The mission of Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is to care for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature.
Here’s how we do that:
Wild Places
Coastal Rivers conserves places where wildlife can thrive, through…
- Donated or purchased properties
- Committed stewardship of all conserved lands
- Voluntary landowner agreements, also called conservation easements
Trails & Public Access
We connect people to the outdoors with…
- Hiking trails
- The accessible River Trail, soon to be extended
- Working farms
- Access to lakes, ponds, rivers and estuaries for fishing, clamming, and recreation
- Places for bird & wildlife viewing
Clean Water
We work to ensure healthy waterways and vibrant communities by enlisting citizen scientists, who…
- Monitor fresh & salt water quality
- Maintain a water quality lab
- Help property owners become LakeSmart certified
- Tackle invasive aquatic species
- Monitor changes to shell middens
- Track horseshoe crab populations
Education
We grow the community of people who care about our lands and waters through…
- Workshops, classes, & guided hikes
- Camp Mummichog summer day camp
- Beachcombers’ Rest Nature Center
- School programs & teacher trainings
- After-school program
- The Wabanaki program
- Midcoast Stewards program
- Oyster Gardening
Coastal Rivers was formed by the unification of Damariscotta River Association and Pemaquid Watershed Association in March 2019. Coastal Rivers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, membership supported, community based, nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization with more than 1,800 members conserving nearly 4,000 acres of the region’s most significant lands for public benefit.
Contributions to the land trust are tax-deductible, as provided by law, as are donations of land and conservation easements that provide essential public benefits.
We care for critical land and water resources and historical assets, including outstanding wildlife habitat, public access, and cultural treasures like oyster shell middens. We also provide extensive educational programs focused on the area’s rich natural and historical heritage.
While Coastal Rivers’ land conservation efforts in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region are focused on the towns of Damariscotta, Newcastle, Edgecomb, Nobleboro, Bristol, South Bristol, Waldoboro, Boothbay and Bremen, our educational programs benefit individuals and families from Yarmouth to Lincolnville, as well as visitors from around the world.
Highlights: Coastal Rivers offers the community…
- Thousands of acres of conserved land for community benefit
- Over 51 miles of public trails and access to several islands
- Natural history interpretation and educational opportunities for youth and adults
- After school activities and vacation camps
- Native American programs for local schools (such as Wabanaki Living Skills and Culture)
- Marine research, conservation and water quality monitoring
- A robust volunteer program
- Summer day camp (Camp Mummichog)
We invite you to visit our natural areas, take part in our events and programs, and join our efforts as a member, volunteer, or donor.
