Toothpaste maker Tom's of Maine donates 38 acres to Maine land trust
Company founders Tom and Kate Chappell
Tom's of Maine, which makes toothpaste and other personal-care products, has given the 38.1-acre Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary to the Kennebunk Land Trust in Kennebunk, Maine.
The purpose is to protect public access to the woods and trails along the Mousam River near downtown Kennebunk, said Tom and Kate Chappell, cofounders of the company.
"We moved to Kennebunk in 1969 to be part of this community and raise a family," Kate Chappell said in a prepared statement. "We're grateful for the opportunity to give back to the town and people that have given so much to us over these last 37 years."
Tom's of Maine will continue to own an adjacent 28.2 acres for possible expansion, the company said.
This year, Colgate-Palmolive Co., the New York consumer-products company known for such brands as Colgate toothpaste and Mennen deodorant, disclosed plans to buy Tom's of Maine for about $100 million.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)
