Land Trust Spotlight #10: Kennebec Estuary Land Trust
About Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT)
Since 1989, The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust has been committed to conserving land and wildlife habitat of the Lower Kennebec and Sheepscot River estuaries for the benefit of today’s communities and future generations. We are a community-based membership organization serving the towns of Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoinham, Dresden, West Bath, Georgetown, Richmond, Westport Island and Woolwich. KELT preserves 5,120 acres of land and nearly 3,000 of those acres are available to the public for recreational use. There are a lot of ways to get involved with KELT, we host a variety of free events to connect participants of all ages with the natural world. There are also opportunities to volunteer with KELT between our LOCAL Garden, stewardship team, and numerous community science programs we conduct. For more information about KELT preserves and trails, upcoming events, ways to volunteer, or to support KELT’s work with a financial donation, visit www.kennebecestuary.org.
In addition to our direct conservation work, we participate in fruitful collaborations with state and federal agencies and private conservation organizations under the umbrella of the Maine Wetlands Protection Coalition. This has resulted in the protection of over 18,000 acres of critical wetland habitat. Through mechanisms such as conservation easements, property donation and outright purchase, KELT is committed to identifying and protecting land in our region with ecological, agricultural, scenic, cultural or historic significance and providing access to the properties we own for non-motorized low impact recreation.
And here are three preserves you should definitely explore!
1. Thorne Head Preserve
🥾AllTrails Route🥾
Sitting on the famed “Mushroom Rock”
In 2000, KELT purchased 88 acres of land with the support of many community members, located right on the Kennebec River, just a few miles from downtown Bath. Thorne Head is known for its spectacular water views and beautiful forest trails, making KELT’s most popular preserve. There is a large network of trails with many different ecological features.
Thorne Head starts on the Overlook Trail, which leads to a freshwater marsh that supports many different species of birds, including herons and wood ducks, amphibians, and plenty of different species of wetland plants. As you continue the walk, you’ll eventually make it to the center of Thorne Head, which is where you'll find the mushroom rock and a beautiful view of the confluence of Whiskeag Creek and the Kennebec River.
Insider tip: Thorne Head Preserve it also connects to the Whiskeag Trail, which adds another 5 miles of walking trails to explore!
Unique biodiversity feature: The estuary is known for being an important breeding ground for many sensitive species of marine animals, including the short-nosed sturgeon. In the warmer seasons, you can sit along the shores of Thorne Head and watch in wonder, as dozens of sturgeon leap from the water.
All Season Hiking
Don’t forget about winter! The snowy season is a magical time to explore these trails!
2. Bonyan Preserve
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
In 2002, the Bonyun family donated 74 acres on Westport Island, with many of its trails right along the Sasanoa River. Bonyun Preserve offers stunning views of the river, while enjoying the great white pines and unique pitch pines that grow in the mixed old growth woods. Wildlife is abundant, no matter what section of the trail you’re on.
Insider tip: As you get to the section of trails along the river, it’s common to see a seal poking its head out of the water or bathing in the sun on the rocks.
Unique biodiversity feature: The preserve contains Mill Cove, which is a salt marsh that is frequently used by wading birds at low tide such as the snowy egret, great blue heron, and many species of migratory shore birds. As you walk through the old growth forest, you’ll find many species of woodland birds like chickadees and nuthatches, and you may even get lucky to spot a deer or porcupine!
3. Lilly Pond Community Forest
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
Lilly Pond Community Forest is a 247 acre preserve that contains a vast trail system, connecting to regional trail systems for mountain biking and ATVs. You can find people of many different interests enjoying the trails, between hikers, bird watchers, and bikers. Lilly Pond has a variety of habitats including lowland forests, mixed woodland, open wetlands, and over 900 feet of frontage on Lilly Pond, which is the headwaters of Whiskeag Creek.
Lilly Pond is also a go-to site for bird watching. It’s a common migratory stopping point for many warbler species, and if you visit early enough in the morning, you may get lucky enough to hear, or even see, an owl.
Insider tip: Bring the binoculars and your Merlin app…over 115 species of birds have been recorded in the diverse habitats here!
Unique biodiversity feature: Lilly Pond hosts immense ecological value, as it is home to important breeding grounds for amphibians, called vernal pools. These vernal pools are a commonly used education site, as KELT hosts public and school programs annually in the spring to teach about the importance of conserving habitats that are crucial to amphibian populations, such as mole salamanders and wood frogs.
Lilly Pond’s incredible fall foliage views
Thank you, Kennebec Estuary Land Trust for everything you do to protect our great state’s ecological diversity AND to provide us access to view it 😊
Hard work and a beautiful bridge!
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!
Kennebec Estuary Land Trust protects tidal marshes, salt ponds, and oak‑studded trails where eagles wheel and seals spy. Check out these midcoast gems!