LITCHFIELD – The trustees of the Smithfield Plantation asked Lance Gatcomb and his Belgian horse to move new logs into place for the building of a new amphitheater this spring.

Smithfield Plantation is a 100-acre parcel of town-owned land located at the corner of the old Libby Road and the Huntington Hill Road. Originally recognized as a unique piece of property in the middle 1970s, it became permanently protected by an ordinance in 1989.

It was first used mainly for educational purposes as a nature/conservation center dedicated to advancing a hands-on science curriculum by the Litchfield schools.

Many local groups and organizations, such as 4-H clubs, senior citizens, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts, have also used and improved the area.

There has been increasing activity at Smithfield Plantation, with the board of trustees encouraging various nature activities, projects and workshops.

This spring the Smithfield Plantation trustees partnered with the Litchfield schools and Project Learning Tree (part of the Maine Tree Foundation) to train local educators and volunteers in various ways to use Smithfield Plantation for educational purposes.

In 2001, a new trail was built through a grant from the Department of Conservation, with help from the Conservation Corps and volunteers.

This spring a new trail, which follows along a stone wall and connects to the old trail, was created. Smithfield Plantation has recently become a favorite walking area of many residents.

There is a natural amphitheater at Smithfield Plantation. In 1995, Eagle Scout Darren Collins, with his Boy Scout troop, created benches and a podium at the amphitheater. It was used for several years as a “classroom” by Litchfield students. Collins and several of the people who originally helped make the benches will refurbish them this summer.

The trustees are attempting to obtain grants to add a parking lot, handicapped accessibility to the amphitheater and an outhouse. In addition to the grants, the trustees are also in contact with Exxon Mobile Pipeline Co., which has expressed an interest in possible financial support for some projects.

Following the completion of the amphitheater project, the trustees are planning a celebration at Smithfield Plantation.