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Protecting the Royal River for current and future generations
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
Get Out! Nature Walk: Ferns
Join us at Knight's Pond Preserve to learn the fascinating world of ferns! We'll cover some basics of learning to identify several different ferns, some of their (very ancient) history, and their unique reproductive cycle, all while enjoying the beauty of Knight's Pond Preserve. The walk will largely be on level ground, some a bit rooty, and will not exceed a mile in length. We'll meet just off the parking lot. Come prepared for sun and possibly insects.
Mussel Bed Mapping
Join RRCT for a mussel bed mapping bioblitz at Littlejohn Island Preserve to collect data for GMRI's Mussel Bed Mapping Community Science Project! Help us observe where mussels are (and importantly, where they aren't) during an extreme low tide on Tuesday, September 1st from 7:45 am to 8:45 am. While in the field collecting observations, you'll also be learning about blue mussel beds, local ecosystems, and ongoing research.
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2026 Annual Meeting
Join Royal River Conservation Trust for our 2026 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, from 6:00–8:00 pm at Cunningham Farm, 1007 Intervale Rd, New Gloucester.
Celebrate another year of conservation with fellow supporters, volunteers, board members, and staff as we reflect on our accomplishments and look ahead to the future of the Royal River watershed. Everyone is welcome to attend! Current RRCT members will also have the opportunity to vote on the election of new Board members and officers.
This year's speaker is Andy Fisk, Northeast Regional Director at American Rivers, who will share insights into dam removal efforts and what restoring free-flowing rivers means for communities, wildlife, and the health of the Royal River watershed.
Winners of our Celebrate the Royal Photo Contest AND Royal River Watershed T-Shirt Contest will be announced at the meeting.