By Dave Erker and Linda Swackhamer
The Orono Land Trust is pleased to announce the purchase and conservation of 26 acres of land in Orono, along the Penobscot River. The parcel is to be named Chatto Woods and Waters, in honor of the grandparents of the major donor Shane Martin, an Orono resident.
Martin stepped forward to donate the majority share of funding towards the acquisition, in honor of his grandparents Marion and Lawrence Chatto. Martin says, “This land has been owned by the Viola, Chatto and Townsend families over the last century.”
The Chatto family purchased the land from Guiseppina Viola in 1945. Thomas Viola, Guiseppina’s husband, built the Orono water system during the time he lived in this area. Martin’s mother Peggy C. Martin inherited the property from her mother and sold it to Ralph and Ann Townsend in 1998. Peggy Martin was a Registered Maine Guide, and founding member of the Orono Land Trust.
As an Accredited Land Trust, OLT assesses land projects through a rigorous process of evaluating soils, forest, wetlands, trails, history and habitat. OLT board member Ray Owen is quoted as saying that Chatto Woods and Waters is the “best example of mature hardwood forest in Orono… (and has) unique older growth.”
The OLT board evaluation goes on to mention the existence of a complex of significant vernal pools, an important habitat feature. The parcel provides almost 900 feet of shorefront along the Penobscot River, and contains interesting fern and wildflower colonies.
Shane Martin says, “I hope that this can become a quiet area that people can use to escape from the bustle of the world for years to come. For many years my mom Peggy C. Martin was a Registered Maine Guide and I think she would be very happy that this land is being preserved.”
The Orono Land Trust mission statement says that “OLT exists to protect, manage and preserve portions of the natural environment in Orono and surrounding communities, for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. We work to balance conservation and development, extend and maintain trail systems connecting natural areas, encourage appreciation of natural habitats and ensure perpetual access to public lands and waters.”
OLT can be reached at oronolandtrust.org.
At Chatto Woods and Waters, there is a complex of significant vernal pools, an important habitat feature. (Courtesy of Adam Toothaker)