Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) is pleased to announce its latest acquisition – The Salt Hay Preserve.

Consisting of two tracts running along the west side of Harpswell Islands Road (Route 24) on Great Island near the Safe Harbor marina complex, Salt Hay includes slightly more than 27 acres of mixed forest and wetlands. The preserve is named for a species of salt marsh grass, commonly referred to as salt hay, that grows in the marsh.

“We are grateful for the generosity of the donor and their commitment to conservation,” said Emma Balazs, HHLT’s Lands and Stewardship director. “The new preserve is part of the largest unfragmented habitat block in Harpswell and is located within the Long Reach Focus Area of the town’s Open Space Plan.”

Balazs said the Salt Hay Preserve will extend the protected shoreline along Long Marsh, a large and vital tidal marsh that provides habitat for a variety of birds along with various mammals and marine life. The marsh also offers flood storage, storm surge buffers, erosion control, and opportunities for water quality improvements.

“We are excited about the preserve’s conservation values, varied habitats, and topography,” Balazs added. She said future steps include managing invasive plants and planning for parking and a possible trail.

HHLT acquired the Salt Hay property in February and Balazs said the donor wanted the property to be protected in perpetuity for the benefit of wildlife, water (marine and ground) and to provide space for biodiversity and to have it open to the public for common good.

Historic use of the adjoining Long Marsh area included modifying the marsh for agricultural purposes, predominantly for the farming of salt hay. An old farm road runs from Harpswell Islands Road to the western edge of the northern tract at the tidal marsh. The remnants of a stone ford indicate where the road ran across the marsh, where it then leads to an old foundation on HHLT’s Long Reach Conservation Easement located nearby.

Balazs said the Salt Hay Preserve will help extend the wildlife habitat corridor in the area, protect the undeveloped woodland adjoining the Long Marsh and, in the future, provide public access for low-impact outdoor recreation.

“The Salt Hay Preserve is a great addition to HHLT’s portfolio,” Balazs said, “and we look forward to introducing it to our members and the rest of the town of Harpswell.”