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Nature Notes: Common Loon

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

Nature Notes: Dragon!

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

Renewing Our Commitment to National Accreditation

Renewing Our Commitment to National Accreditation

Harpswell Heritage Land Trust
September 10, 2025

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

Nature Notes: Landlocked Salmon

“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

Hunting and Trapping in Harpswell

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

Nature Notes: Downy Woodpecker

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

Nature Notes: Beavers

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

Report on High Tide Family Fun

Report on High Tide Family Fun

Tim McCreight
June 20, 2025

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

Nature Notes: Bobcat Kitten

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