Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) has a new conservation property, Autumn View Preserve, which is primed to transform access to nature and recreational trails in the heart of Boothbay Harbor. Working closely with friends of the Land Trust, BRLT acquired the approximately 68-acre property and has developed trails and parking for a new public nature preserve. The property abuts Lobster Cove Meadow and Appalachee preserves, and sits across Route 96 from Pine Tree Preserve, which together comprise the most significant, interconnected conservation tract in Boothbay Harbor.

Autumn View Preserve will act as a linchpin to these conservation lands, extending and improving trail access to the larger conservation network, while simultaneously safeguarding critical wildlife habitats. Autumn View draws its name from the dairy farm that historically operated on the site into the late twentieth century. The name is fitting given the beauty of the fields and meadow, especially as the grasses become golden and the leaves turn late in the season. Evidence of the land’s agricultural use dates back to at least the 1830s when the beautiful old hay barn, which was fully restored prior to the land trust’s acquisition of the structure and still stands on site, was constructed. The barn may have been built by former owners, the Leishmans, master builders known for architectural landmarks throughout the region including the Auld-McCobb House. The barn is a spectacular example of a married-frame timber structure, and its presence adds to the unique pastoral charm of the preserve. Stone walls meander throughout the property, which includes a historic walking path that is part of a network of paths that were used for generations to connect communities in East Boothbay to Boothbay Harbor.

The conservation of Autumn View ensures that the natural spaces surrounding Meadow Brook remain unfragmented and accessible to wildlife. Autumn View, Appalachee and Lobster Cove Meadow provide a significant interconnected landscape containing streams, ponds, forests and fields. These lands support large and small mammals, as well as birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Along with Pine Tree Preserve, which lies directly across Route 96, the network of conserved land extends approximately 270 acres and supports a diversity of species.

Some of the most productive habitat in this network rests on the 25 acres of wetland along Meadow Brook that is part of Autumn View. With twelve distinct wetlands, three of which contain streams, Autumn View protects sensitive ecosystems that wildlife relies upon. In the spring, vernal pools on the property teem with salamander eggs. These wetlands have been designated a significant waterfowl and wading bird habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Migratory and nesting bird species frequent these wetlands where more than 140 varieties have been identified. Conservation biologist Jeff Wells, one of the nation’s leading bird experts and the VP of Boreal Conservation at National Audubon explains, “The protection of the new land adjoining the Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve is critical to ensuring that this special place continues to be an important bird migration stopover hotspot that supports a diversity and abundance of migrant birds, each spring and fall.”

Alongside the productive habitats Autumn View supports, it also offers incredible access for the public. While Lobster Cove Meadow and Appalachee preserves contain beautiful trails, they have been underutilized by the general public because of limited car access. Appalachee Preserve has no public parking, while Lobster Cove Meadow has only very limited public parking. In spite of being two of the most centrally located conservation properties, these limitations have restricted visitors from enjoying the preserves. The addition of Autumn View creates much needed space to significantly improve parking and access to the entire network of preserves. Autumn View also includes a small cottage on site that is being used for staff housing, enabling the land trust to provide better oversight at what is expected to be a popular system of trails. The aforementioned restored historic barn will be utilized for both programming and equipment storage. The trail system provides a 1.25-mile loop trail that connects into Appalachee Preserve’s trail network, as well as to the historic path connecting to the Lobster Cove Meadow system. As a network the three preserves, called the Meadow Brook Conservation Area, provide several miles of recreational trails for people to enjoy within easy reach of both Boothbay Harbor and East Boothbay.

BRLT Executive Director Nick Ullo remarks, “This new preserve is a keystone for conservation and natural recreation in Boothbay Harbor. Visitors will enjoy experiencing the natural serenity of this property and learn a bit more about the farming history, too.”

This preserve is now open to the public. Parking and trailhead can be accessed from Autumn View Lane (formerly the Giles Road) off of Route 96. BRLT will be hosting an open house with programs to introduce the public to this beautiful new nature preserve on July 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Between 10 and 11, the public is invited to join a guided nature hike along the new loop trail at Autumn View. From 11:30 to noon, a guest speaker, Dr. Aimee Keithan of Greater Portland Landmarks (and former director of Boothbay Region Historical Society), will present on the history of the land at Autumn View preserve, including the historic barn. The barn will be accessible during the open house for visitors to view and staff will be on site to answer questions.

Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) is a nonprofit land conservation organization with the mission to conserve for the public benefit the nature habitat, scenic beauty and working land of the Boothbay Region. BRLT relies on donations to support its conservation, public access, and education work. To learn more please visit BBRLT.org