Land Trust Spotlight #9: Boothbay Region Land Trust
We’re thrilled to share article #9 in our land trust spotlight series: Boothbay Region Land Trust! Below you’ll find three beautiful hikes. Don’t forget to check out the Boothbay Region Land Trust site for more hikes, ways to get involved, and a regional map!
About Boothbay region land trust
Since 1980, Boothbay Region Land Trust (BBRLT) has been dedicated to protecting open space and public access to natural lands and waterfront across the Boothbay region. BBRLT maintains 26 public nature preserves with more than 35 miles of recreational trails across four towns on the Boothbay peninsula: Edgecomb, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport Island.
This membership-supported nonprofit safeguards roughly 2,000 acres of land from development including woodlands, wetlands, salt marshes, islands, seabird and wading bird habitat, feeding areas for migratory birds and butterflies, landscape-scale wildlife corridors, historical sites, and working waterfront. BBRLT also hosts over 100 free educational events annually to connect people of all ages to the land.
As a nationally accredited land trust, BBRLT is committed to the long-term vitality of the lands and habitats entrusted to its care. Together with the support of volunteers and members, Boothbay Region Land Trust is working to protect the lands and waters that sustain and enrich the lives of people in our community.
1. OAK POINT
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
Oak Point Farm serves as Boothbay Region Land Trust’s headquarters and hub to its network of trails throughout the region. The preserve sits on the last of what was once a common site in the region—a saltwater farm. These small-scale farms, situated along the coast of Maine, utilized the waterways to transport goods, which consisted of both crops raised on the land and fish from the sea. Oak Point Farm offers a level one-mile loop trail, including a shorter universally accessible .6-mile loop suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Plan to bring the whole family, a picnic lunch, and stay for the day.
Insider tip: Visitors can enjoy a nature playground, a storybook trail with a nature-themed children’s story, a visitor and nature center with bathrooms, a viewing deck with rocking chairs, and much more.
Unique biodiversity feature: The trail system meanders along field and forest with extensive stunning views of Hodgdon Cove as well as a freshwater pond teeming with wildlife.
2. oVENS MOUTH PRESERVE
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
Image by Bob Kofman
Ovens Mouth Preserve is a beautifully forested nature preserve on the southern shore of the Ovens Mouth, a deep, narrow waterway leading from the Sheepscot River estuary to an extensive tidal basin. This preserve provides a large network of walking trails, including miles of scenic shoreline.
Divided into an Eastern and Western section and connecting by a long pedestrian bridge that crosses a narrow cove, the preserve offers nearly a variety of hiking options, including a 1-mile easy shoreline loop on the east side, and a nearly 2-mile moderately challenging shoreline loop on the west side.
Insider tip: For a longer hike, individuals can combine the loops by crossing the pedestrian for a nearly 3-mile hike.
Unique biodiversity feature: The preserve conserves diverse habitats including salt marsh and mudflats that provide essential breeding and feeding grounds for marine organisms and birds.
3. PORTER PRESERVE
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
Porter Preserve, on the shore of Barters Island in Boothbay, was Boothbay Region Land Trust’s first public nature preserve. With its spruce forest, small sandy beach, and beautiful views of the Sheepscot River estuary, Porter is one of the most beloved nature preserves in the region. Home to Roberts Wharf, a working waterfront site that provides water access for local lobsterman, this preserve demonstrates how conservation, public access, and working waterfront goals can come together for the good of the entire community.
Insider tip: Several benches provide scenic overlooks toward cliffs and ledge rocks where seals can occasionally be seen sunbathing at low tide.
Unique biodiversity feature: The preserve features an approximately 1-mile easily loop trail along the shore of Barter’s Island and through heavily wooded forest.
Image by E. Frank Johnson
Thanks for reading and for exploring and supporting your local land trust.
We appreciate all you do for Maine and for conservation, Boothbay Regional Land Trust!
About Land Trusts in Maine
Land trusts have worked tirelessly to conserve 12% of Maine’s total land, which is double the size of state parks, national parks, and national forests combined. There are 84 land trusts in Maine. While that number continually evolves, a couple of things stay the same:
Most of the permanent conservation of these lands is made possible by generous private landowners, who selflessly entrust their beloved family land to these trusts for conservation, environmental education, and community benefits.
Members and volunteers are the driving force behind land trusts, from creating and maintaining hiking trails, to environmental research, to nature-based community programs. Their efforts, both physical and monetary, make our favorite trails possible.
Looking for your next hike in Maine?
Check out the rest of the Land Trust Series here!
Dive into our statewide interactive map referencing all of our recommendations!