Last Fall, The Kennebunk Land Trust (KLT) engaged in a unique project with Google that allows the public to virtually experience many of the Trust’s preserves. The Land Trust used the Google Street View Trekker, a wearable backpack with a camera system. The Trekker is worn and walked through pedestrian walkways or trails on foot, automatically gathering images as it goes. That imagery is then stitched together to create the 360-degree panoramas you see today in Google Maps. Staff and volunteers walked several of the Kennebunk Land Trust’s most visited preserves, using the camera to record the walks. Anyone from across the globe can now virtually experience these areas as a result of this collaboration with Google. The goal of this project is to enhance access to the natural environment and foster new connections with a broader audience. This virtual trail system will aid in ensuring that these preserves can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age, ability, or distance.
Land Trust sites that were trekked are listed below. Click on the link of each site to begin your own virtual walk. Though not a KLT preserve, Hope Woods was selected because of the Land Trust’s new partnership to protect the woods through a conservation easement. All of the walks were recorded in Autumn to highlight the beautiful Fall foliage.
The Kennebunk Land Trust, founded in 1972, has conserved over 3,400 acres throughout its history, including the Kennebunk Plains. KLT is a membership driven organization and relies on its dedicated members and volunteers to achieve its mission of permanently conserving and stewarding land for both natural and human communities. Visit www.kennebunklandtrust.org or call 207-985-8734 to learn more.
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