Choice View Farm, situated at the confluence of the Eastern and Kennebec rivers, provides panoramic views of upper Merrymeeting Bay that bring many a passerby on Route 128 to a standstill. Beyond the wide swath of hayfields, one can look out to Swan Island, Abbagadassett Point to the south, and the protected Green Point Farm property upstream. The 108 acres at Choice View Farm lie at the heart of an extraordinarily rich wildlife haven that provides essential habitat for numerous rare, endangered and threatened species of birds, fish and plants. “Few locations in Merrymeeting Bay,” says Molly Docherty of the Maine Natural Areas Program, “match the diversity and abundance of rare plants in this brief stretch of shoreline.”
Friends of Merrymeeting Bay coordinated the campaign to acquire Choice View Farm, then transferred the property to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to manage as part of its Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area (which includes nearby Swan Island). This acquisition was part of a broad effort to protect thousands of acres around Merrymeeting Bay and the Lower Kennebec, through the joint efforts of the Maine Wetlands Protection Coalition (an alliance of federal, state and private conservation entities).
Closest Town
Dresden
Activities
Hiking, fishing, hunting, bird & other wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing
Region
Midcoast Maine – Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, Waldo
Acres
16
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Map 6, A-5. From Richmond, follow Route 197 east over the Kennebec River to the first 4-way intersection, turning right on Route 128. Head south for several miles, crossing the “Lower Bridge” over the Eastern River. Choice View Farm is on the right about 300 yards past the bridge. There is a firm area for parking just off the shoulder and across Route 128 from a white house.
