Join us July 9th at 10 a.m. for an exploration of the Coastal Mountains Land Trust in Belfast, ME! This property offers trails through open fields, oldish growth forests (with a fair amount of invasive honeysuckle!), a shallow stream area, and a river. You can read more about the property in this article by Aislinn Sarnacki (BDN).
We will gather at Head of Tide Preserve at 10:00am. Habitats include the Passagassawakeag River where aquatic insects can easily be found clinging to rocks at water’s edge. Trails wind through open fields often teeming with insects in the tall grasses and wildflowers and pine trees of this 92-acre preserve. We have been given permission to collect specimens. We will provide CMLT with a list of species found.
Be aware that disease-carrying ticks are prevalent in this area. You are advised to wear protective clothing (long pants tucked into socks, long sleeves, hat and repellent). Be sure to pack insect repellent, water, and a lunch or snacks. Bring collecting gear and/or a camera if you plan to collect specimens or photos. There are no restroom facilities so plan accordingly.
For those interested in further exploration, the Stover Preserve directly across Doak Road offers a mile-long trail winding through 53 acres of forested habitat (where volunteers are making progress hand-removing invasive shrubby honeysuckle).
For more information and trail maps of Head of Tide and Stover Preserves see https://www.coastalmountains.org/get-outside.
Directions:
The preserves are on either side of Doak Road, near its north end, in Belfast, ME. From downtown Belfast, take Main Street west and immediately turn right onto Waldo Avenue. In 1.5 miles, turn right onto Doak Road. Parking area is on the right. The parking lot for Head of Tide Preserve is about 1 mile down Doak Road
Note: This event is co-hosted by MES and Coastal Mountains Land Trust and is organized by Kathy Murray (MES member) and Roger Rittmaster (CMLT Board Member and MES member). Questions?: Kathy Murray ( kdmurray50@gmail.com).
As a courtesy, please let Kathy Murray (kdmurray50@gmail.com) know if you're planning to join us!
Property Map (or print a PDF):
