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
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.
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
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
