Anna M. Tondreau Preserve encompasses 57 acres on Great Island, including forest carpeted with moss and lichen, fascinating rock ledges and walls, and undeveloped shoreline. It runs along the saltmarsh and mudflats of Orr’s Cove and Mill Cove in Quahog Bay, but it also hosts multiple small streams and a wetland. This preserve features habitat for both migrating warblers in its forests and shorebirds in its coves. Visitors can enjoy scenic views along its 1.4-mile trail system.

When following the trail from the parking area, the left-hand section of the Loop Trail is steeper and climbs up a ridge before sloping back down toward the intersection with the out-and-back Cove Trail. The Cove Trail is relatively flat and meanders for a short while before reaching a scenic view of Mill Cove. The right-hand side of the Loop Trail has some elevation change, but is less steep and uneven than the section mentioned above. We consider this trail to be one of the more challenging trails in Harpswell due to its elevation gain and uneven ground.

The preserve is named for Anna Mizii Tondreau, a Philadelphia native who bought the property in 1996 as a way to ensure the continued tranquility of the natural surroundings. She was married to Brunswick born-and-raised Roderick L. Tondreau and was the daughter-in-law of Adjutor Tondreau, Brunswick business owner. Anna’s five children were committed to seeing this land preserved in their mother’s memory.

Directions

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Anna M. Tondreau Preserve is located at 311 Harpswell Islands Road, Harpswell. From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 5.1 mi. The Preserve parking lot is on the left, directly across from the entrance to Harpswell Community School.