Wildlife conservation in Brunswick, Maine

The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, located at 10 Polar Loop in Brunswick, Maine, is a fascinating institution that showcases the rich history and culture of the Arctic region. In the spring of 2023, the museum will open inaugural exhibitions in their new home, the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies on the Bowdoin College campus. One of the new temporary exhibits will feature contemporary Inuit photography, offering visitors a unique perspective on life in the Arctic today. From the sledge that carried Peary to the North Pole in 1909 to modern technology used by Inuit travelers, the museum's exhibits explore the past and present of Arctic life. In addition to traditional displays, the museum also hosts events such as film festivals and discussions to engage visitors and shed light on lesser-known aspects of Arctic culture.

Long Reach Preserve is a stunning 95-acre park located at 648 Harpswell Island Road in Harpswell, Maine. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors one of the longest hiking trails in the area, with a challenging 1.5-mile loop trail that winds through various forest types, a peat bog, and descends to the shores of Long Reach. The preserve showcases Harpswell's unique folded bedrock geology, with steep ridges running parallel to the shore and forming peaty wetlands. Long Reach itself is a submerged valley with tidal mudflats at low water. Visitors can enjoy views of weathered bedrock cliffs across the water, including the town-owned Cliff Trail.

Woodward Point Preserve, located at 219 Woodward Point Road in Brunswick, Maine, is an 87.5-acre park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore its trails and observe wildlife in the beautiful northern Casco Bay area. Visitors can sign up for special maps with tips on where to go and what to look for, and themed activity maps for kids are also available. The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust is working with Woodward Point Preserve to create a level, half-mile trail to ensure that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Construction on the trail is expected to be completed in the fall, and efforts are being made to make the preserve more accessible to all visitors.

Otter Brook Preserve, located at 429 Harpswell Neck Road in Harpswell, Maine, is a beautiful park that runs alongside one of the largest freshwater streams in the area. This freshwater marsh, stream, and pond system is a rare gem in the coastal community. The preserve features all-season trails that wind through the forest, providing 1.7 miles of scenic walking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities. Visitors to Otter Brook Preserve can enjoy peaceful walks through the woods, with occasional sightings of wildlife such as great blue herons, ducks, and dragonflies. The preserve was protected from development by the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, local donors, and the Town of Harpswell to preserve its essential wildlife habitat and protect marine water quality for ocean life in Ewing Narrows and Harpswell Cove.