Join MES in Belfast for a field day at Head of Tide Preserve on Saturday August 9th 2025.

We will gather at Head of Tide Preserve at 10:00 a.m. Habitats include the Passagassawakeag River, where aquatic insects can easily be found clinging to rocks at the 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 the Coastal Mountains Land Trust (CMLT) with a list of the 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 entrance to the Preserve is located on Doak Road in Belfast. From the southeast, go north on Route 1 to Belfast and take the Route 137 (Waldo Avenue) exit in Belfast. Turn left on Waldo Avenue, drive 1 mile and turn right on Doak Road. Drive slowly when approaching Doak Road, because it is easy to miss. The Head of Tides Preserve parking lot is about one mile on the right.

If you plan to come, or have questions, please contact Roger Rittmaster (roger.rittmaster@gmail.com or by phone at 919-491-5440). Thank you.