Funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program enabled Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) to purchase 95 acres adjoining a town-owned recreational field and a previously protected 217-acre property. Long Reach consists of upland forests, the southern freshwater end of the largest, mostly salt, marsh in Harpswell, as well as fresh water wetlands and bogs. This preserve, which includes 95 acres and the State-owned, 200-acre Austin Cary Lot to the north (near the mouth of Long Marsh), makes up the largest substantially undeveloped area of wildlife habitat in Harpswell.
Long Reach Preserve features varied terrain, with a maturing upland forest, freshwater wetlands, a bog, and a half-mile of tidal frontage that includes important mudflats. These diverse habitats support a variety of ducks, geese, wading birds, and hawks, including some species that are rare or in decline. HHLT has created a trail system on the 99-acre parcel that is enjoyed by hikers, skiers, snowshoers, hunters, clammers, and wormers.
Closest Town
Harpswell
Activities
Bird & other wildlife watching, clamming, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, worming, and swimming
Region
Southern Maine – York, Cumberland
Acres
99
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, Map 6, D3. From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, travel on Route 24 south 6.6 miles to the Trufant-Summerton Ballfield. Turn by the ballfield and bear right into the HHLT Preserve parking area.
