Pemaquid Watershed Association, with assistance from Damariscotta River Association, acquired this 70-acre forested parcel along the Pemaquid River in 2018 shortly before the two organizations unified to become Coastal Rivers. Purchase of the property was made possible by the generous support of George Keyes, joined by his brothers Henry and Jonathan. Managing organization: Coastal Rivers Description: Keyes Woods is a beautiful wooded property in Bristol extending east to the Pemaquid River from Poor Farm Road, with over 1900 feet of shoreline and a free-flowing tributary stream. The outflow of this stream, at a quiet bend in the river, is a hotspot …
Hilton O’Connor Trail
The Hilton O’Connor Trail meanders through the 47-acre Bremen Town Forest. Dedicated in memory of Diane Hilton O’Connor, who was a long-time member of the Bremen Conservation Commission, the trail features mixed forest types, a salt marsh, a hay meadow, and a winding brook. Managing organization: Town of Bremen Description: An easy to moderate trail, peaceful and quiet, with a variety of forest types and opportunities for birdwatching. There are some impressive red oaks along the trail and delightful fern alleys, bubbling brooks, and a winding salt marsh along the eastern edge of the forest. In late summer, look for monarch …
Bristol Recreational Trail
The Bristol Recreational Trail crosses town-owned property and school property and is maintained by Coastal Rivers. It was created in 2006 by the Town of Bristol and Pemaquid Watershed Association (now Coastal Rivers), with assistance from the Maine Conservation Corps and funding from the Maine Department of Conservation Recreational Trails Program. Managing organization: Town of Bristol Description This gem of a walking path starts at Route 130 just south of the Bristol Consolidated School, leads back to the Pemaquid River estuary, then returns to the highway just north of the school near Lupine Road. It is about .75 miles long long …
Little Falls Brook Preserve
Donated by Greg and Shelley Brackett to PWA in 2008, the 21-acre Little Falls Brook Preserve contains a shallow wetland area and a short trail through the forested upland portion of the preserve. The trail is accessible by foot only in the winter months when the marsh is frozen. This lush marshland does provide a paddling opportunity, when the water is high, to immerse in the sights and sounds of wetland wildlife. Paddle will require dragging over at least one beaver dam. Because wetlands are like the kidneys of the landscape due to their ability to remove excess nutrients, toxic …
Hatchtown Preserve
Hatchtown Preserve in Bristol was donated to PWA by the Pangilinan-Borromeo family in 2015. The intent is to keep this land along the Pemaquid River in a natural state, allow public enjoyment of the area, and to provide access to the river by non-motorized kayak and canoe. Managing organization: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust Trail Abstract: This preserve consists of 35 acres along the west side of the Pemaquid River from south of the Hatchtown Bridge on the Lower Round Pond Rd down to the inlet into Boyd Pond. The primary conservation value is the undisturbed habitat along the shore of the …
La Verna Preserve
Pemaquid Watershed Association (now Coastal Rivers) accepted the 120-acre La Verna Preserve as a formal transfer from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 2009. The preserve was acquired in three parts between 1965 and 1973. Dr. Elizabeth Hoyt and her sister, Mrs. Anna Mavor, donated a 30-acre parcel; their family trust, the La Verna Foundation, donated a 55-acre parcel; and The Nature Conservancy purchased the remaining 34-acre parcel at the southwest end of the preserve. Managing organization: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust Description: Trails: La Verna Preserve features the Hoyt Trail (0.6 mi), which follows the right -of-way across from the parking area, …
Walpole Woods
Walpole Woods is a property of the Town of South Bristol. This approximately fifty acre woodlot was a gift of the neighboring Gordon Merriam family to the former Damariscotta Area Recreational Alliance in 1963. Subsequently, ownership was transferred to the Town of South Bristol in 1978. Stewardship of the property was entrusted to the Damariscotta River Association in 2003, which now, as Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, works in partnership with the town. It was Mr. Merriam’s wish “that trails could be opened up to the public for walks and enjoyment of woodland, springs, mosses, wildlife, etc. In winter the trails …
Marsh River Bog
The Marsh River Bog Preserve is a 54-acre property purchased by Damariscotta River Association in 2004, featuring wooded trails alongside a beautiful bog. Managing organizations: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust Trail Description Marsh River Bog features loop trails and a bog, opening up to exploration a natural community that few people ever have a chance to see. Cotton grass, bog orchids, cranberries, and stunted trees cling to a floating mat of peat moss in the center of the bog. Support for the purchase of this property came from individuals, foundations and public funds, among them the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, supported by …
Salt Bay Farm
One of few intact saltwater farms in the Midcoast, this 146-acre wildlife preserve was acquired in several pieces starting in 1994 with the help of generous members, neighbors, and donors, including Betty Noyce. LEARN MORE ABOUT SALT BAY FARM Managing organization: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust Description: A variety of habitats in close proximity make the Farm a regional birding destination. Other highlights of the property include Twin Villages Foodbank Farm, a popular sledding hill, salt and restored freshwater wetlands with an observation platform, and trails through forest and meadow along Great Salt Bay, Maine’s first Marine Protected Area. Directions to Trailhead: …
Crooked Farm
The Crooked Farm Preserve was established in 2002, as a result of a community partnership among Crook family, the Carpenter’s Boat Shop, the Pemaquid Watershed Association, and the Damariscotta River Association, along with the financial support of the local community and funding from the Land for Maine’s Future Program in collaboration with the Maine Department of Conservation. Managing organization: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust Description: Crooked Farm Preserve is open to the public for walking, boating, hunting and fishing with nearly 130 acres of forest, wetlands, and open fields, complete with high knolls and ravines. Its gravel streambeds are spawning habitat for …
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