The Bowdoin Orient

April 6, 2001
Volume CXXXII, Number 20

Save the Brunswick Commons

To the Bowdoin Community:

   Amidst the pines on the outskirts of the Bowdoin athletic fields lies a forest that we all call the "Town Commons." This natural haven has been here since the beginning of the College in 1794, and has attracted thousands of students and local residents to walk its peaceful paths or to run through the trails of its somber woods. Currently this treasured place is threatened by development sprawl.
   The trails extend three miles beyond Bowdoin College land through the woods to the ocean, providing students with a great recreational path for running, biking, cross-country skiing, bird-watching, and hiking. The trail runs from campus to the water's edge at Middle Bay, and over 80% of the land along which the trail runs, is privately held by developers. 267 houses have been built within a mile of the Commons in the past twenty years. It is important that Brunswick and Bowdoin act now to protect the quality of this precious resource for the college students of today and for generations to come.
   The owners of this land have recently received increased pressure to develop the land. Through the efforts of a group called FRIENDS OF THE COMMONS, 112 acres of forest surrounding the Commons and including the entire trail corridor are currently available for purchase by the community. The purchase of this land would protect the existing trail system from being developed. This would be wonderful for Bowdoin College students who like to bike, cross-country ski, or run to the Commons.
   Soon there will be students selling "Meals & Deals" coupons in an effort to help this worthy cause. These coupons give an array of bargains ranging from restaurant discounts to movie tickets in the Brunswick area. Please help these students give to the future of Bowdoin College by contributing.

Elliot Wright '04