FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital is donating the yurt that is located on its campus near the Whistle Stop Trail to Maine Huts & Trails. Maine Huts & Trails operates more than 35 miles of trails in Franklin and Somerset Counties, all of which are open year round and free of charge.

“It will be better utilized by the outdoor recreational enthusiasts who frequent Maine Huts & Trails,” said Gerald Cayer, Franklin Community Health Network executive vice president. “As a result, both residents and visitors of Franklin County will have greater access to the yurt.”

Maine Huts & Trails will remove the yurt from the FMH campus in July and will reassemble it near a trail in Franklin County. “We feel that the use of the donated yurt is very consistent with our system and will be a nice addition to our current offerings,” stated Dave Herring, executive director of Maine Huts & Trails.

Franklin Memorial Hospital added the yurt to its campus in 2003 to serve as a shelter and picnic area for those using the 14-mile Whistle Stop Trail that winds from Farmington to Jay.