PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • July 14, 2025
The Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust acquired 77 acres of forest in Cumberland known as Watson Woods through a land purchase. The parcel — a mile from downtown Cumberland — had long been eyed by the trust. “CCLT and the town have waited decades for the opportunity to conserve this stunning parcel,” said CCLT Executive Director Penny Asherman. The parcel features a cascade waterfall and abundant wildlife. Adjacent to the trust’s Rines Forest and Read Family Farm and Woods, the combined parcels will create a conserved block of more than 450 acres. The trust will construct trails and a small parking area on the Watson Woods property over the next year. Watson Woods is part of a multi-town conservation and recreation corridor stretching over 2,000 acres from Windham through Falmouth, Cumberland and beyond.