
Protecting the Royal River for current and future generations

who we are
Royal River Conservation Trust (RRCT) is a Southern Maine land trust focused on conserving land across the communities of the watershed.
Founded in 1988, the Trust protects and stewards land through acquisition, conservation easements and other legal agreements, and collaboration with a wide range of conservation partners. RRCT's work is made possible almost exclusively by charitable gifts.
Learn moreMAKE A GIFTMake a gift
Make a gift to protect our watershed
Your gift to Royal River Conservation Trust protects and stewards fields, forests, farmland, wetlands, and trails throughout the Royal River watershed.
Learn moreEXPLORE
Explore our watershed
All Royal River Conservation Trust preserves possess their own unique characteristics and are open to the public free of charge year-round.
Learn moreVOLUNTEER
Volunteer to protect our watershed
Volunteers established Royal River Conservation Trust in 1988 and continue to be vital to our operations. We are always looking for talented people to help advance our mission.
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Photo Credit Kristel Hayes
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Volunteers established RRCT in 1988 and continue to be vital to its operations. From trail stewards and committee members, to special event supporters and Board Directors, the Trust welcomes community involvement and wants to hear from you.

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Upcoming Events

Join Royal River Conservation Trust as we celebrate the official opening of our new River Elf Trail on Saturday, August 23rd at 10 am! The rain date is Sunday, August 24th at 10 am.
In June 2024, RRCT and Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) partnered with Elizabeth & John Randall to protect their 150-acre Willow Farm on Cobbs Bridge Road in New Gloucester with a conservation easement. This easement ensures that the farm will remain in agricultural use while also providing for the development of a public trail to the Royal River.
Over the past several months RRCT’s volunteer Trail Crew has dedicated substantial time and effort creating the beautiful 2-mile River Elf Trail winding through mature forest and meadows to a scenic stretch along the banks of the Royal River before looping back to the trailhead and parking area. The name River Elf was chosen for this magical property in honor of the ‘river elves' of Wabanaki lore – infamous tricksters that like to cause mischief upon unsuspecting people.
As with all our projects, this trail was made possible through the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteers and the generous donors who helped fund this conservation project.
The ceremony will begin at 10 am with remarks from the landowner and RRCT, followed by an official ribbon cutting to mark the trail’s opening. Afterward, guests are invited to join a guided 2-mile hike along the new trail, where we’ll explore its woodlands, fields, wildlife, and beautiful views of the Royal River. Visitors should expect a moderate hike over uneven and sometimes steep terrain.
Parking: There is a small 4-car parking lot at 400 Cobbs Bridge Rd, New Gloucester. Once full, park on the road shoulder of Cobbs Bridge Rd, on the same side of the road as the parking lot.
This event is free and open to the public. Bring your friends and neighbors as we enjoy this wonderful place together!
Registration is requested so we can plan accordingly!

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Skyline Farm, North Yarmouth
Curriculum: Join us in the expansive fields of this beautiful preserve that is home to milkweed and other native wildflowers that will be in full bloom at summer’s end.
Naturalist: Karen Bruder Howe
These Get Out! Nature Walks are volunteer-led regular trips with trained master naturalists. Join us for a well-planned, no-cost, guided adventure. Monthly on the fourth Wednesday; always free; rain, snow, or shine. Jointly offered by both RRCT and the Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust, the walks take place at preserves in the towns of Chebeague Island, Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Pownal, New Gloucester, and Durham. Our curriculum is targeted at adults and engaged youth. Because the purpose is nature observation, we ask that dogs do not join us. Email CCLT with any questions.
*Photography and Filming Note: Your attendance at RRCT events may be photographed or filmed and your attendance indicates consent to have any images or footage featuring you at the event to be used for RRCT-related materials and outreach. Should images or footage appear in marketing materials that you don’t wish to be featured in, you must notify RRCT at Info@RRCT.org and RRCT will cease to further use your image or footage for any new materials going forward.

Save the date for Royal River Conservation Trust's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 16th!
Location and more details coming soon.