Remembering our Friend Sally
We are deeply saddened to hear the news that our dear friend and conservation ally, Sara “Sally” Graves, of West Bath, passed away on October 17th at the age of 83. In 2017, Sally made a generous donation of 50 acres of land for conservation to KELT and in effect, the greater-Bath community.
Sally Graves, photo provided by her family and the Small Point community
“...I was impressed by her absolute resolve to see her property protected. Sally expressed none of the questions or uncertainty sometimes expressed by landowners, she knew what she wanted to do. We are thankful. ”
The land, now known as the Graves Preserve, consists of mixed upland forest and forested wetland. The ecological and cultural significance of the Graves Preserve cannot be understated. It is part of a large block of contiguous forest which includes another KELT-owned property, the Lilly Pond Community Forest, and contains vernal pool habitats vital to many threatened species.
It was Sally’s intention that KELT would protect and manage the land while still allowing community members to enjoy the property for recreational use. Today, the Graves property is beloved by ATVers, mountain bikers, and hunters alike. Thus, Sally’s generosity will permanently protect a parcel of land in the place she called home, while simultaneously instilling an appreciation for the outdoors in successive generations of Mainers. Please note the property currently does not have a public parking area or trailhead kiosk.
Statement from Jack Witham, KELT Board Member and Land Protection Committee Chair: “In the short visits I had with Sally before her tremendous gift of land, I was impressed by her absolute resolve to see her property protected. Sally expressed none of the questions or uncertainty sometimes expressed by landowners, she knew what she wanted to do. We are thankful.”
To read Sally’s full obituary click here: https://www.pressherald.com/2021/11/06/obituarysara-sally-terry-graves/
In memory of Sally (from her obituary): “Please take a walk in the beautiful outdoors with a friend, or donations may be made to the: McLanathan-Phippsburg Fire and Rescue Fund, Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 83 Phippsburg, Maine 04562”
KELT worked with Bath 3rd graders in 2018 to build and install two owl nesting boxes on the Graves Preserve.
Multi-use trails on the Graves Preserve in 2021.