With a nod from Edgecomb selectmen Monday, April 22, the town’s 1000-acre Schmid Preserve may have some full-time help this summer, thanks to a possible grant from Dartmouth College.

Charlotte Nutt, Edgecomb resident and daughter of David Nutt and Judith Sandick, is a senior at Dartmouth, pursuing a double major in earth science and economics. She has applied for a $5,000 grant for a project that would combine trail work and marketing for the preserve's mountain biking trails.

Schmid Preserve committee member Lisa McSwain presented the information to selectmen. Written materials from Charlotte Nutt explained that, if the grant is approved, her work would include building bridges for crossing streams, improving trails by removing obstacles, and building some new trails. Nutt also intends to organize work days for the preserve, network with other mountain bike organizations and publicize the preserve. Nutt projected her work would take place for 35-40 hours each week between mid-June and August. 

In a phone interview with the Boothbay Register, David Nutt explained that the grant application would be submitted by April 24. If the grant is approved, Charlotte Nutt’s work would be provided at no cost to the town.

The preserve is a multi-use recreational area that has been maintained and managed by volunteers for two decades. In his email to the grant committee, Robert Leone, Chairman of the Schmid Advisory Board, explained that the mountain biking community tends to be younger than the preserve's current volunteers. “The board hopes this younger group will be the future volunteer stewards of our Preserve,” the email said.

McSwain told selectmen the board was “all excited about it.” Selectmen were positive about the possible summer intern at the preserve and endorsed the idea.

McSwain said there will be a Schmid Preserve work day on Sunday, April 28. Those wishing to volunteer should meet at 9 a.m. in the Old County Road parking lot.

Selectman Ted Hugger announced that the town will need to find replacements for Becky Smith, who has been providing a cleaning service for the municipal building and Katie Wurtzell, select board secretary, who will be leaving the job at the end of June.  Those interested in the openings should contact Hugger.   

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, May 6 in the municipal building.