Stewardship, joint projects and community engagement are becoming the new focus of the Sippican Lands Trust after a vigorous period of land acquisition.

The Lands Trust, which owns more than 1,100 acres in town, is teaming up with local businesses and schools to display the properties and make them more accessible. Many of the properties feature walking trails and some even have kayak launches.

Shows at the Marion Art Center featuring local artists’ depictions of the properties and a centennial anniversary trail on the former Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company land are in the works. Conservation education programs with Tabor Academy and Sippican School are already being used.

Chris Bryant, president of the Sippican Lands Trust, said many of lands could be visited by simply parking along the side of the road near the trailheads. He also said some locations have clear parking spots, but many of the roads among the properties are low-traffic areas.

“We have this wonderful land,” Bryant said at the Lands Trust’s annual meeting Thursday, Oct. 27. “But what are we going to do with it to enrich our community? We’re at a beginning here. It’s almost earth-shattering, what we’re capable of.”

Bryant said the recent approval of $300,000 in community funding at Town Meeting Oct. 25 to acquire 12 acres was a significant step in the Trust’s new focus. Part of the land, which abuts Route 105 and The Wave restaurant, is slated for a 40B project that has been in litigation with the town for some time.

“We provided a platform for people to come together and solve a 10-year problem and we’ve come up with something beneficial to the town," Bryant said. "What we’ve accomplished and where we’re going is significant.”

Director Jonathan Howland said the goal now is to get more people on the properties.

“We’re working to have botany trails with the help of the garden club,” Howland said. “We’re talking with the historical society about creating markers that explain artifacts along the Marconi property trails. It’s time to give back these beautiful places and let the community enjoy it.”

The Sippican Lands Trust is also continuing its campaign to help preserve and protect 360 acres in western Marion. The Mahoney and McIntire property, located between Route 6 and I-195, is one of the largest undeveloped land blocks draining into Aucoot Cove, according to the Lands Trust. Donations can be made through the Trust’s website, http://sippicanlandstrust.org/.

Click the links below to download PDFs of Sippican Lands Trust properties, and click here to view a Google Map of the properties.