To call this iconic bird “common” seems an insult but it distinguishes one of our favorite birds from other loons in the Gavia genus, such as the red throated, Pacific and Great Northern loons. But any Maine tourist worth her salt can spot these stunning black and white, red eyed birds at a distance. I… Read more
The bass gave an audible gulp as it broke the water in front of the boat. I assumed Lew had hooked another smallmouth, since he had out-fished me handily most of the morning. When I turned to see if Lew was into another good fish, I noticed that his line was nowhere near the circles… Read more
Schiller Coastal Studies Center (SCSC) is folded into the wooded shoreline on the west side of Orr’s Island. The property – formerly a farm, now a center for interdisciplinary research and education – is comprised of field, forest and marine habitats. Locals may be most familiar with the network of trails that loop the length… Read more
HHLT will soon be applying to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission for renewal of our accredited status. HHLT was first accredited in 2016 renewed in 2021, and is now up for another renewal after five years. As an accredited land trust, we are held to rigorous national quality standards around sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible… Read more
“Yeeeah!” John again, from his seat in the front of the drift boat. I turned just as a good fish somersaulted out of the river, John fighting to retrieve line so the fish could not throw the tiny fly on the next leap. “Woohoo” shouted John as the landlocked salmon cartwheeled, splashing water as it… Read more
Don’t forget your blaze orange! Recreational hunting is a respected tradition in Maine. Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) is dedicated to providing public access to its preserves for many uses, including hunting, when appropriate. If you like to get outdoors during hunting season, we urge you (and your dogs) to wear blaze orange. In 2025, firearms… Read more
On April 24th this year, NBC’s Today show featured a report from Rockport, Massachusetts. The story related a rash of damaged vehicles with over 20 owners reporting smashed side mirrors, and possibly one windshield. It takes a lot of power to break modern auto glass with its vinyl reinforcing. Was this a terrorist incident or… Read more
Beavering On! At a snail’s pace, I belly crawled down the bank toward the beaver pond. Pushing the fresh aspen branch in front of me, I screened my approach as much as possible. The big male eyed me from the water, clearly uncertain how to respond to this unusual visit. Nearly breathless with anticipation, I… Read more
On a late May evening, the Land Trust hosted the fourth and final event of its Climate Resilience Series, supported in part by Casco Bay Estuary Partnership. The timing of this event was celestial — that is, the focus was on the monthly high tide which would be coming in the following days. There was… Read more
It was cold in the dark October woods, thank goodness for my down jacket. As dawn crept slowly over the horizon behind me a faint glow began to light the trees. My eyes picked up movement just in front of me but not a whisper of sound. Frozen in my seat I sensed a patch… Read more