Boothbay Region Land Trust

Story Trail Walk: The Shortest Day
2022-11-29 - 2022-12-26 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Read a family-friendly book while walking through the woods. Follow the illustrated signs along the trail as they tell a tale that connects you to your natural surroundings. The free 1-mile story trail starts from the Oak Point Farm parking lot kiosk and can be completed at your own pace and on your own time. The current story trail features the read-aloud book “The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice”, written by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by Jesse Reisch.
The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history.
The story trail at Oak Point Farm is open year-round during daylight hours, with a new book posted every four to five weeks. Current book titles and dates will be updated on our website.

Event Full: Saunders Preserve Hike
2022-11-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Saunders Preserve
* We have reached parking capacity for this event. Please join us for another program* Discover the history and ecology of Saunders Preserve during a leisurely one-mile hike with a Boothbay Region Land Trust naturalist. This moderate hike meanders down a wooded hillside, through a mix of majestic evergreen and hardwood trees before arriving at a small stream that empties into the Damariscotta River.

Writing the Land Poetry Readings & Book Launch
2022-11-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Join this virtual poetry reading and book launch of Writing the Land: Maine, an anthology featuring the work of poets writing about conserved lands for 13 land trusts in Maine. Boothbay Region Land Trust’s poets, Ben Boeghold, Kara Douglas, Ian Ramsey, and Julian Wise, along with 23 other poets will read at least one of their poems in recordings made mostly out on the lands themselves. These are interspersed with short videos featuring the land trusts and the work they do. Join us to explore and promote the work of land conservation through the arts.
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Story Trail Walk: The Honeybee
2022-10-24 - 2022-11-28 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Read a family-friendly book while walking through the woods. Follow the illustrated signs along the trail as they tell a tale that connects you to your natural surroundings. The free 1-mile story trail starts from the Oak Point Farm parking lot kiosk and can be completed at your own pace and on your own time. The current story trail features the read-aloud book “The Honeybee”, written by Kirsten Hall and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault.
Buzz from flower to flower with a sweet honeybee in this timely, clever, and breathtakingly gorgeous picture book. With zooming, vibrant verse, and buzzy, beautiful illustrations, this celebration of the critically important honeybee is a honey-sweet treasure of a picture book. The story trail at Oak Point Farm is open year-round during daylight hours, with a new book posted every four to five weeks. Current book titles and dates will be updated on our website.

Oak Point Farm Heritage Orchard Walking Tour
2022-10-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Join orchardist, Ron Ross, for an onsite tour and in-depth discussion of the Heritage Apple Orchard at Oak Point Farm. Discover what makes this orchard’s location such an ideal site to grow apples. Hear how the Apple Corps, BRLT’s volunteer orchard group, is revitalizing the ten older apple trees and planting 20 additional heirloom varieties. Learn how to select, plant, and take care of an apple tree (or orchard?) of your own.
Ron and his partner, Fred Kraeuter, began Burnham Cove Heirloom Orchard in 2014. Already 20 of their 70 apple trees (50 different varieties) are bearing fruit. Ron and Fred coordinate the Apple Corps, which maintains both the Oak Point Farm and Singing Meadows Orchards.
Group size is limited for this free event with advance registration required by filling out the form below or by contacting BLRT Education Manager Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org.

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Community Partner Event: Native Plants for Watershed Protection
2022-10-13 18:00 - 19:15 | Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: Bosarge Family Education Center
Boothbay Region Clean Drinking Water Initiative and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens present a special event for Boothbay Region Residents.
Learn how to take action on climate change, preserve our bodies of water, support healthy ecosystems, and protect locally-sourced drinking water at this free event. Keynote speaker Irene Barber, landscape designer, horticulturist, and Adult Education Program Manager at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, will discuss incorporating native plants that increase beauty, biodiversity, and contribute to clean water. Come discover some of the dynamic, striking natives perfect for shorelines, rain gardens, and wetland edges.
Representatives from the Boothbay Region Clean Drinking Water Initiative will conduct a Q&A and discuss the community-wide efforts being taken to preserve the region’s clean drinking water, from Adams Pond and Knickerbocker Lake.
Registration is required for this free event. Click here to register.

Oak Point Farm Heritage Orchard Walking Tour
2022-10-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Join orchardist, Ron Ross, for an onsite tour and in-depth discussion of the Heritage Apple Orchard at Oak Point Farm. Discover what makes this orchard’s location such an ideal site to grow apples. Hear how the Apple Corps, BRLT’s volunteer orchard group, is revitalizing the ten older apple trees and planting 20 additional heirloom varieties. Learn how to select, plant, and take care of an apple tree (or orchard?) of your own.
Ron and his partner, Fred Kraeuter, began Burnham Cove Heirloom Orchard in 2014. Already 20 of their 70 apple trees (50 different varieties) are bearing fruit. Ron and Fred coordinate the Apple Corps, which maintains both the Oak Point Farm and Singing Meadows Orchards.
Group size limited for this free program with advance registration required through the form below or by contacting BRLT Education Manager Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org.

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Oak Point Farm Hike
2022-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Discover the history and ecology of BRLT’s headquarters at Oak Point Farm, during a leisurely one-mile hike with a Boothbay Region Land Trust naturalist. Situated on more than 2,000 feet of coastline on Hodgdon Cove, this unique 32-acre preserve is the last remaining undeveloped saltwater farm in Boothbay Harbor. Discover heirloom apple trees and other evidence of the property’s farming history while exploring a vast assortment of natural habitats teeming with wildlife. Group size is limited with registration required by filling out the form below:

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To be Rescheduled: Linekin and Burley Preserve Hike
2022-09-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Linekin and Burley Preserve
***Please note: Due to an injury the hike leader recently experienced, this event is canceled and will be rescheduled in the future***Discover the history and ecology of Linekin and Burley Preserve during a moderate 1.5-mile hike with a naturalist from the Boothbay Region Land Trust. These adjacent preserves offer abundant wildlife: birds, deer, small mammals, frogs, and toads all thrive in this protected habitat. Plant life includes ferns, mosses, and a wide variety of trees such as red spruce, balsam fir, white pine, red oak, red maple, eastern hemlock, birch, and even sugar maple. Group size is limited and registration is required by filling out the form below or by contacting Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

BRLT Annual Membership Meeting
2022-09-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Thank you to all who attended this year’s Annual Membership Meeting. If you missed the event, don’t worry! We’ve filmed this year’s meeting, which will soon be available under the “News” or “Videos” link.

We are thrilled to once again invite all BRLT members to join us in person for our Annual Membership Meeting! Learn more about our activities over the past year, hear plans for the future, and vote on the new board officers and members. This year’s event will include a very filling fall BBQ dinner provided by Seacoast Catering & Lobster Bakes. Dinner tickets are available for purchase below or by calling our office or stopping in (dinner purchase is not required to attend).
We are also pleased to welcome Paul Hunt as our guest speaker for the evening. Paul is the Environmental Manager at Portland Water District, Maine’s largest wastewater utility. He will be sharing insights on watershed conservation and protection, particularly through his experience overseeing the Sebago Lake Watershed Protection Program, and drawing connections to the Boothbay Region’s watershed and the newly formed collaborative, Boothbay Region Clean Drinking Water Initiative, of which BRLT is a founding member.
Following the guest speaker, BRLT will host its annual member meeting. Members will be asked to vote on the following bylaw changes.
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Cancelled Due to Weather: Kayak Paddle to Indiantown Island Preserve
2022-09-22 09:00 - 12:30 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
***This program has been canceled due to the weather forecast for morning rain and thunderstorms*** Grab your kayak or canoe and join BRLT Executive Director and registered Maine Kayak Guide Nick Ullo as he paddles out to Indiantown Island Preserve. This 3-mile paddle will begin in the Townsend Gut and travel up the Sheepscot River before landing at the Indiantown Island float. Paddlers will have the opportunity to stretch their legs with a 1-mile hike led by Environmental Educator Tracey Hall, in which she will share the natural and cultural history of the preserve. This round-trip paddle launches at the float at BRLT’s Oak Point Farm and is best suited for intermediate and advanced paddlers. Participants should bring plenty of water, snacks, sunblock, and a PDF.

Babes in the Woods
2022-09-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-08-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-07-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Babes in the Woods is a nature discovery program geared to children ages 2-5 along with their families or caregivers. Participate in age-appropriate games, crafts, stories, and other activities to connect to the natural world. Special emphasis is made on sensory exploration of ecological themes and usually includes a short and easy walk. Group meets on the large deck of the white farmhouse at Oak Point Farm. Group size is limited for this free event and registration is required by filling out the online form below or by contacting Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org

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Cross River Preserve Hike
2022-09-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Cross River Preserve
Discover the history and ecology of Cross River Preserve during a leisurely one-mile hike with a naturalist from the Boothbay Region Land Trust. Enjoy a stroll through mixed forest and along a freshwater wetland and stream, before reaching the tidal shoreline and mudflats of the Cross River. The Cross River area was first settled in the mid-1700s, with much of the forest being cleared and used as pastureland. The fields were abandoned around a century later, and the forest slowly returned to what we see today. The preserve is home to a variety of trees including some large diameter Red Oak and White Pine, which probably served as field boundary markers over 100 years ago. The habitat within the preserve is diverse and attracts a variety of creatures including songbirds, aquatic insects, and amphibians. Group is limited and registration is required by filling out the form below or by contacting Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

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Story Trail Walk: A Seed is Sleepy
2022-09-14 - 2022-10-19 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Read a family-friendly book while walking through the woods. Follow the illustrated signs along the trail as they tell a tale that connects you to your natural surroundings. The free 1-mile story trail starts from the Oak Point Farm parking lot kiosk and can be completed at your own pace and on your own time. The current story trail features the read-aloud book “A Seed is Sleepy”, written by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long.
This gorgeous award-winning book offers children a beautiful and informative look at the intricate, complex, and often surprising world of seeds. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts, making it perfect reading material for a fall walk through the woods. The story trail at Oak Point Farm is open year-round during daylight hours, with a new book posted every four to five weeks. Current book titles and dates will be updated on our website.

Boat Trip to Damariscove Island Preserve
2022-09-10 08:45 - 15:00
SOLD OUT!
Hop onboard a boat to Damariscove Island for a day of exploration. Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Damariscove Island is one of Maine’s earliest settlement sites, dating back four centuries when the first European fisherman arrived. On the boat ride out to the island, a BRLT representative will share information on the island’s history and natural features. In addition to the boat ride, five miles of hiking trails, great tide-pooling and picnicking, and a small rustic museum make for a fun day trip. Tickets are required and group size is limited. Space is limited to 50 people.
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Penny Lake Preserve Hike
2022-09-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Penny Lake Preserve
Discover the history and ecology of Penny Lake Preserve during a leisurely one-mile hike with a naturalist from the Boothbay Region Land Trust. Located in downtown Boothbay Harbor, Penny Lake Preserve is a freshwater wetland with adjoining woodlands and an open field. A system of easy hiking trails offers an abundant variety of wildlife, including migratory and nesting birds, turtles, beaver, deer, and even a very occasional moose. In addition, numerous plants thrive in this varied natural habitat, from wildflowers to cattails and from hardwood trees to evergreens. Group size is limited and registration is required by filling out the form below or contacting Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org.

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Yoga on the Deck at Oak Point Farm: September 3rd
2022-09-03 08:30 - 09:30 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Immerse your senses in the natural world and connect with your breath in this all levels hatha flow class on the farmhouse deck at BRLT’s Oak Point Farm. Begin your day with intention and reconnect with your body through mindful movement & focus on your breath while surrounded by the scenic beauty of a nature preserve. We will gently warm up our bodies in the morning air, move through basic standing yoga postures, do some strength building and stretch our muscles. Class is open to all levels and suitable for beginners. Please bring your own yoga mat or a towel. Group size is limited with a suggested donation of $15. Registration is not required.

Tree Identification Walk
2022-08-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Cross River Preserve
Investigate the wonders of our local forests during an informative walk with Maine Forest Service District Forester Allyssa Gregory. Discover tree species using basic distinguishing features for rapid recognition. Gregory will share details of the ecology and land use history of the forest environments we encounter, especially through the lens of life strategies of different trees, and the processes that influence forest development and succession. This event is free and registration is required by filling out the form below or by contacting BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org.
Allyssa Gregory is District Forester for Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Kennebec counties. In this position, she provides education to adults and children on a variety of topics related to trees and forests. She also provides technical assistance and information to landowners, foresters, loggers, municipal officials, and others, about forest management, harvesting, and conservation. Maine Forest Service District Foresters can meet for a “walk and talk” with owners of 10 woodland acres or more on their properties, at no charge to the landowner.

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Yoga on the Deck at Oak Point Farm: August 20th
2022-08-20 08:30 - 09:30 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Immerse your senses in the natural world and connect with your breath in this all levels hatha flow class on the farmhouse deck at BRLT’s Oak Point Farm. Begin your day with intention and reconnect with your body through mindful movement & focus on your breath while surrounded by the scenic beauty of a nature preserve. We will gently warm up our bodies in the morning air, move through basic standing yoga postures, do some strength building and stretch our muscles. Class is open to all levels and suitable for beginners. Please bring your own yoga mat or a towel. Group size is limited with a suggested donation of $15.
Register here:
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Ovens Mouth East Preserve Hike
2022-08-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Ovens Mouth East Preserve
Discover the history and ecology of Ovens Mouth East Preserve during a leisurely one-mile hike with a naturalist from the Boothbay Region Land Trust. This wooded preserve features shoreline trails, quiet coves, a salt marsh, and the dramatic tidal change of the Ovens Mouth passage. This area has always been inviting for maritime activities because of its deep-water access and protected location. Settled in the mid-1700s, one of the region’s earliest shipyards was located here and both British and American vessels hid in the coves during the Revolution. Group is limited to 15 participants for this free event and registration is required by filling out the form below or by contacting Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org.

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Paddle to Miles Island Preserve
2022-08-10 08:30 - 11:30 | Knickercane Public Boat Launch 43.88070° N, 69.66448° W
Grab your kayak or canoe and join BRLT Executive Director and registered Maine Kayak Guide Nick Ullo as he paddles out to Miles Island Preserve. This 4-mile round trip paddle will begin from the Knickercane boat launch and travel up the Back River before landing on the shoreline of Miles Island. Paddlers will have the opportunity to stretch their legs with a short hike showcasing the new trail system and campsite on the preserve. This approximately 3-hour adventure is best suited for intermediate and advanced paddlers. Participants should bring plenty of water, snacks, sunblock, and a PDF. Registration is required by filling out the form below or by contacting Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org. (Raindate is 8/11 9:30-12:30).

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Porter Preserve Hike
2022-08-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Porter Preserve, 1 Porter Point Road, Trevett, ME, 04571
Discover the history and ecology of Porter Preserve during a leisurely one-mile hike with a naturalist from the Boothbay Region Land Trust. A trail leads through a thick forest, which features old-growth spruce, oak, and pine trees. Several scenic overlooks provide views toward cliffs and ledge rocks where seals can occasionally be seen sunbathing at low tide, while a large sandy beach is flanked by signs of an old homestead. Group will park and meet in the field at Roberts Wharf at the terminus of West Side Road, .2 miles on the left past the main entrance to Porter Preserve. This hike is limited to 15 participants with registration required by filling out the form below or contacting Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org.

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Yoga on the Deck at Oak Point Farm: August 6th
2022-08-06 08:30 - 09:30 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538

Celebrate! Signs of Conservation Fundraiser
2022-08-04 17:30 - 21:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
This Event Is Sold Out!
We’re back! After a two-year hiatus from major events, Boothbay Region Land Trust will be hosting the Celebrate! Signs of Conservation fundraiser at Oak Point Farm. Join us on Thursday, August 4 from 5:30-9pm for a small auction, delicious dinner, cocktails, live music and dancing!
The evening will begin under the tent with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and spectacular water views. Once everyone is settled in, catching up with old friends and making some new, we’ll kick-off a live auction of retired BRLT preserve signs. Have you always dreamed of displaying your favorite preserve sign in your cottage (Porter Preserve anyone)? Now is your chance! These beautifully rustic wooden signs will be the topic of conversation and envy at every dinner party!
Portland band Champagne Casanova will officially get the party started with tunes that you know and love. These seasoned musicians can play anything from Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty, to The Bleachers and Olivia Rodrigo. We guarantee you’ll hear a favorite tune, and if you don’t, request one!
Hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and an open bar will be provided all evening by Seacoast Catering & Lobster Bakes. Whether you are vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, or desire a heartier protein, there will be something for every diet and preference.
This is a summer event you won’t want to miss! Tickets are $150/person, or for $1,500 you can enjoy a VIP reserved table for eight. Invite your friends and family for an unforgettable evening of fun! Tickets are available online below or by calling our office; stopping in to Oak Point Farm to purchase tickets in person; or mailing a check to BRLT with “Celebrate Signs of Conservation” in the memo line.

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Nature for Kids
2022-07-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
Nature for Kids is BRLT’s outdoor discovery program geared towards school-age children and their families. Join us for an easy walk sprinkled with activities and games that promote nature exploration and connection. Each month has a different natural theme that emphasizes local ecology and seasonal changes. “Nature for Kids” meets on the large deck of the white farmhouse at Oak Point Farm. Group size is limited for this free event and registration is required by filling out the online form below or by contacting Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org.

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Yoga on the Deck at Oak Point Farm: July 23
2022-07-23 08:30 - 09:30 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538

Event Full: Geology of the Boothbay Region
2022-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
***This event is at capacity and we are starting a waiting list. Please contact Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org to be added to the waiting list***
Discover the geology of the Boothbay Region with Professor of Geology Dave West during an easy walk around the universal access trails of BRLT’s Oak Point Farm. Join us for a general overview of the nearly 500 million-year geologic history preserved in the bedrock of the midcoast region of Maine. Although the current coast of Maine is relatively tame in terms of dramatic geologic activity, this has not always been the case. Professor West will provide insight into the dramatic history preserved in the geologic features of the midcoast region, including violent volcanic eruptions, massive earthquakes, and burial beneath over a mile of glacial ice. The spatial distribution of different rock types across the region, and how they relate to the present-day landscape, will also be discussed.
Dave West is a Professor of Geology at Middlebury College in Vermont who specializes in unraveling the bedrock geologic history of the northern Appalachians, with a particular interest in coastal Maine geology. A North Carolina native, Dave obtained his Masters and Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from the University of Maine and has been conducting geological research in Maine for over 30 years. Prior to arriving at Middlebury, Dave taught at Bowdoin College, Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, and Earlham College in Indiana.

Field & Forest Family Fun Day
2022-07-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
A day full of family fun including live music, a bouncy house, and nature-focused activity stations on one of Boothbay Region Land Trust most beautiful preserves! Join us in the grand opening of the Oak Point Farm natural play area, and explore all this location has to offer. This event is FREE to the community!
