Land Trust Spotlight #8: Kennebunkport Conservation Trust
We’re thrilled to share article #8 in our land trust spotlight series: Kennebunkport Conservation Trust! Below you’ll find three beautiful hikes (including a 7.4 mile+ hidden gem right in southern Maine). Don’t forget to check out the KCT website for more trails, ways to get involved, and secluded island camping. Yep, you read that right!
All photos in this article were taken by Tess Johnson. Beautiful work, Tess!
About KennebunkPort Conservation Trust (KCT)
Since 1973, the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust has been preserving special places throughout the community. It all began in response to the threat of development, when residents came together with a shared commitment to protect the lands they loved. With the support of dedicated members, KCT has since conserved more than 3,000 acres, ensuring that these landscapes remain protected for future generations. Over the years, the Trust has created more than 30 miles of trails, maintained harbor islands for public use, and restored historic landmarks including a lighthouse and a boathouse.
At the heart of this work is the idea of community conservation; a growing movement that blends land preservation, stewardship, education, and community engagement into one unified effort. This approach strengthens both the natural environment and the people who care for it, recognizing that healthy landscapes and connected communities go hand in hand. While many conserved lands are protected for their ecological value, numerous properties are open to the public for exploration and recreation. KCT’s long-term vision is to create a greenway that stretches from the farthest reaches of Kennebunkport to the sea.
Conservation is about more than protecting land—it’s about connecting people to that land and giving them a reason to care. Through educational programs, community events, and monthly offerings ranging from trail runs to nature talks, KCT continues to bring people together outdoors. In doing so, the Trust has not only safeguarded the character of Kennebunkport, but also cultivated a strong and enduring conservation community.
1. Emmons Preserve
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
Located in the heart of Kennebunkport, the Emmons Preserve has become a cherished community resource. This property is the former homestead of Steve and Natalie Emmons, generously donated to the Trust with Steve’s vision in mind: a place where children could connect with nature. Today, that vision thrives. The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust has established a welcoming headquarters, developed a network of scenic trails, and created a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The site serves as a hub for our Trust in Education program, while also hosting local nonprofit events, family gatherings, and private functions. Visitors are invited to explore and enjoy all the preserve has to offer—hike the trails, snowshoe in winter, follow the Batson River, walk the Labyrinth, discover along the Learning Trail, or simply relax with a picnic on the deck.
2. Tyler Brook Preserve
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
The Tyler Brook Preserve connects a multitude of holdings for the Trust, creating a greenbelt towards the coast. It begins at the junction of the Learning Trail on the Emmons Preserve and follows the Batson River into a forest with rich history, to where our tributaries meet the sea. Explore on foot through the winding trails and peaceful vistas. Oh, and iconic boardwalks, like you see above!
3. Smith Preserve
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
The Smith Preserve is the Trust's largest holding. It features over 1,100 acres, 10 miles of recreational trails, babbling brooks, picnic rocks, quaint bridges, and a gorgeous forested landscape. In addition to the trail system, the Smith Preserve is primarily a wildlife habitat. It is part of a 3,000 acre block of undeveloped land, the largest such piece between Kittery and Brunswick on the coast, and home to white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, hares, owls, partridges, turtles, and many other species. For our human friends, the property is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, bird watching and peaceful getaways from our busy lives.
Staying in Touch
Getting involved with the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust is easy, and there are many ways to take part as we continue to grow and evolve. We encourage you to reach out directly whether you’re interested in volunteering, partnering, or simply learning more. Staying connected through our social media channels is a great way to hear about new opportunities, programs, and events as they arise. You can also follow our events calendar on our website, give us a call, or email us at info@kporttrust.org to stay in the loop. If you’d like to support our work, donations can be made online through our website or by check sent to our P.O. Box.
Together we can do great things!
🐦🐛🐝🐰🦌😊
Thank you for everything you do to conserve our precious outdoor spaces, KCT!
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!