NORWAY —  The Western Foothills Land Trust has made its match to receive a $5,000 challenge grant made by Norway Savings Bank for the trust’s endowment fund campaign.

The trust was given two months to raise the match and was brought over the threshold with a major donation offered at the annual meeting in the field at Roberts Farm Preserve.

Norway Savings Bank offered the challenge grant in recognition of the trust’s commitment to resource conservation, environmental education and outdoor recreation in western Maine.

Currently the trust protects more than 5,500 acres of land by a blend of conservation easements or ownership in a 10-town service area and provides more than 12 miles of recreational trails on four preserves.

The trust was selected in May 2012 to be a recipient of the Ram Island 25/25 challenge grant administered by the Maine Community Foundation. Under the program, the trust needs to raise $25,000 for its endowment in 18 months to receive a matching $25,000.

With the Norway Savings grant in place, more than $13,000 has been raised or pledged for the endowment fund. The fund will be managed by Norway Savings Bank; as a restricted fund; the trust will only be able to access the interest accrued from the principal.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution or pledge to the fund to help meet the Norway Savings Bank Challenge can find information at www.wfltmaine.org. For additional information, contact 739-2124.