Just north of Merrymeeting Bay, the Hiatt Farm borders the Kennebec River, its 40 acres of hayfields rolling down to extensive tidal marshlands. The historic nature of this farm is evident along the waterfront, where remnants of a pier testify to the days when “Kennebec Ice” was cut on site and loaded onto schooners. The Read More
Wildlife Watching
Maine is home to many iconic species of wildlife—the Common Loon, black bears, Canada lynx, Osprey, and of course, moose! Exploring Maine's outdoors often offers you a glimpse of these beautiful creatures. Learn more about Maine wildlife in our Creature Feature. Explore these locations for a chance to see Maine's wildlife up close. Please remember to leave their nests, dens, and young offspring alone if you come across them while exploring.
Hooper Pond Preserve
Recognizing the ecological and recreational value of Hooper Pond (also known as Little Sabattus Pond), the Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) launched its first-ever capital campaign to acquire the best intact parcels around this wholly undeveloped pond. ALT purchased the bulk of the preserve from Robert & Eva Philbrook and Pat Malmo & Richard Blaisdell in 2003 and 2004 Read More
Horan Head & Federal Harbor
Horan Head Residential sprawl and second home development is spreading eastward, reaching even the more remote stretches of Downeast Maine. When Horan Head, a 235-acre peninsula along the wildlife-rich shores of Cobscook Bay, went on the market to settle an estate, The Nature Conservancy negotiated a bargain sale purchase (well below the appraised value) so Read More
Jacob Buck Pond
With support from the Land for Maine’s Future program and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) acquired an undeveloped parcel bordering Jacob Buck Pond to provide permanent boat access. The new site, on a Great Pond that had no previous public access, provides a launch Read More
Jamies Pond
In the conservation of Jamies Pond, everyone involved came out ahead. The former landowner, the Hallowell Water District, was able to get needed funds to develop a deep well-water source for its customers. By selling its land for less than the appraised value, the District helped make it affordable to those who sought to protect Read More
Jay to Farmington “Whistle Stop” Trail
For more than a century, trains passed through meadows, wetlands, and dense woods en route between Jay and West Farmington. After train service was discontinued, the rail company that owned this 15-mile corridor generously agreed to sell it for less than its appraised value — enabling the State and local communities to protect this valuable Read More
Jugtown Plains
With the rapid spread of development in southern Maine, it is increasingly hard for woodland owners to keep their lands in production. The Jugtown Plains property, located on prime, sandy soils within 25 miles of Maine’s two largest urban centers, was particularly vulnerable. It straddles three of the fastest-growing towns in Maine, which experienced population Read More
Kennebec Highlands
From the highest points in the Kennebec Highlands, a 6,400-acre expanse of wooded hills and wetlands just north of Augusta, one can see to the White Mountains, Mt. Katahdin, and the Camden Hills. Foreground views encompass the Belgrade Lakes and vast stretches of contiguous forest land – broken only by an occasional blueberry field, marsh, Read More
Kennebec Highlands — Kimball Pond
The 7 Lakes Alliance acquired a 278-acre property around Kimball Pond in Vienna. The property includes Kimball Pond’s headwaters (including areas prone to erosion), a tributary stream, and wetlands area. Kimball Pond is home to a popular fishing spot for brook trout. The Kimball Pond area is also home to sustainably harvested forestland. The goal Read More
