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
public lands
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
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
Opposition to LD 1126, An Act To Support Tourism on Public Reserved Lands by Leasing Sites to Commercial Sporting Camps
Good afternoon Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. My name is Eliza Donoghue. I am here today on behalf of the 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to speak in opposition to LD 1126, An Act To Support Tourism on Public Reserved Read More
Broadturn Farm (formerly known as Meserve Farm)
Broadturn Farm is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm that raises organic vegetables, cut flowers, strawberries, a small amount of poultry, and turkey, as well as natural lamb and pork. The property is in agricultural conservation with the Scarborough Land Conservation Trust (SLCT). Formerly called the Keith Meserve Farm, the land is one of the largest 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
