When a timber company with lands along the Androscoggin River began to divest itself of its Maine holdings in the late 1980s, local residents grew concerned that the woods they had long enjoyed for traditional recreation might be subdivided and developed. They circulated petition drives, created a video about the property, and sought help from Read More
Land for Maine's Future Places
The Land for Maine’s Future program has conserved special places throughout the state that have exceptional natural or recreational value and should be permanently protected. LMF has played a vital role in the acquisition of more than 490,000 acres from willing sellers. These lands include more than 1,000 miles of shorefront and 158 miles of rail-trails, and habitat important for wildlife for breeding, wintering, and migration. LMF-protected lands also include entire islands as well as working forests and farms. NRCM continues to help lead efforts supporting the Land for Maine’s Future program to protect public access to Maine’s most beautiful and significant natural areas.
Aroostook State Park
In a rolling landscape dominated by farms, Quaggy Joe Mountain presents a prominent profile. Alongside it lies Echo Lake, a popular brook trout fishery and swimming destination. Both these recreational resources lie within Aroostook State Park, the first state park ever created in Maine (in 1939). The Park, just five miles south of Presque Isle, draws Read More
Appleton Preserve
There are more than 300 species of vascular plants in seven different natural community types. The community type that occupies the largest area on the property is the Hemlock Forest, which includes small patches of Red Maple Sensitive Fern Swamp in low-lying areas mostly associated with the riparian zone. The plant diversity at Appleton Preserve Read More
Aroostook Valley Trail
For half a century, freight and passenger cars ran a regular service through this rural region. The last freight service ended by 1960 and the rail lines were abandoned for decades. Community members saw the conversion of these rail beds into multi-use trails as a means to meet the recreational and fitness needs of local residents, lure Read More
Beech Hill
A short walk up Beech Hill rewards one with panoramic views of the Midcoast, stretching from the Georges River Valley out to Monhegan Island and east to Mount Desert Island. Generations of local residents have frequented Beech Hill–enjoying family hikes and picnics, blueberry-picking, and quiet reflection in an inspiring setting. This cherished community landmark is Read More
Birch Point State Park Addition
A grant from the Land for Maine’s Future program allowed the Maine Department of Conservation to acquire land needed to complete public ownership of the beach, protecting the site’s natural character by buffering it from development. Known for its gentle surf and brisk waters, the attractive crescent-shaped beach at Birch State Point Park (known locally as Lucia Read More
Black Brook Preserve
Of all the towns in rapidly growing Cumberland County, Windham ranks second in percentage population increase over the past three decades. Many former farms and woodlands have sprouted housing developments and it looked as if this 105-acre property in the heart of town would be the next to go. The land, between three heavily traveled Read More
Blackstrap Hill and Wilshore Farm
At 400 feet, Blackstrap Hill is one of the highest points in Cumberland County. The hill is covered in a mix of conifers and hardwoods, with notable stands of rare black birch, mature hemlock and old-growth trees (including a white oak 14 feet in circumference!). Blackstrap Hill’s wooded slopes are visible for miles, a welcome Read More
Bowden Farm
Since 1989, Blue Hill Heritage Trust has worked to preserve agricultural land on the Blue Hill peninsula. As part of this effort, the Trust sought to acquire an agricultural easement on Bowden Farm, an attractive 208-acre mix of woods and fields along Route 15. The Land for Maine’s Future program and the USDA Farm and Ranch Land Read More
