The Phippsburg Land Trust has purchased or acquired easement rights to nearly 800 acres since the late 1980s. We own about 450 acres outright and hold easements on the rest. All these lands were either donated by owners who wished to preserve the lands they loved for all time, or were purchased with contributions from our members and friends. We invite you to explore and learn more about these beautiful places. Below you will find more information about some of the preserves and easements you can explore. Please note that we offer guided walks on our preserves as well.
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Bijhouwer Forest Easement
This 73 acre forest is beautifully maintained and includes one of the northernmost stand of mountain laurel in New England. The laurel blooms in late June and early July. The forest also includes lovely seasonal waterfalls and "Hundred Foot Rock", a huge bolder covered with leatherleaf lichen. Wildflowers, some rare, are found on this easement.
Directions to Bijhouwer Forest Easement |
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Center Pond Preserve
A variety of natural features are found on this 253 acre preserve, including vernal pools, high ledges, mixed woods, small streams, and a beaver pond. Some trails follow the shoreline of Center Pond while others encircle the beaver pond or traverse wooded ridges. Birding is excellent in this preserve and wildflowers are numerous.
Directions to Center Pond Preserve
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Noble Hill Preserve
This 13.2 acre preserve was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cunningham. The land features mixed woodlands and several acres of open fields as well as more than a quarter mile of Kennebec River shoreline and interesting vernal pools which abound with life in the spring. Outstanding views of the Kennebec are afforded by high rock ledges on the east side of the preserve and an overlook on the south side offers views of a small salt marsh.
Directions to Noble Hill Preserve |
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Ridgewell Preserve
This 46 acre preserve offers access to some very lovely views of Seguin Island and the Atlantic. The trail (orange) begins at Pride Rock Way, off Route 209, and passes by a marsh before ascending through woodlands to a ridge where a trail (white) leads to "Dinosaur Rocks" on town property. From the rocks, a short walk leads to the Seguin Island overlook. The white trail continues south through the Phippsburg Town Forest to Route 209.
Directions to Ridgewell Preserve |
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Sprague Pond Preserve
This 114 acre preserve off Route 209 includes lovely woods and a nearly 10 acre spring-fed pond which is deep and cold--a real hidden jewel. A trail winds past a beaver pond and dam via a wooden footbridge and ascends through woods to Sprague Pond, then follows the elevated shore on the west side of the pond and continues through a wooded section north of the pond. Views of the pond from all vantages are beautiful.
Directions to Sprague Pond Preservee |
Greenleaf Easement
A short public walking trail through this easement leads to the Kennebec River and a small salt marsh on the bank. The remainder of the easement is private and not open to public access.
Directions to Greenleaf Easement |
Mary's Woods at Cutting Creek
This short but very beautiful walk along the uppermost reaches of Cutting Creek leads to the north end of the marsh. Autumn is an especially lovely time to visit Mary's Woods, but the views are always wonderful regardless of the season.
Directions to Mary's Woods at Cutting Creek |
Spirit Pond Preserve (State Land)
The Phippsburg Land Trust acts as the steward of this preserve which lies along the north and west shores of Spirit Pond, a tidal pond near Popham Beach. The preserve includes an old mill dam, stone walls and beautiful views of the Morse River salt marshes. Additionally, birding in this area is excellent with many species of water and wading birds present.
Directions to Spirit Pond Preserve |
Totman Cove
(Please note: This preserve is restricted to Phippsburg taxpayers and their guests. A current Phippsburg transfer station sticker is required on cars parking at this preserve)
The Phippsburg Land Trust holds an easement on this 88 acre preserve which is owned by the Town of Phippsburg. The jewel of the preserve is an undeveloped beach which is reached by road or by parking in the first lot and taking a short trail (somewhat rugged) to the west end of the beach. The North Creek Trail, a one mile loop along the serene creek begins at the east end of the beach near the parking area. Birdlife, wild mushrooms and other flora abound in this preserve.
Directions to Totman Cove Preserve |
