MES Field Day: Reynolds Forest, Sidney, ME

Join us for a combined MES-Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) field day in Sidney (central Kennebec County) on Saturday, September 7th (rain day on the 8th). Theresa Kerchner will be there for the KLT, and Dana Michaud is leading for the MES.

The actual site is the Reynolds Forest Wildlife Management Area on West River Road (State Route 104).

We'll meet at 10:00 a.m. in the parking area along Route 104. Major habitats include mixed hardwood-softwood forest, old hayfields, and an active cascading stream with waterfalls and a broad floodplain area, Goff Brook. There is an easy hiking trail that includes a loop to the old 18th-century homestead site.

From I-95, take the Lyons Road exit in Sidney, and go east. Since both off-ramps are 180-degree U-turns, if you've come from the north, this will mean turning right at the end of the off-ramp, whereas those coming from the south will turn left. Lyons Road comes to a "T" and ends at West River Road. Turn right and go about 3.3 miles; the parking area is a modest turnout along the highway - please conserve space in parking. This will be about 0.6 miles south of the Sidney boat landing and recreation area, after the road has bent to the right and gone into a low. It's directly across the road from a driveway, immediately after you've crossed Goff Brook. There's a small KLT sign there. A street address of 2740 West River Road should get you there via GPS.

Bring lunch, drinks, your collecting or photography gear, insect and tick repellant, and your enthusiasm! Watch for poison ivy by the parking area; there are no restroom facilities available on-site.

Do let Dana Michaud know (djmichaud1@gmail.com or by phone at 872-7683) if you're planning to come.