landscape, minimizing environmental impact while ensuring long-term resilience. This philosophy guides us through every phase of trail planning, design, and construction, resulting in trails that benefit both the community and the surrounding natural resources.
Socially, MTS is dedicated to building a strong sense of community through stewardship and education. We offer volunteer coordination, training, and stewardship opportunities to community members, students, partner organizations, and other stakeholders. Our programs, such as the Student Stewardship Program and Volunteer Corps, engage the next generation of trail stewards, ensuring the future care of these essential public spaces.
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Additionally, we organize races and events that not only raise awareness about trail health but also foster a collective commitment to maintaining these valuable outdoor resources.
We believe that investing in trail maintenance and other recreational infrastructure is vital for ensuring the longevity, safety, and enjoyment of outdoor spaces. By nurturing these trails, we help sustain an active, connected, and thriving community.
MTS is collaborating with Rockland’s South School to create an exciting new trail network designed to enhance outdoor and experiential learning. This network will serve as an educational tool for students, providing access to outdoor classrooms and offering a space for skill development in mountain biking and trail navigation.
2024 recap: We continued our TTF programs by enhancing approximately 2.5 miles
of new trail to mitigate erosion and promote safe enjoyment.
2025: Our maintenance program will prioritize the Swamp Donkey trail, and our new build along the northern boundary of TTF will enhance the diversity of trails within the network
2024: MTS partnered with Town of Waldoboro and the Midcoast Conservancy to construct an additional beginner/green trail, consisting of approximately 2,440 feet of new trail.
2025: MTS will be maintaining existing trails and building the next phase of the emerging trail network.
In partnership with Midcoast Conservancy, MTS will enhance the multi-use trail network at Hidden Valley Nature Center. The Shewanella Trail, a bike-optimized route, will connect Moose Alley to the Barn venue, providing a seamless connection for visitors and supporting events like live music. This project will create an engaging, well-designed trail experience for both casual users and avid bikers alike.
2024: In partnership with Georges River Land Trust, MTS built a new climb trail that maintains the bog's unique identity while enhancing user experience and promoting sustainable trail development.
2025: We will be continuing this partnership by rehabilitating another critical section of the Georges Highland Path (segment 2.4-3.05), also known as the “Meatgrinder Trail.”
2024: Our crew Partnered with Coastal Mountains Land Trust to rehabilitated the Lollipop Loop, and restored the .5 mile trail to an intermediate/blue trail.
2025: We will be working with the Camden Snow Bowl to improve trails on the lower half of the mountain.