Fall Rambles: Damariscotta River Association

In Maine many land trusts and river preservation groups have been saving beautiful former farmlands, woodlands, and waterfronts for decades. Locally the Damariscottia River Association maintains more than 30 preserves that it either owns or maintains by partnership with another organization or the state.

Here is a mid fall view from the parking lot of the Great Salt Bay Farm Preserve the DRA owns. The view looks over part of 115 acres. Far in the distance is the salt bay that runs into the Damariscotta River.  Mid-photo there is a low-lying duck pond conducive for waterfowl.

Dogs are allowed, on a leash, which keeps those waterfowl safe and free to swim, nest, and raise younglings. The Great Salt Bay Farm makes for delightful short or long walks as there are a variety of paths and trails over hill and dale and through marsh and woods. You can see everything from where a deer may have rested to field birds and egrets or horseshoe crabs. If you go far enough you can see Native American type structures built by school children who the DRA sponsors for Native studies field trips. My son was fortunate to participate in this program a couple of times. 

My typical dog-ramble views!

For more information on all the trails the DRA maintains and more on programs the DRA offers for families and children see the website:

                                     https://www.damariscottariver.org