October 22, 2001 was a big day in the life of Harpswell. On that date, the Federal government transferred ownership of the Navy’s “Defense Fuel Support Point” to our town. With the stroke of a pen, Harpswell was the new owner of nearly 120 acres of ocean front land with 2,630 feet of prime shoreline… Read more
Sometimes a little creativity can go a long way; in this case 1.2 miles. That is the length of the outer loop of the Devil’s Back Trail on Orr’s Island. It is likely you have driven by the trailhead many times without stopping to check out this trail. With better weather here, now is the… Read more
If you long to feel the wind in your hair, and to fill your lungs with bracing sea air without leaving dry land, I have just the place for you: Harpswell Heritage Land Trust’s Pott’s Point Preserve. To my mind’s eye, this “pocket preserve” has just about everything you could want if you love Harpswell… Read more
Harpswell has many trails worth your time and energy, but if you only walk one trail in town I recommend the Giant’s Stairs walk on the southeast tip of Bailey Island. We have walked here in all kinds of weather, in all 4 seasons, and it never disappoints. Seeing the spectacular rock formations and stunning… Read more
Just when you thought Harpswell was due for another green Christmas, December 16 brought a storm system to the region. Two inches of snow gave me an excuse to visit one of my favorite places in town, the Skolfield Shores Preserve. This 19 acre parcel, located next to Merruncoonegan Farm on Route 123, has been… Read more
On a fine August afternoon, we meandered along a woodland trail on Harpswell Neck. Bruce McDougall was in his element – he’s a retired surgeon who attends week long courses on ferns and mosses. I enjoy Nature’s variety of mosses and ferns along the Maine coastline as much as the next fellow, but an entire… Read more
On beautiful Orr’s Island you will find a small oasis that merits a visit. On the west side of Route 24, between the Orr’s Island Library and the Post Office, you’ll see a sign for Houghton Graves Park. It is likely that you have driven by the small marsh many times without stopping to see… Read more