Visit The Land

The properties of Phipppsburg Land Trust are open to all, year round, free of admission from dawn to dusk.

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.

Bijhouwer Forest Easement This 73 acre forest is beautifully maintained and includes one of the northernmost stands of Mountain-laurel (Kalmia latifolia) in New England. The laurel blooms in late June and early July. The forest also includes lovely seasonal waterfalls and the “Hundred Foot Rock”, a huge bolder covered with leatherleaf lichen. Wildflowers, some rare, are found on this easement. Directions to Bijhouwer Forest Easement 

Cooley 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 an old beaver pond or traverse wooded ridges. Birding is excellent in this preserve and wildflowers are numerous. Directions to Center Pond Preserve

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

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

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 Preserve

Wilbur Preserve at Cox’s Head  This 10 acre preserve at the end of Cox’s Head road includes lovely woods and a stunning view from the summit. A 1/4 mile trail winds past a spring fed pond two thirds of the way to the summit which once provided water to the nearby summer homes, and a Revolutionary War garrison on the summit.  Your easy ascent begins amongst a wild Apple Orchard which we are continually revitalizing. The view from the summit includes all of Atkins Bay, the western coasts of Gerogetown, and to the south the Popham Colony area, Popham Village, and of course Fort Popham and the islands off the beach. An additional loop trail begins just in from the parking spaces and meanders through the apples and mixed forest of the south face of the hill. Directions to Wilbur Preserve

McDonald Sanctuary  This 8.4 acre preserve comprises the north east shore of Spirit Pond between along route 209. This prime property, purchased by the land trust in 2012, now protects the last undeveloped shore of Spirit Pond. An Orange blazed loop trail winds through mixed forest, with extensive growth of ferns and two old farm walls. The loop trail is connected via a white trail to the two car lot to the south on 209, where it is closest to the ‘Pond.’  A bridge was built over the creek, which connects the McDonald loop to the Spriit Pond trails to the west.   Directions to McDonald Sanctuary

McDonald Marsh Preserve. This X.x acre parcel located at southern junction of Rte. 209 and Parker Head Rd., contains a freshwater marsh that is the headwater of one of the streams that feeds into Spirit Pond. The land contains a x mile loop trail, which takes the hiker up to the high woodland behind the marsh, through mixed forest and along an ancient stone wall at the back line of the property. The loop descends back to and along the marsh for a short but rewarding hike. If an extended hike were desired, McDonald Sanctuary is just across Rte 209 – but be very cautious as this is a busy road regardless of season. Directions to McDonald Marsh Preserve

McKay Farm Preserve  This 102.1 acre parcel was acquired in part with federal grant money in 2019.  The property is adjacent to the Cooley Center Pond preserve, abutting it to the south. The lot was the farm of McKay, and contains freshwater wetlands and the head a stream which feeds Parker Head Cove.  Access to the loop trail on McKay is through Cooley Preserve at Center Pond.  The trail meets the Cooley South perimeter trail.  Future trail improvements will add direct access. Directions to McKay Farm Preserve

Greenleaf Easement A short public walking trail through this easement leads to the Kennebec River and a small salt marsh on the bank. Views of an old homestead, remnants of an ancient dam that created a farm/ice pond, and a likely old Crop field are available along the trail. The remainder of the property 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) This x.x acre parcel, south of Rte. 209 is owned by the State of Maine, Parks and Public Lands. It is a portion of the Popham Beach state park unit. Through agreements with the state Phippsburg Land Trust acts as the steward of this preserve which lies along the north and west shores of Spirit Pond, a tidal embayment 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 

Duley Farm Preserve This 179 acre parcel, south of Sam Day Hill Rd. contains a mixed forest and wetland environment. The parcel was acquired in 2019 in part with Federal Grant money. 55 acres of this parcel are the north and western portions of ‘Parker Head Swamp’ and Parker Head Creek; which provide fresh water to the Parker Head Mill Pond. This area is also recognized by Maine DEP as Inland Shorebird habitat. On the western boundary of the parcel, is Duley Pond (see photo) and on the northern edge, where Parker Head Creek leaves the preserve is a stunning gorge. Access of Duley Farm Preserve is from the Ridgewell Preserve on Rte 209, and a trail through the Town of Phippsburg owned Lemont Preserve. Directions to Duley Pond Preserve

Totman Cove (Please note: The Beach at Totman Cove 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 North Creek Trail, a one mile loop along the serene creek begins at the east end of the beach near the lower parking area. Birdlife, wild mushrooms and other flora abound in this preserve. Directions to Totman Cove Preserve