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
Hiking
We are fortunate that Maine has hundreds of miles of trails to explore. These locations are great for all levels of hiking—from winding trails along Maine's coast to high mountain peaks in western Maine and beyond. Always check the weather before heading out, and let a friend or family member know where you are headed if you are hiking alone. Don't forget to check in when you return. Enjoy your time exploring Maine's public lands!
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
Bradbury-Pineland Corridor
The State owns two major tracts of public land in eastern Cumberland County, both within 40 minutes of Maine’s two largest urban areas – Pineland Public Reserved Land (600 acres) and Bradbury Mountain State Park (800 acres). These two resources are located only three miles apart, and the trail corridor and park expansion created to link them with Read More
Brunswick-to-the-Ocean Trail Corridor
Support from the Land for Maine’s Future program enabled the Town of Brunswick to more than double the amount of contiguous open space in and around its Town Commons, a parcel of land with great historic and recreational importance to local residents. Only 71 acres of the Town’s original “commonage” created in 1719 remain in a natural Read More
Burnt and Sheep Islands
Two undeveloped islands off North Haven, 15-acre Burnt Island and 25-acre Sheep Island, support two pairs of nesting Bald Eagles that are among the most successful in the state. Between 1970 and 1989, the Burnt Island eagle pair (or their successors) raised more than 21 eaglets, according to Charlie Todd, a wildlife biologist with the Read More
Camden Hills State Park
The Camden Hills, which offer spectacular views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding countryside, are a popular destination both for out-of-state visitors and area residents. Camden Hills State Park sees the highest day-use of any park in Maine and its visitation keeps growing. The area’s scenic beauty is matched by its ecological significance: the Maine Read More
Casco Bay Islands (Flag, Mark, & Whaleboat)
Fast-growing residential growth along Casco Bay has fragmented and destroyed much wildlife habitat. For the species that remain, the undeveloped islands in the eastern Bay provide a critical resource. The Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program has helped to protect three of these islands: 11-acre Mark, 27-acre Flag, and 125-acre Whaleboat. Mark Island is one Read More
