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TheNatureConservancyacySpring 1998 m / Falls Island, Cobscook Bay Tremendous tides, the highest on the country's eastern seaboard, pour into Cobscook Bay and surge headlong toward Falls Island. A narrow passage between island and mainland separates the inner and outer Bay. Here the ocean waters buckle as, tide in and tide out, there is more water than passage. BRUCEKIDMAN Rebuffed, the waters swirl backward from the channel, forming two immense eddies before remounting their powerful attack. For hours at a time, the passage is a roiling, churning, reversing falls and one of the major reasons Native Americans called Cobscook Bay the place of boiling waters.

ncircled by turbulent waters, Falls Falls Island, left, Island lies at the center of Cob­ and Reversing Escook Bay. This wild and rugged 140- Falls above. acre island is not only the geographic center of the Bay, but very much at the center of action. To secure the future of this cen­ terpiece in the Bay’s dynamic eco­ system, the owners of Falls Island devised a two-part conservation plan: the couple donated the bulk of the island, approximately 135 acres, to The Nature Conservancy, and then do­ nated a conservation easement on the five-acre parcel they retain. The easement carefully restricts future land use and siting of structures. After watching over the island for a quarter century the donors believe it is crucial for people to understand the forces which support the quality and richness of the Bay’s marine habitats. They hope that those who think about The first waves of nutrient-laden ocean system research conducted between Falls Island will cast their thoughts water rush between island and 1995 and 1997. Given the Bay’s beyond its scenic shoreline to the mainland in a boil of whirlpools and already convoluted shoreline - with dramatic forces which act upon it and rips, but more is forced back out to headlands and necks reaching out upon which it acts. The Conservancy form the pair of large counter-rotating from opposite shores like interlacing shares that hope. eddies which impact the hydro­ fingers - it would be challenging To truly know Cobscook Bay one dynamics and distribution of nutrients enough to determine how currents needs to understand the impact of Falls throughout the Bay. flow. The constriction at Falls Island Island. Massive tides entering Cob­ The impact of this dominant land adds a whole new layer of complexity. scook Bay confront this densely form was evident in the findings of “Our primary interests are in the forested island head-on twice a day. Conservancy-sponsored marine eco­ Continued on page two NiMH} STATE LIBRARY MAY 0 4 1998 calling for $10 mil­ margin of 112 to 29. It faced no lion in bonding for opposition in the Senate. the program, and a While this represents fewer dollars public hearing on than the proposed bond - and far less the measure brought than the $45 million price tag the testimony from all Governor’s Public Land Acquisition corners of the state. Priorities Committee placed on meet­ From Caribou to ing the need for more public land - it York and from is both a big vote of confidence in land Grand Lake Stream conservation and a significant step to Rangeley, supporters presented a forward. It means that the Land for Maine Legislators string of success stories. But demand Maine’s Future program, flat out of for scarce bond dollars forced legis­ funds at present, will be able to issue a Vote $3 Million for lators to make hard choices. request for proposals for the first time In the end, members of both parties since May 1995. Public Land reached the same conclusions: the With the goals identified by the program deserved funds now as well Priorities Committee for reference, the s the 118th Maine Legislature as an invitation to come back when Land for Maine’s Future Board can A addressed difficult budgetary these are spent. When the vote to expect a bumper crop of outstanding issues this spring, legislators took time appropriate the $3 million came before proposals. A requirement that the out to recognize the outstanding the House, it passed by the impressive LMFB funds be matched will mean that success of the Land for Maine’s Future program. A $3 million appropriation from the general fund garnered overwhelming bipartisan support.

Governor King had introduced a bill NICK BECKER: THE NATURE CONSERVANCY SPATIAL INFORMATION DATABASE\ MAINE CHAPTER

Falls Island is at the heart of the Falls Island complex hydro­ continued from page one dynamics which support Cobscook Bay’s rich marine marine ecosystem as well as its ecosystem. (For a terrestrial habitats,” says the first hand look, Conservancy’s Jim Dow. “This island, join us for our after all, was instrumental in the Annual Meeting on repopulation of bald eagles in the Saturday, Sep­ Northeast (see page three). Of course, tember 12.) conservation ownership will protect both the ecological and scenic qual­ ities. Many people enjoy views of Falls Island from the mainland or as they pass by boat.” Summer to fall, people stand on the mainland shore, at Pembroke’s Re­ care that shaped versing Falls Park, enthralled by the it,” says Dow. “To elemental beauty of the island and in assist with these awe of the raw power of water hurtling retreat, local fishermen power their new stewardship responsibilities, the over unseen ledges. Meanwhile, seals, boats through the fast-running Conservancy has asked the Quoddy unfazed by the turbulence, bob in the channel. Even with throttles in neutral, Regional Land Trust to share water, returning the curious gaze of the they can sweep by on 12 knot currents. monitoring duties. We welcome creatures along the shore. “We are grateful for this generous another opportunity to work with this Where fainter souls might well conservation gift and the thought and local partner.” 2 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 applicants will need to put their money protected at 40 sites in where their proposals are. That will all 16 Maine counties. serve to demonstrate serious private But it is the quality of support for these public projects. those projects that im­ This is all good news. While The presses people from so Nature Conservancy and Maine Coast many walks of life. Heritage Trust worked in partnership LMFB projects have to provide lawmakers the information protected wildlife hab­ they needed, this was essentially a itat, safeguarded threat­ grassroots success. Hundreds of in­ ened and endangered dividuals called and wrote their legis­ species, preserved lators to encourage their support for working farms, pro­ more public lands. Their efforts are moted economic dev­ directly responsible for this success. elopment, provided As we continue to seek more fund­ water access, created ing, this example underscores an new trails and im­ important lesson: Maine legislators proved linkages to old BRUCE KIDMAN listen carefully when citizens call. They ones, maintained open Hikers stop to enjoy public land purchased with LMFB responded and deserve our thanks for space, and secured funds in Aroostook County. a job well begun. public access to the When Maine voters passed the Land great landscapes of Maine. Through­ make sure all our leaders, public and for Maine’s Future bond in 1987, out, the Land for Maine’s Future Board private, know just how well this supporters had high hopes. But even has chosen well and chosen wisely to public/private partnership has we didn’t expect the remarkable success work exclusively with willing sellers. worked for Maine, and that we will the program has enjoyed. Statistically, As we celebrate the $3 million return soon to seek a truly landmark we can point to over 63,000 acres awarded by Maine legislators, let’s bond for Maine’s future.

this federally-protected species - Maine. The secret to this kind of Eagles at Falls Island triplets! success is the quality of the habitat.” “When I think of Cobscook Bay Falls Island not only provides isitors to Reversing Falls might eagles,” says Charlie Todd, long-time undisturbed nesting sites, but also V well glimpse eagles soaring above bald eagle biologist for the Maine foraging and wintering habitat. This Falls Island, as they have for decades - Department of Inland Fisheries and is essential for eagles “from away” even when there were few to be found Wildlife, “I think of Falls Island first. which frequently join the resident pair elsewhere. It’s the best of the best.” in winter. Of course, all are attracted Falls Island has played a central role In the late 1970s when the eagle by the open water and rich food in the recovery of bald eagles, thanks population in the state was at its supply. in large part to landowners who lowest, Cobscook Bay produced 30 to Currently about one-third of the respected their needs for undisturbed 40 percent of the state’s eaglets. It known bald eagle nesting territories habitat. During the worst of times for served as a distribution center for in Maine have at least partial con­ eagles, those nesting here helped eagles to the rest of Maine and to servation protection. As efforts reconstitute a population nearly nearby New Brunswick, reasserting the continue to ensure the long-term decimated through the unintended species’ range in all directions. Today security of the eagle population consequences of pesticides such as it remains one of 20 regions re­ through habitat conservation, the DDT. cognized nationally as eagle strong­ places that saw the birds through the For many years, the island has been holds. Over the last 20 years, 19 eaglets worst of times and have stood the test one of the most productive bald eagle have been produced on Falls Island. of time remain the most important to nesting territories in the state. In 1980 “If all nesting pairs did that,” says protect - places like Falls Island in the eagles even topped themselves Todd, “eagles would not be threatened Cobscook Bay. when they presented a rarity for the nationwide nor endangered here in

Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 - 3 Jam es Vickery: Collector And “An all- Interpreter Of embracing Maine History love of Maine as a place, Leaves His Mark including its On Natural History \ natural ometimes we don’t know who our environment.” Sreal friends are until it’s too late to thank them. Such, unfortunately, was of the following 34 years of his life Distinguished Service Award from the the case with the late James B. Vickery teaching high school English in central University of Maine. III, who had made one gift to the Maine. Although his written output was Conservancy during his lifetime in the While Mr. Vickery taught English, he modest, Mr. Vickery was noted as an amount of $35 - but who has left us a was primarily a historian. (According avid researcher and, particularly, as a bequest in excess of $300,000. to one friend, he declined an initial voracious collector of books, doc­ James Vickery’s generosity is par­ position as a history teacher because it uments and photographs about Maine ticularly remarkable in light of his would have required him to coach history. In 1978, Mr. Vickery donated modest lifestyle. After graduating from sports as well.) In 1973, he received some 3,000 books and other docu­ Bates College in 1940 and serving as a the Historical Preservation Award from ments to the University of Maine at staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Maine Historic Preservation Com­ Orono. World War II, Mr. Vickery spent most mission; in 1983, he received the Following his retirement in 1981,

these neighbors have taken steps to Landowners Choose protect their habitat. Conservation Spring beckons to life in even the most unlikely places. In southern Maine woodlands, beneath thick crusts of snow, small pockets of Tatnic water and ice have accumulated over the course of a winter’s vacil­ Turtle lation between freeze and thaw. With the arrival of spring, these < seasonal pools play a remarkable ° Territory role in the life cycles of many plants brupt and resonant, the trill of and animals. Warming weather calls Blanding:s turtles emerge from hibernation Agray treefrogs echoes through the forth a host of creatures, including beneath the mud of pond or slow-moving spring woods. Perched expectantly on rare reptiles and amphibians. These stream and head for vernal pools where tree and shrub branches, these dim­ emerge from hibernation and seek food and mate await. inutive creatures cannot know how out the “pocket wetlands.” U ntil with life in a melee of mating and much their human neighbors have summer’s heat turns these refuges to mayhem. looked forward to their chorus, or that dusty basins, the vernal pools will team Among the creatures which depend 4 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 THOMAS H. ARTER pigwe te ovreo salw water w shallow on converge they when spring salam anders but fo r a week or tw o in early in o tw or week a r fo but anders salam by the time of his death in 1997 “[he] 1997 in death ofhis the time by the of Weber Tom collect to continued Vickery Mr. University of Maine filled 73 boxes. 73 filled of Maine University filled the They toaster. the obscuring hiding stove, kitchen, the over all werebooks There walls. the up listed cartons of Stacks disappeared. much and pretty had apartment floors his of furniture walls, historical the that much material so amassed had friend, ato According of history.”rat areputation as“a earning himself pack documents historical memorabilia,and rihlg. ute, s sixth- a as on Further, books of ornithology. collection an had extensive and in birds, interest keen especially a nature, had Vickery Mr. Preservation Historic Maine the of according toexecutor (andhis Director However, car. a own even didn’t fact, in and, birdwatcher or outdoorsman wasan not active He a passion. private his known, well was history human this remaining collection willed tothe willed collection of remaining this portion A toilet.” the and tub the thethebathroom, too,overwalls lining neeti ntrl itr a largely was history natural in interest Commission), Earle Shettleworth, Jr., Earle Commission), M oist, dark burrow s are hom e to spotted to e hom are s burrow dark oist, M pte trls ec o wih breed which of each turtles, andspotted Blanding’s rare increasingly and frogs wood are pools these vernal on W hile Mr. Vickery’s, interest in in interest Vickery’s, Mr. hile W ois iesaoa ol t ate. m to pools seasonal like bodies agrDal ws, ew N aily D Bangor

Vickery “liked w ild places” and and places” ild w “liked Vickery love of Maine “anbored all-embracing sition of 5,000 acres of old-growth or old-growth acres 5,000 of of sition Mr. that representative, says personal Vickery’s Mr. Cohen, Stuart member) natural its including environment.” place, a as har­ Vickery Mr. Mainer, generation include outstanding examples of of examples history. Maine’snatural outstanding include “scattered will those pieces” of some Chapter, Maine Conservancy’s Nature the for away them squirrel to and find of piecesMaine’s pastcould ashe scattered many toquestrescuewasas especially, be thatthe would Conservancy Nature The convinced became Vickery Mr. ‘virgin’forest at 1985, BigReed in Pond lly itia acqui­ in Conservancy’s the by Perhaps inspired people.” Maine future.” Thanks to Mr. Vickery’s Vickery’s Mr. to generousexceptionally bequest to The Thanks future.” lastyears50 life, of James his Vickery’s most effectiveprotectorlong-term and, for places Maine protect to“wanted

oate ad ar Hrwt, 44 Horowitz, Larry and Rowantree wetlands. And among the most most the among And wetlands. igilance. the from Visitors 1950s. the in area communities. County York several seasonal important these areasfor these wetlandsare in exclusively have taken in their property. That That property. their in taken have of thelandowners areathe pride and character the by astonished are city rangethrough which Hills theTatnic critical wildlife area so far, although far, although areaso wildlife critical private stewardshiphas defended this it is difficult to predict thefuture. to predict difficult is it frog’s mating call depend on our our on depend call mating frog’s wood the of insistence ratchety the srpre yTmWbr “fortheWeber, Tom reported by As Bangor attorney (and Conservancy Conservancy (and attorney Bangor hns o h gnrst o Karen of generosity the to Thanks Electricity only came to the Tatnic theTatnic tocame only Electricity The thrill of the treefrog’sandtheof trill thrill The tward stew of important lands. important of Although Rowantree Although and Horowitz had critical with dotted forest of acres os te ope prahd the approached couple the lots, house into habitat transform toready individuals from offers cash several Conservancy. Nature preserved The by permanently be will wetlands pocket beforeyear’send. to property Hills Tatnic their offered h Cnevny t del dis­ struck was deal deeply a a and price at counted Conservancy the they December, Last Conservancy. who has seen the effects of increased effects of the seen Rowantree, has who Karen said Hills,” Tatnic place, and such a unique way of life.” way unique a such and place, unique a topreservesuch tryto could area. the on pressure development Lry n I atd o htvr we whatever do wanted I and “Larry e teCuclhsstismembership m its set has Council the r yea M aine’s business com m unity cares about cares unity m com business aine’s M repre­ e id w te sta g increasin at goal laecl igtChs t(0) 729- (207) at hase C ridget B call please mbtos ol s tanal because conservation. able attain is ouncil C goal bitious businesses. am 75 to tation sen t t hi pas year with w r a e y st a p is th rt sta mal uies i ou wo d ie to like 5181. ld ou w u yo if business, all sm hima Gere mpelfes this feels pbell am C eorge G an chairm efforts support to choosing businesses eev ifr to o me bership, em m on ation inform receive h evrn n ad eivs n land in believes and ent environm the This state. the in lands public increase to “Wefeelings special have for thesuch T ehry r t lre or large a f o rt a p are u yo hether W e at er i n tio a rv se n o C te ra o p r o C he Council o f M aine got off to a fast a to off got aine M f o Council Council of of Maine Council It’sYearSecond Growing Into Growing Conservation Corporate Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 - 5 - 1998 Spring Legacy, Maine 43

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An ongoing inventory of invertebrates at Waterboro Barrens Preserve has already identified at least 147 different 7 . Morse Mountain Geology species of spiders - and that’s Phippsburg, Saturday, June 20; only counting spiders which 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. dwell on or near the ground! Already we’ve found 26 species On the long hike over Morse never identified in Maine before, Mountain to the shore, you’ll and some we believe never see mature spruce and pine before described anywhere. If forest, pitch pine woodland, critters with eight legs fascinate granite ledges, tidal creeks and you, check outfield trip #10. salt marshes. Hydrogeologist Kathy Bither and geologist John Creasy will draw on their extensive studies of this area to teach us about the geologic processes that resulted in these various natural communities. Moderate.

g O I® O . Great Duck Island | Frenchboro, Saturday, July25; Note: Field trips 1-4 were 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. listed in the winter issue. Lying eight miles south of Mount Desert Island in the open . Ayers Brook by Canoe Atlantic, Great Duck Island is among the most important Passadumkeag, Saturday, May 30; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. seabird nesting sites in Maine. Common eiders, herring Break out the canoe and explore the sedge meadow habitat gulls, black guillemots and Maine’s largest colony of Leach’s of Ayers Brook Preserve, part of a National Natural storm petrels inhabit this enchanting island. If the idea of Landmark. Besides harboring beaver, muskrat and various an open boat trip, off-loading into a small dinghy and wading migratory birds, the Ayers Brook ecosystem is home to the knee-deep in the surf to reach the island sounds appealing, Tomah mayfly, one of the world’s rarest mayflies. Learn then this special adventure may be just what you’re looking about the tremendous diversity of life in this fascinating for. Join Captain and Preserve Steward Peter Blanchard spring flood habitat with entomologist K.E. “Cassie” Gibbs aboard the Ruddy Turnstone for an unforgettable journey to and biologist Mark McCollough of the Maine Department this unique island sanctuary. Limit: 9; Strenuous.. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Limit 6 canoes. Moderate. 9 . Islands of Blue Hill Bay Frenchboro, Saturday, August 15; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 6 . Big Reed Forest Reserve Explore Blue H ill Bay aboard the Ruddy Turnstone with Ashland, Sunday, May 31; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. naturalist and Conservancy steward Peter Blanchard. Protecting the largest contiguous old growth forest in the Identifying the variety of seabirds, spotting harbor seals, northeast, Big Reed Forest is also the Conservancy’s largest and learning the history and ecology of the islands of Blue holding in Maine. This remote and trackless forest is home Hill Bay will highlight this scenic late summer cruise. This to Maine’s tallest cedars as well as the tiny Calypso orchid, trip should be considered strenuous for those who will find while Big Reed Pond attracts a great variety of wildlife, off-loading from the Ruddy Turnstone into a dinghy and including moose and pine marten. Join forester Linda wading ashore difficult - we expect to enjoy lunch on Pond Alverson and Downeast Preserve Steward Doug Radziewicz Island. Limit: 9. on a strenuous hike exploring the ecology of the old growth forest. Due to uneven, trailless and mossy terrain, this trip may be postponed in the event of heavy rainfall. Strenuous. Limit: 12.

6 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 And Now For Something Completely Free... . Web Spinners at Waterboro Barrens Waterboro, Saturday, August 29; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free Guided Walks at Indian Point-Blagden Spider expert Dan Jennings will lead our group on a small- Preserve and Great Wass Island Preserve scale safari, hunting for various species of spiders among Our new Downeast Preserves Steward Doug Radziewicz the pitch pine and scrub oak of Waterboro Barrens. Bring will lead general explorations of the nature of two coastal your plant mister to moisten spider webs and make them preserves. Each walk will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. more visible for observation. Co-leader Nancy Sferra, Bring your lunch if you want to extend your visit Southern Maine Preserve Steward, will explain the barrens on your own. Please call Doug directly at ecology and the Conservancy’s conservation goals at the 288-2095 to reserve your place. preserve. Easy (unless you have an advanced case of Saturday, May 23 arachnophobia). Indian Point-Blagden Preserve, Bar Harbor On Saturday, May 23, Doug will be at the Indian Point- Field Trip Reservation Guidelines Blagden Preserve to guide you through the mature red spruce, northern white cedar and balsam fir forest. Watch Reservations: A must. PLEASE C A LL (207) 729-5181 during for wildlife in the woods and in the water at this very scenic business hours. Space is limited to 15 persons per trip unless preserve. Moderate. otherwise indicated and phone reservations are accepted strictly on a first come, first served basis. If space is available when you call, you will be asked to send in the fee. Fee: Non-refundable Saturday, June 27 $15 per person, adult or child. Trips will be held rain, shine or Great Wass Island, Beals snow - so please dress appropriately. Restroom facilities are Doug will lead a second walk along the trails of Great Wass not available. Bring a beverage, lunch or snacks depending on Island, the core of the Great Wass Archipelago. The island the time. boasts bold headlands, a jack pine forest and extensive peat bogs. The oceanic micro-climate gives rise to rare plants, and you may see waterfowl and seals offshore. Moderate.

Free canoe trip on Kezar Lake and the Old Course of the Saco River Saturday, Ju ly 18 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In cooperation with the Greater Lovell Land Trust, we are H happy to make I available a free guided canoe trip. Naturalist BRUCEKIDMAN David Brown will lead our Great Duck is an island of stories: abandoned farm fields, Armada of eight vigilant eagles, storm petrels burrowing into the earth, black canoes through guillemots with white epaulets darting out of the rock-piled the lower bay of Kezar Lake to the the old course of the shores - and a bog in the middle of the island where Saco River for a leisurely four-hour trip on a quiet section shipwrecked mariners ...ah but why spoil the story. Join Peter of the river. Space is limited, so call early: Kathy Sylvester Blanchard onfield trip #8 if you want to hear at 729-5181. these stories told right. Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 - 7 Giving and Giving Again

What Employees Volunteer In Time, J.M. Huber Matches In Cash Volunteers from Huber Resource Corporation gathered in February to brush out n snowshoes in February, they and mark the boundaries of Crystal Bog Preserve. Most of us might wait for O trekked and checked the bound­ balmier weather, but winter -with leafless trees assuring better visibility - is ary lines around six and a half square actually a good time for this work, especially on such a fragile, floating bog. mile Crystal Bog Preserve. Just last Shown here (left to right) are Dan Levia, Gerry Collins, Marie Ford and fon Ford. September, they had built and stained picnic tables and other facilities at The Nature Conservancy and to its great bunch of people up here who Seboeis River Gorge Preserve, donating employees. enjoy working hard and have a good the tables, the stain, fees for heavy In addition to other support the time together while we’re at it. As land equipment - and hours upon hours of corporation provides the Conservancy, managers ourselves, we appreciate the volunteer time. Huber donates $20 to match every Conservancy’s goal of protecting These are employees of Huber hour an employee (or family member unique natural areas and the methods Resources Corporation, a subsidiary of or retiree or shareholder) volunteers it uses to achieve it.” J.M. Huber Corporation. They are working to maintain Nature Conser­ That sentiment is echoed in other among hundreds of Huber volunteers vancy preserves. Last year, that meant states as well. “Volunteering gives in Maine, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Barry Burgason, the Huber wildlife employees an opportunity to give back New Jersey, Texas and Tennessee biologist who serves as Adopt-An-Acre to their communities,” said a Huber participating in the corporation’s coordinator in Maine, was able to staffer in Tennessee. “As individuals, Adopt-A-Preserve program. It is a long­ deliver a check for over $5,600 to the we are stewards of the earth and we term commitment Huber has made to Maine Chapter. But according to should contribute to the preservation Burgason, there is even more incentive of our environment for the sake of for Huber employees in Maine. future generations.” “We feel connected to a number of Conservancy preserves here because they are ecologically significant areas which were owned by Huber and donated to The Nature Conservancy in Maine,” he says (4,102-acre Crystal Bog Preseve, 714-acre Seboeis River Gorge Preserve and 265-acre Marble Fen were all gifts of the Huber Corpor- z ation). < Huber’s Barry Burgason, right, “The public can be skeptical about 3 stopped by the Conservancy offices in large corporations donating land, but | Brunswick to deliver an Adopt-An-Acre I think that by staying involved we Woodlands Manager Jon Ford and check to Science and Stewardship demonstrate our real concern for the Roads Supervisor Alan Roberts at work Director Tom Rumpf. protection of these areas. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that we have a at Seboeis River Gorge. 8 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 Nature Conservancy was the best idea Annual Meeting Progress for this wetland. They donated their shares to him and he in turn donated Cobscook Bay on the the lot to the Conservancy. Saturday, September 12 We are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Back River Raven, Mr. Jewell, Mr. Burkhardt and e’ve gathered this list of ichard Raven knows the marshes Mrs. Cary for this contribution to the W accommodations in the Cobscook of the Back River. He can draw the protection of critical wetland habitats Bay area for your convenience. Our goal R was to be comprehensive, so we are not most precise maps of his favorite places in the Back River. providing recommendations - other than to go “gunning”. For more than 40 Across the river in Georgetown, the to note that, beyond camping, space is years, he and three friends hunted State of Maine recently completed the limited in the area. Please plan early. waterfowl on the Back River and the purchase of a 5.6-acre inholding at the Lower Kennebec, eventually using a eastern edge of its 150-acre ownership Bed & Breakfasts: Bay Views, Lubec, 5 small camp on the Back River as a base at Swett Marsh. The Conservancy rooms, 733-2181 • Breakers by the Bay, of operation. assisted the Lubec, 7 rooms, 733-2487 • Farmhouse & When the four Maine Depart­ Antiques, Trescott, 1 room, 733-2496 • friends bought the ment of Inland Home Port Inn, Lubec, 7 rooms, 733-2077 • Inn at Eastport, Eastport, 4 rooms, 853- camp in 1959, Fisheries and 4307* Kilby House Inn, Eastport, 5 they acquired a W ildlife in se­ rooms, 853-0989 • Little River Lodge, one-acre marsh curing a pur­ Cutler, 10 rooms, 259-4437 • lot along the river chase agreement Lubeckergasthaus, Lubec, 4 rooms, 733- as part of the with owners 4385 • Milliken House, Eastport, 5 rooms, package. Douglas and 853-2955 • Peacock House, Lubec, 5 At the end of Marilyn Tardif rooms, 733-2403 • Lupine Lodge, March, this one- of Florida. The Campobello Island, 11 rooms, 506-752- acre marsh lot was inholding is one 2555 • Owen House, Campobello Island, 3 rooms, 506-752-2977 • Water’s Edge donated by Mr. of the few re­ Villas, Campobello Island, 9 rooms, 506- Raven to the Con­ maining undev­ 752-2359 • Riverside Inn, E.Machias, 4 servancy. It is one eloped “camp rooms, 255-4134 • Todd House, Eastport, of three such lots lots” abutting 6 rooms, 853-2328 • Motels: Bluebird (or inholdings) in the middle of a 28- this large expanse of highly productive Motel, Machias, 40 rooms, 255-3332 • acre tract of woodland and marsh that salt-marsh. With this addition, there Crossroads, Pembroke, 14 rooms, 726- is also owned by the Maine Chapter. is now a mosaic of protected public and 5053 • Eastland Motel, Lubec, 19 rooms, Prior to the gift, Mr Raven talked with private conservation land on both sides 733-5501 • Harris Point Cabins & Motel, his co-owners of the property (William of the Back River that encompasses Eastport, 18 rooms, 853-4303 • Machias Jewell, D.T. Burkhardt, Miriam Cary), more than 550 acres and 8 1/2 miles Motor Inn, Machias, 35 rooms, 255-4861 • Morgan’s Motel, Pembroke, 5 rooms, 726- and they agreed that a gift to The of Back River marsh and shorefront. 3981 • Motel East, Eastport, 14 rooms, 853-4747 • Roosevelt Park, Campobello A Cobscook Bay Taxi Island, 38 rooms, 506-752-2922 • Redclyffe Shore Motel, Robbinston, 16 ield trips will be offered during the day Saturday, September 12 on and all rooms, 454-3270 • Campgrounds: around Cobscook Bay as part of our Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting, Seaview Campground, Eastport, 97 sites Reception and Dinner will be held in the late afternoon and evening in Eastport.853-4471 • Cobscook Bay State Park, F Dennysville, 150 sites, 726-4412 • Sunset With accommodations fairly far- flung, we decided to make what could Point Trailer Park, Lubec, 25 sites, 733- be a logistical problem into a pleasant 2150 • Knowlton’s Seashore Camp, Perry, 80 sites, 726-4756 • Motel/ Cabins/ opportunity: we will have a water taxi Cottages/Camping: Robinson Camp­ service between Lubec on one side of grounds, Dennysville, 726-4458 • Shady the bay and Eastport on the other. Pines Motel/Cabins, Eastport,6 units, 853- There will be one trip from Lubec to 2909 • Coffin’s Neck Cottages, Lubec, 2 Eastport in the late afternoon and one units, 733-7523 • Southmeadow returning from Eastport to Lubec after Cottages, Boyden’s Lake, 6 units, 853-2322 the dinner that evening. No meter. No • Sherrard Farmhouse, Charlotte, 454- tipping. More details next isssue. 2829 • Tide M ill Farms, Edmunds, 733- 2110 .

Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 - 9 Volunteers Thanking

eady to jo in the team? We’re looking for a ur sincere thanks to Edward Fossett, Hugh c 3 Rsteward for our properties in the Greater Mount O Williams and Fossett Logging for relocating our •-i Agamenticus region of York County. Downeast, we Rachel Carson dedication plaque (and the boulder to •n are looking for preserve stewards and easement which it is attached) at the Rachel Carson Salt Pond monitors for a number of islands in the Great Wass Preserve in Bristol; Charles Collins for providing CD* Archipelago off Jonesport. These include preserves boulders and heavy equipment to close off a woods road 3 on Black, Man, Little Harwood and Knight Islands, at the Ledgewood Preserve in Georgetown; Dominic D- and easements on Cows Yard, Head Harbor, Steele Victor for donating a pry bar and for sorting insect in Harbor and Seguin Islands. Please call Tom Rumpf at samples from the Waterboro Barrens Preserve in 729-5181 if you can help. Waterboro; University of New England intern Colleen Golden for her work on a variety of southern Maine stewardship projects; Karen Herald for a computer system; John B. Anderson for a bush cutter and Wish We are looking for the following items in accessory blades; Steve Warren of Rhetoric good condition. Can you help? please call Technologies for outstanding service and technical Theresa McKittrick at 729-5181. expertise; Candy and Don McKellar for hosting a potluck dinner at her house following the Huber Corp. wheelbarrow/garden car; . bookshelves; workday at Crystal Bog (see page 8). gas-powered weed trimmer; . open equipment heavy duty jumper cables; trailor (6’ to 8’ long); first aid kits; • hacksaw; chain saw; . coping saw; hip chain; . carousel slide conference table/chairs; projector and trays.

irt under your fingernails, sun on your back and fresh air in your lungs: consider it a total body make­ Dover complements of The Nature Conservancy. Great Wass Island Preserve, Beals Saturday, May 9, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Atlantic Ocean has been working all winter to litter the shores of Great Wass Island with debris, an assortment of plastic containers, soda cans, sneakers and - well - one can’t really predict. One year, the ocean contributed a whole whale. Since the weather along the Downeast coast, and Waterboro Barrens Preserve particularly at this far eastern headland, is predictably lot, removing debris and building a fence. On the preserve unpredictable as well, please bring a variety of clothing itself, we’ll tackle clearing trails and putting up signs in options - rain gear to sunscreen. Thick work gloves are order to prepare the preserve for its reopening this coming recommended, lunch and plenty of water a necessity. We’ll summer. For information and sign-up, please contact Kyle supply trash bags. For information and sign-up, please Stockwell at 729-5181 or e-mail at [email protected]. contact Doug Radziewicz at 288-2095 or e-mail at dradziew@pctech. net. Waterboro Barrens Preserve, Waterboro Saturday, May 30, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. n La Verna Preserve, Bristol Spend a day in this unusual pitch pine/scrub oak barrens ^ Saturday, May 16, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. in York County. We’ll be maintaining the boundary lines, Saturday, June 13, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. which expanded by nearly 250 acres last summer, as well Over the course of these late spring work days, we will be as the network of eminently walkable trails that wind dismantling part of an old building at the site of our new through this preserve. For information and sign-up, please parking area. Basic carpentry skills (and a wrecking ball contact Nancy Sferra at 490-4012 or e-mail at mentality) required. We will also work on our new parking [email protected] 10 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1998 Thanks! n the last newsletter we said it is never too late to become a part of the Jsuccess of The Nature Conservancy’s Annual Appeal in Maine. Thanks to all those who contributed, whether early or late, we did meet our ambitious $500,000 goal! Each of the over 1,300 members who contributed to the appeal was a critical piece of the puzzle. We thought you might be interested in how members helped us reach our goal. For example:

❖ 32 thoughtful people took advantage of the rampaging stock market and made gifts of appreciated stock, together contributing over $25,000 more in stocks than the previous year.

❖ At last count, more than 80 members had made gifts of $1,000 or more. Their support represents a $75,000 increase over 1996’s appeal.

❖ A larger number of gifts than ever came in through family-directed charitable funds or foundations.

♦> One very generous and ingenious member offered a gift of $ 10,000 — if we found a match for it. We did! Response to our search for that match was swift and unstinting. In fact, when all was said and done, the member’s original gift had resulted in contributions of $33,000. Talk about leverage!

Of course, the bottom line remains not the money brought in, but the protected land that it represents at places from Ayers Brook in Passadumkeag to Mount Agamenticus in York. We are truly fortunate to have such committed and generous donors. Thank you very much.

Memorials Mr. & Mrs. C. Wade Shaddock Ann Stark Rubin O ’Donnell Iselin Foundation, Ann Stark Rubin Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Ward Jennifer E. Long Rosamond Thaxter Foundation Mark and Mary Anderson Bernier Waldon Pride Herbert and Goldie Miller Steven C. Leuthold Peter W. Cox Gordon & Laurel Buchmiller Ruth Knolton Day Family Foundation Gerry Curtis Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Caster Richard B. Day Surdna Foundation Nadine, Shannon, David Beal Marianna Cherry Fore River Foundation

Maine Legacy, Spring 1998- 11 Role Model Barbara came into daily contact with Conservancy members, acknow­ arbara Clark didn’t set out to be a ledging gifts by phone or in writing Maine Legacy Brole model. It was simply a case of with just the right blend of warmth Published quarterly by the Maine Chapter the spirit of the individual and the and professionalism. of The Nature Conservancy, 14 Maine Street, spirit of the organization being in such “I always try to add a personal note,” Fort Andross, Suite 401, Brunswick, Maine 04011 (207) 729-5181. Subscriptions to this newsletter are close harmony. Barbara once said. “I want to make available to members. Membership categories Following her re­ sure members and include: Maine Heritage Society, $1000 and up; tirement this past donors or others Conservator, $100-$999; Basic Dues, $25; Life, $1,000 endowment gift. Over 11,000 households support the year - after more than who contact us Conservancy’s work in Maine. 17 years of service to know how carefully TRUSTEES the Conservancy in we listen and how Lyndel J. Wishcamper, Freeport, Chairperson Maine - this is clear: much we appreciate Ala Reid, York-Harbor, Vice Chairperson key values against their support.” George N. Campbell, Jr., Portland, Vice Chairperson Roger Milliken, Jr., Cumberland Center, Vice Chairperson which we measure We want Barbara Madge Baker, Springvale, Secretary ourselves as an or­ to know that too - Weston L. Bonney, Portland , Treasurer ganization - commit­ and we look forward Joyce Coleman, Addisaon ment to people, con­ to getting her notes David L. Courtemanch, Mi Vernon Jean M. Deighan, Bangor tinuity of purpose, from time to time. Charles D. Duncan, Machias integrity beyond re­ Lest one fear the Leon A. Gorman, Yarmouth proach - are just Conservancy in Horace A. Hildreth, Falmouth Foreside those she has exem­ Maine is at risk of Sherry Huber, Falmouth Ed Kfoury, Oquossic plified so well. seeing our years-of- John Lincoln, South Freeport Each of us has the staff-service average Charles J. Micoleau, Portland opportunity to make plummet, note that Ray Owen, Orono a special impact. Over time, if we show Planned Giving Officer (and former Kathryn J. Rand, Hallowell Robert Steneck, North Whitefield the kind of dedication to our daily Executive Director) Mason Morfit is in RichardJ. Warren, Bangor duties Barbara demonstrated, our his 21st year; Executive Director Kent Lissa Widoff, Freedom service becomes an enduring con­ Wommack has been on board for 16 Charter Honorary Trustee: tribution. That’s something one can years; Stewardship Assistant Jeanne Edward T. Richardson, Jr., South Portland learn from Barbara. But, since she is Desjardins and Director of Con­ STAFF never one to call attention to herself Kent W. Wommack Vice President and Executive Director servation Planning Barbara Vickery are Cliff Alton Membership Coordinator/Systems (puckish humor aside), her deeds have just behind with 15 years of service Nick Becker Project Information Coordinator had to speak on her behalf. each; and Jim Dow, Director of the William Brune Assistant Director of Land Protection She began as a volunteer in 1971, Cobscook Bay Project, has already Amy Buehner Major Gifts Assistant came on staff soon after and became Susan Caldwell Protection Assistant logged in 10 years. M. Bridget Chase Director of Development indispensable as our Membership It seems this Continuity of Purpose Jeanne Desjardins Stewardship Assistant Coordinator. In this long-playing role, concept is catching on. Molly Dougherty Development Research Assistant Jim Dow Cobscook Bay Project Director Susan Downs Operations Assistant Kristin Foord Protection Assistant Maine Chapter Roberta Jordan Director of Land Protection The Nature Conservancy Nonprofit Org. Bruce Kidman Director of Communications/Gov’t Relations Fort Andross U.S. Postage Theresa McKittrick Administrative Assistant 14 Maine Street, Suite 401 PAID Janet McMahon Conservation Planner Brunswick, Maine 04011-2026 The Nature Conservancy J. Mason Morfit Vice President/Director of Planned Giving Maine Chapter Doug Radziewicz Indian Point-Blagden Caretaker Jane Richmond Director of Administration and Finance **ft**************3-DIGIT 043 Tom Rumpf Director of Science and Stewardship Member If 0219294 Jeff Severson Conservation Planner Maine State Library Nancy Sferra Southern Maine Preserves Manager State House Sta If64 Kyle Stockwell Land Steward Auousta ME 04333-0001 Kathy Sylvester Development/Communications Assistant Barbara Vickery Director of Conservation Planning Meredeth Winter Annual Giving Officer Im.l.il.illi.'lli. ill. i.lil © Printed on recycled paper