After years of discussions and proposals and months of working out the final details, it’s official — the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust has purchased a conservation easement on 6.7 acres of church property in Robinson Woods. The church will retain ownership, but the easement will complete CELT’s Cross Town Trail, guaranteeing it will remain natural and protected in perpetuity.

The final agreement was signed at the church on May 31 by co-Pastor Priscilla Dreyman, CELT Executive Director Cindy Krum, and CEUMC Administrative Council Chairperson Steve Hill. Earlier signatures were made by New England Conference Many Waters District Superintendent Karen Munson, CEUMC co-Pastor Kathleen Decker-Szakas, and CEUMC Trustees Chairperson Robert Knupp. Also in attendance at the signing was acting CEUMC Treasurer Jim Tammaro, who for years has been working behind the scenes to make this happen. The signing was officiated by CEUMC Attorney Mary Dennison.

A celebration and ribbon-cutting to mark the new easement will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 12:30 p.m. at the back of the church parking lot. Church members and the public are invited to attend this historic ceremony. The ceremony also will officially recognize the new easement as Chapel Woods.