There are a few areas along the trail at Cosima’s Preserve where the trail is uneven underfoot, where you may need to step over roots, rocks, and a low section of stone wall. There are some moderate, mostly gradual, changes in elevation.
A gift from Scott Long in 2016, the 44.5-acre Cosima’s Preserve sits on the west side of the Pemaquid River near the southern end of Biscay Pond. The property has 1,100 feet of frontage along the Pemaquid River, as well as 1,950 feet along Campbell’s Swamp Brook along the western edge.
Along with the Brackett easement property to the west, and Keyes Woods Preserve and the Half Moon Pond Conservation Area beyond that, these three adjacent properties create a habitat block exceeding 1,000 acres with about 4,000 feet of shoreline along the Pemaquid River.
See traces of the recent past in the old woods roads and stone walls. Glacial erratics and a lovely ledge outcrop add beauty and interest. In the spring, you’ll find a patch of sweet fringed polygala growing near the ledge at the water’s edge. This quiet waterway is a good place to spot wading birds, ducks, basking turtles, and amphibians during the warmer months.
Cosima’s Preserve is located at 460 Benner Road in Bristol. From Damariscotta, travel 2.7 miles east on Biscay Road. Take a right onto Lessner Road. After 2.1 miles, look for a small wooded parking area on the right. (Note that Lessner Road becomes Benner Road after 1.6 miles.)
