LIBERTY, Maine — A grassroots group out of Liberty has succeeded with its promise to purchase a local mountain in the community they grew up in, but there is still quite the hike to go.
The Friends of Haystack Mountain formed almost a year ago when they heard the news Haystack Mountain in Liberty was up for sale from the former Allen's Blueberry Freezer.
Their goal was to fundraise the almost half a million dollars needed and purchase the land, to then hand over to Midcoast Conservancy to preserve for public use.
"This was a hard project," member Cathy Roberts said.
After months of fundraising events including a stargazing tour, a play of "Blueberries for Sal," and others, the group was able to save around $200,000.
Just last week, the group used that money to close on a purchase for the mountain.
"We never thought that we would've raised, you know, two hundred thousand dollars in less than a year," Roberts said.
The group is now fundraising to cover the almost $300,000 in loans and trail maintenance needed for the summer season.
"We are looking forward with optimism that we can continue the process," Roberts added.
For many, the motivations behind tackling such an intimidating endeavor are the memories both the communities of Liberty and Montville have growing up exploring the mountain.
"My kids ... Everybody's kids have been up and down that mountain a gazillion times," Lorna Crichton said. "We all look to the mountain, and many of us love that mountain."