Center Point Preserve
It is hard to overstate our excitement about the conservation of Center Point Preserve!
Designated as an Exemplary Natural Community by the Maine Natural Areas Program, Center Point Preserve protects tidal waterfowl and wading bird habitat, hosts eight species of rare, threatened and endangered plants, and offers unparalleled non-motorized recreational access to Merrymeeting Bay.
Ownership of Center Point Preserve was transferred to KELT from Maine Coast Heritage Trust in March of 2023. The conservation of this parcel adds to an extensive network of adjacent conserved lands, including:
133 acres directly adjacent to Center Point recently acquired by Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to be added to the Wildes Road Wildlife Management Area;
And nearby Marshfield Farm, upon which KELT holds a conservation easement.
access by land
Parking is located on the right of Center Point Road, preceding a closed gate. A one-mile hike along the remainder of Center Point Road (unpaved) passes through forest dominated by Eastern Hemlock, Red maple, White pine, Northern red oak, White oak, and the occasional White Cedar.
At the end of the road you will find a short trail that descends to the shoreline and circumnavigates the point. Access to the water can be found at the very end of the point via a short but steep trail; please be careful on the rocks as they can be quite slippery when wet! There is a small cove next to the rocky point where you can enjoy the expansive view of Merrymeeting Bay.
Birding opportunities at the preserve abound: black-capped chickadee, brown creeper, and downy woodpecker are at home in the forest, and you may see bald eagles and migratory shorebirds from the trail that circumnavigates the point.
Access by Water
Due to its expansive location along the shoreline of Merrymeeting Bay and proximity to water-based campsites on Brick Island, Center Point Preserve is a beautiful spot to explore by water. The nearest public boat launch is the Cathance River Boat Launch in Bowdoinham, approximately 2.5 miles upriver from the Point.
The shallow rocky cove at the tip of the point allows for landing by small watercraft to explore the Preserve by foot. Please take caution as the rocks can be quite slippery, especially when wet.
Center Point is open to the public dawn to dusk. Help us protect the scenic and ecological value of this preserve; biking is only allowed along Center Point Road, no camping or fires are permitted, dogs must be kept on leash, and no waste may be left on the preserve. Hunting allowed by permission. Please respect boundary signs and be respectful to our neighbors.
